Teachers’ Day is more than an official recognition of those teachers who lead us through school. It is the day when we realise just how deeply teachers impact our lives, not just with textbooks but with life lessons, acts of kindness, and inspiration. And if you are anything like me, sometimes those teachers come not just in classrooms but on the big screen through some of the most unforgettable Bollywood characters.
Bollywood, over time, has gifted us with films with the role of teachers whose wisdom, passion, and less-than-conventional ways have shaped lives far beyond the confines of the blackboard. This Teacher’s Day, take a trip down memory lane and experience once again with us some of the iconic on-screen mentors who taught us the biggest lessons in life.
Ram Shankar Nikumbh in Taare Zameen Par (2007)
And who can forget Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the Art teacher, when he stole our hearts by helping the dyslexic child, Ishaan? Nikumbh showed us that teaching goes beyond academics; it’s about seeing the child beyond his grades. His compassionate method touches the chord, reminding us that education should be customised to every single individual since everyone has his or her own special gift.
Lesson to be learnt in life: Every child is special, and the potential needs to be nurtured by a teacher in his or her own way.
Debraj Sahai in Black (2005)
Debraj Sahai (played by Amitabh Bachchan) is one of those teachers whom we hardly get to meet but always wish we had. Determined and stubborn, Debraj pushes Michelle, the deaf and blind girl, to communicate with the world. His methods were definitely unconventional at times, even harsh; it broke barriers, freeing her potential. Of course, it reminded us that teaching is about persistence, passion, and going beyond conventional means to truly change lives.
Lesson in Life: True teaching is all about pushing the bars and helping the students overcome their limitations.
Rahul Prakash Udyavar in Paathshaala (2010)
Shahid Kapoor is the protagonist, Rahul, who teaches by profession and not only limits himself to his curriculum. He fights for his students’ rights in a commercialised education-run school. Rahul fights for young souls whose well-being gets overtaken by increasing commercialization of education.
Life Lesson: A true teacher fights for his pupils beyond flawed system constraints.
Raj Aryan Malhotra in Mohabbatein (2000)
While Mohabbatein is essentially a love story, Shah Rukh Khan as Raj Aryan is that teacher who taught his students to embrace life, passion, and love. He broke the rigid boundaries drawn by Narayan Shankar-Amitabh Bachchan and taught them that life was not all about rules and regulations but about living it with joy, pursuing their dreams, and following the heart.
Life lesson to learn: The teacher can provide the spark that reminds one that life must be lived to the fullest.
Naina Mathur in Hichki (2018)
Rani Mukerji essays Naina Mathur, a teacher with Tourette syndrome, so convincingly that the audience feels sure her character is definitely one who shines as an inspiration. Naina proved there is no hurdle big enough if someone is convinced about her dream. First, she fought not only her struggles but the doubts of people around her. However, when she believed in her students, even those whom others had given up on, she showed that a teacher’s belief in her pupils could change lives.
Lessons learnt in life: It is not our challenges that define us, but the ability to rise above them with determination and belief.
Chandni in Main Hoon Na-2004
Sushmita Sen as the glamorous chemistry teacher, Chandni, might not have fought against social issues or educated people for educational reformation; the impact she created is indelible in our minds. Sometimes, in our blinded, prejudiced view, we forget that teachers are also human beings; they too have lives, personalities, and passions. Chandni’s character proved that teachers could be fun, approachable, and an inspiration.
Lesson being learnt in life: Teachers can be cool too! They are not just educators but a little more human personalities touching the lives of their students in the classrooms.
Viru Sahastrabuddhe (Virus) and Rancho in 3 Idiots (2009)
Probably no other movie captures the struggle for the meaning of education as does 3 Idiots. Virus, by Boman Irani, is the embodiment of the traditional teaching system grade-oriented, while Rancho, by Aamir Khan, brings a refreshing foil to it. Rancho urges learning out of curiosity and for its own joy rather than compulsion to succeed. Indeed, his message was simple yet profound: pursue excellence, and success would follow.
Lesson learnt in life: Success is not something to be pursued; excellence is. Success comes looking for you when you pursue excellence.
Dr. Jehangir Khan in Dear Zindagi (2016)
Shah Rukh Khan is not the quintessential class teacher in Dear Zindagi. He essays the role of a therapist, coaching Kaira, played by Alia Bhatt, through life’s ups and downs. The tender counselling of Dr. Khan teaches her to take her flaws in stride and look after her mental health. He doesn’t give her ready-made answers but knows how to make her realise that all the answers she needs are within herself.
Life lesson: And that’s all right, for now it’s okay; maybe you don’t know exactly what’s going on. Take your time, understand those imperfections, and surrender to the process.
These Bollywood teachers remind us that the role of a teacher goes way beyond the curriculum. Whether urging their students to push their limits, encouraging them to follow their dreams, or just being there each time guidance is sought, it’s teachers (real and fictional) who shape who we are.
Let this Teachers’ Day be a celebration of those teachers who taught us to see the world just a little differently and those on the silver screen who did precisely that. To those mentors who may not exactly teach lessons but leave behind wisdom long after the final school bell has rung. Happy Teachers’ Day!
