Father’s Day Special: Celebrating Progressive Fatherhood in Bollywood Films

On Father’s Day, let us honour and celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives and how important it is to recognise the changing portrayal of fatherhood in Bollywood films. Bollywood has captivated our hearts for decades with its engrossing stories, enduring characters, and beautiful music. However, there has been a significant shift in the portrayal of fathers on the big screen in recent years.

Bollywood has a history of portraying fathers as dominant characters who are constrained by social norms and assigned to traditional gender roles. They were viewed as enforcing rules, providing for their families, and protecting moral principles, leaving little tolerance for emotional vulnerability or unusual behaviour. However, the rising tide of progressive father figures has spawned a new breed of on-screen dads that defy preconceptions and reinvent what it means to be a father in current Indian society.

As they embrace sensitivity, empathy, and open-mindedness, these characters demonstrate characteristics that go against conventional ideas of what it means to be a man. They actively participate in their children’s lives, placing an emphasis on nurturing and emotional connection rather than just their financial obligations. These fathers act as role models who promote equality, respect, and progressive ideals by encouraging their kids to follow their aspirations, helping them in their endeavours, and supporting them.

As we Celebrate Father’s Day today, let us look at the top 10 progressive fathers in Bollywood movies.

Hidayat Khan – Raazi

Rajit Kapoor plays Hidayat Khan, Sehmat’s father in the movie Raazi. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film follows Sehmat, a young Indian woman turned spy during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. Hidayat defies stereotypes, empowering his daughter to challenge gender norms by becoming a spy. He breaks the overprotective father archetype, supporting Sehmat emotionally and exhibiting vulnerability. As her mentor, Hidayat fosters a strong bond of trust, redefining masculinity.

Narottam Mishra – Bareilly Ki Barfi

Pankaj Tripathi portrays Narottam Mishra in the film Bareilly Ki Barfi, portraying an unconventional and loving father who breaks stereotypes. Narottam Mishra’s character emphasises the significance of open-mindedness as he embraces Bitti’s unique qualities and unconventional decisions. He fosters her self-confidence and individuality, showcasing the essential role fathers can play in empowering their daughters to pursue their aspirations and challenge societal norms. Narottam Mishra’s portrayal challenges traditional father figures, underscoring the transformative influence of acceptance and love in a father-daughter relationship.

Santosh Duggal – Do Dooni Chaar

Santosh Duggal, played by Rishi Kapoor, stands out as a likeable and loving middle-class father in the touching movie Do Dooni Chaar. Santosh Duggal illustrates the trials and goals of a middle-class family in the Habib Faisal-directed film, which masterfully captures those of a devout father. He constantly works as a teacher to provide a better living for his family. Santosh’s unwavering attempts to better their financial condition are an example of the perseverance and fortitude of many fathers in comparable situations.

Santosh Duggal serves as an example of honesty, integrity, and perseverance throughout the entire movie. He instils these values in his kids by setting an excellent example and teaching them valuable lessons. He also never stops his son and daughter to make their own decisions and supports them wholeheartedly. Santosh has seen countless failures and financial difficulties, yet he is unwavering in his dedication to his family’s welfare. He adeptly strikes a balance between his obligations as a provider and those as a loving and supportive father.

Pan Singh – M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s father is Pan Singh, who is portrayed by Anupam Kher in the biographical movie M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story. Pan Singh personifies the loving father, encouraging Dhoni’s love of cricket despite all circumstances. He inspires Dhoni to pursue his objectives despite financial limitations and social expectations by instilling values of grit, perseverance, and tenacity. Pan Singh’s unflinching faith in Dhoni is evident throughout the entire movie. He gives him moral support and mentorship during trying times. He tirelessly supports Dhoni’s aspirations in cricket, sacrificing financially and otherwise to provide his son access to opportunities and resources. He teaches Dhoni strong morals and advises him to maintain his composure in the face of success.

Anup Saxena – Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Anup Saxena (Pankaj Tripathi) portrays Gunjan’s father in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. Anup Saxena is the personification of steadfast faith and an avant-garde fatherly spirit. He defies social conventions and supports Gunjan in her efforts to fulfil her dream of becoming a pilot in spite of resistance and scepticism.  Anup’s character questions gender norms while highlighting the value of empowerment and equality.

He is Gunjan’s strongest supporter and always by her side, giving her the encouragement and inspiration she needs to overcome challenges and succeed in her chosen career. Gunjan’s perseverance and achievement are motivated by Anup’s unwavering love and faith in his daughter’s ability. He tenaciously pursues Gunjan’s chances, arguing for her inclusion in a field that is predominately male.

