Taare Zameen Par (2007)
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A struggling young artist's life changes when a new teacher recognizes his hidden potential and the reality of his learning disability.
The story
Ishaan is an 8-year-old boy living in Mumbai who struggles with school, leading his peers and teachers to label him a troublemaker. Despite his immense talent for art and painting, his academic failures result in his parents sending him to a boarding school. There, he falls into a state of anxiety and depression under a strict regime until a new, optimistic art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh arrives. Ram notices Ishaan's unhappiness and recognizes that his struggles are not due to a lack of effort, but rather a learning disability known as dyslexia. The film follows the journey of their developing relationship as Ram works to help Ishaan find his voice.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Ishaan is an 8-year-old boy in Mumbai whose academic failures and perceived rebellious behavior lead his parents to send him to a boarding school. Isolated and distressed by the strict environment, Ishaan's condition worsens until a new art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, takes over. Ram identifies Ishaan's condition as dyslexia and begins to use specialized techniques to help him. He visits Ishaan's home to explain the condition to his parents, who initially dismiss it as laziness but eventually begin to understand. At school, Ram becomes Ishaan's tutor, and the boy's confidence and grades begin to improve. The film culminates in an art competition where Ishaan wins, and his parents finally recognize his talent and the reality of his struggle. The story concludes with a heartwarming reconciliation between Ishaan and his father, who realizes the depth of his son's need for love and understanding.
- Original title
- Like Stars on Earth
- First release year
- 2007
- Runtime (minutes)
- 164
- Production countries
- India
- Original languages
- Hindi
- Directors
- Aamir Khan
- Writers
- Amole Gupte · writer
- Cast and characters
- Darsheel Safary · Ishaan; Aamir Khan · Ram Shankar Nikumbh; Tisca Chopra · Maya; Vipin Sharma · Nandkishore; Tanay Chheda · Rajan Damodaran
- Genres
- psychological drama
- Themes
- dyslexia awareness; educational reform; parental understanding; artistic expression
- Tone and mood
- heartwarming; emotional; inspirational
- Premise and plot tags
- educational; coming-of-age; disability
- Source material / true-story basis
- A short story that evolved into a screenplay over seven years.
- Reception
- The film received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its story, screenplay, direction, and performances, while also being noted for its impact on public awareness of dyslexia.
- Awards and nominations
- National Film Award · Best Film on Family Welfare · Won; National Film Award · Best Lyrics · Won; National Film Award · Best Male Playback Singer · Won; Filmfare Award · Best Film · Won; Filmfare Award · Best Director · Won; Filmfare Award · Best Lyricist · Won
- Production trivia
- The film was India's official entry for the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Film.; The title was originally intended to be 'High Jump'.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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