Teachers’ day: Seven must watch films that you shouldn’t miss

Teachers Day is a special occasion dedicated to honouring and appreciating teachers for their contributions to education and society. In India, it is celebrated on September 5th to mark the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a philosopher and educator who became the second President of India.

On this day, Patriot has curated a list of seven Bollywood films that you can watch to celebrate the spirit of teachers and their education.

Black (2005)

Actress Rani Mukerji, a young girl who is deaf and blind. Her parents are initially devastated by her condition and struggle to find effective ways to communicate with her. Enter Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan), a passionate and unorthodox teacher who takes on the challenge of teaching her. Despite facing significant obstacles and resistance, Debraj employs unconventional methods to break through her isolation and help her engage with the world around her.

Also read: I spent all my time at NSD discussing theatre, actors, and cinema: Swanand Kirkire

Taare Zameen Par (2007)

This film tells the story of Ishaan Awasthi, a young boy with dyslexia who struggles in a conventional school setting. A new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, played by Aamir Khan, recognises Ishaan’s learning disability and helps him unlock his hidden potential. It’s a touching portrayal of how understanding and innovative teaching can make a profound difference in a child’s life, emphasising the importance of recognising and nurturing each student’s unique abilities.

Chakde! India (2007)

Shah Rukh Khan stars as Kabir Khan, a former hockey player who becomes the coach of the Indian women’s national hockey team. Despite facing numerous challenges and scepticism, he motivates his team to achieve success on the international stage. The film demonstrates how a determined and supportive mentor can inspire a group to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness, focusing on the impact of leadership and perseverance.

Guru (2007)

The story revolves around Guru (played by Abhishek Bachchan), a self-made businessman whose journey from humble beginnings to corporate success is guided by his own mentor. The film also highlights the relationship between Guru and his mentor, reflecting on the importance of guidance and learning. This film showcases the journey of self-discovery and the role of mentorship in achieving one’s dreams, celebrating the influence of a mentor in personal and professional growth.

3 Idiots (2009)

This comedy-drama features Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi as three engineering students navigating the pressures of academic life. The film critiques the rigid education system and celebrates the unconventional teaching methods of a professor who encourages creative thinking. It addresses the flaws in the traditional education system while highlighting the positive impact of teachers who foster creativity and critical thinking, making it a thought-provoking and entertaining watch.

Also read: Many Bollywood movies deserve a re-release: Filmmaker Sajid Ali

Paathshaala (2010)

The film centers around Rahul Prakash Udyavar (Shahid Kapoor), a young and idealistic teacher who joins a private school with hopes of bringing progressive change. He is enthusiastic about making education more engaging and meaningful for his students. However, he soon finds himself in conflict with the school’s management, which is more focused on rote learning and exam results than on holistic education.

Hichki (2018)

Rani Mukerji plays Naina Mathur, a teacher with Tourette syndrome who faces challenges in her professional and personal life. Despite her condition, she takes on the task of teaching a class of underprivileged students, helping them overcome their own challenges. The film portrays the resilience and dedication of a teacher who perseveres despite personal difficulties, showcasing the powerful impact of a teacher’s commitment to their students.