Champak Bansal – Angrezi Medium

Champak Bansal plays the role of an extraordinary father in Angrezi Medium. A single father and his daughter are explored in this movie directed by Homi Adajania, highlighting the lengths a parent will go to for their child. Irrfan Khan’s Champak Bansal embodies the love, sacrifice, and resilience of a father determined to support his daughter. Champak Bansal’s character defies conventional expectations and challenges the existing quo. He sets out on an unusual adventure as a straightforward small-town businessman to guarantee his daughter’s education overseas. Champak moves forward in spite of multiple challenges and disappointments thanks to his unwavering resolve and unflinching faith in his daughter Tarika.

Champak Bansal’s character exemplifies the power of a parent’s love and the sacrifices made for their child’s happiness. In order to ensure Tarika’s future, he uproots his own life, experiences financial difficulties, and even travels to foreign countries. Champak is a representation of the lengths parents will go to in order to support their children’s aspirations.

Bhashkor Banerjee – Piku

Piku is a delightful film where Bhashkor Banerjee stands out as an endearing father figure. Featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Paduone. Piku explores the relationship between Bhashkor and his independent-minded daughter. Bhashkor Banerjee’s eccentricities, such as his fixation with his bowel motions and his peculiar viewpoints, define his character. But beyond his eccentricities is a father who genuinely cares about his daughter’s happiness and well-being. Bhashkor’s tendency to be overly protective comes from a place of love and care.

The film expertly captures the ups and downs, the frustrations, and the intense bond between the two characters in the father-daughter relationship. Bhashkor’s persona gives their dynamic depth and authenticity because of his rare combination of vulnerability and tenacity. Bhashkor Banerjee exhibits tenderness and intelligence at times despite his eccentricities. He encourages Piku to live her life on her own terms by giving her heartfelt counsel and direction. Their connection is built on Bhashkor’s unwavering love and acceptance of his daughter’s decisions.

Mahavir Singh Phogat – Dangal

Portrayed by Aamir Khan, Mahavir Singh Phogat plays a father who defies societal norms to fulfil his dreams through his daughters in Dangal. Mahavir Singh Phogat challenges gender stereotypes and prejudices. He strongly believes that ability recognises no gender and works hard to give his girls the same chances and education that were traditionally given to boys. The inspiration behind his daughters’ change and success is Mahavir’s unshakable faith in their abilities. Mahavir Singh Phogat’s character demonstrates extreme discipline and commitment. He pushes his daughters past their comfort zones and instils in them the virtues of tenacity, resilience, and hard work. The girls become fierce wrestlers thanks to Mahavir’s demanding training regimen and unfailing encouragement. Mahavir explores the difficulties of fatherhood in depth in his portrayal. At first, he encounters opposition from the public and even his own daughters, who find it difficult to comprehend his unique approaches. But gradually they are won over by Mahavir’s unflinching love and belief in their capacity, forging an unbreakable relationship between father and daughters.

Anirudh Pathak – Chhichhore

Chhichhore portrays Anirudh Pathak, played by Sushant Singh Rajput, as a symbol of resilience and the significance of belonging. In order to show his son the value of tenacity and the power inherent in relationships, Anirudh Pathak’s character serves as a beacon of guidance. Despite his personal difficulties, Anirudh advises his kid to accept failures, learn from them, and go on with newfound vigour. The character of Anirudh Pathak exhibits unflinching love and support for his kid. He gives him a sense of community and serves as a constant reminder that real success is measured not just by accomplishments but also by how positively one approaches both the joys and difficulties of life.

Sachin Sandhu – Thappad

In Thappad, Sachin Sandhu, portrayed by Kumud Mishra, represents a father figure who grapples with his own beliefs and confronts the complexities of gender dynamics. Sachin Sandhu’s character first fails to comprehend the gravity of the occurrence and its consequences. But as the story progresses, he starts to reflect and reconsider the standards and expectations that society has for women. Sachin’s character changes from being an apathetic bystander to a sympathetic catalyst for change who values equality and empathy. The portrayal by Sachin Sandhu emphasises the process of personal development and self-realisation. He pledges to fight patriarchal ideas after admitting his personal role in their upkeep. Sachin’s development highlights the value of being a proactive ally and the readiness to overcome established prejudices.

See Also: 5 Feminist Fathers changing stereotypes in Bollywood films