Your Privacy is Important to us

We encourage you to review our Terms of Service, and Privacy Policy.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms listed here. In case you want to opt out, please click "Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information" link in the footer of this page.

Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information

We won't sell or share your personal information to inform the ads you see. You may still see interest-based ads if your information is sold or shared by other companies or was sold or shared previously.

Continue on TOI App
Open App
Login for better experience!
Login Now
Welcome! to timesofindia.com
TOI INDTOI USTOI GCC
TOI+
  • Home
  • Live
  • TOI Games
  • Top Headlines
  • India
  • City News
  • Photos
  • Business
  • Real Estate
  • Entertainment
  • Movie Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Podcasts
  • Elections
  • Web Series
  • Sports
  • TV
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Events
  • World
  • Music
  • Astrology
  • Videos
  • Tech
  • Auto
  • Education
  • Log Out
Follow Us On
Open App
  • ETIMES
  • CINEMA
  • VIDEOS
  • TV
  • LIFESTYLE
  • VISUAL STORIES
  • MUSIC
  • TRAVEL
  • FOOD
  • TRENDING
  • EVENTS
  • THEATRE
  • PHOTOS
  • MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MOVIE LISTINGS
  • HEALTH
  • RELATIONSHIP
  • WEB SERIES
  • BOX OFFICE

Bollywood coming of age stories where characters grow from naive to noble on screen

Sonal Khandelwal
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - May 24, 2025, 11:00 IST
Comments
Share
1/5

Rebellion finds purpose

Rang De Basanti (2006) starts with a group of carefree students and ends with them becoming revolutionaries. Their journey from casual detachment to committed activism reflects a nation’s call to conscience. It remains one of Bollywood’s most compelling portrayals of youth awakening to responsibility and sacrifice.

2/5

Dreams over doubt

Iqbal (2005) showcases the journey of a deaf and mute boy aspiring to become a cricketer. Despite numerous social and physical challenges, Iqbal’s persistence and honesty win out. The film is a moving depiction of internal strength and shows how passion can elevate the underdog to hero status.

3/5

Heart grows stronger

Taare Zameen Par (2007) traces Ishaan’s journey from a misunderstood child with dyslexia to a confident student, thanks to a caring teacher. The film brought learning disabilities into mainstream conversation and highlighted how empathy, not discipline, often unlocks a child’s true potential and inner strength.
4/5

Grit gains grace

Udaan (2010) tells the deeply personal story of Rohan, a teenager expelled from boarding school and forced to live with an abusive father. Through poetry and rebellion, he reclaims his voice. Vikramaditya Motwane’s directorial debut is a raw portrayal of self-worth and silent resilience in the face of oppression.

5/5

Innocence meets insight

Wake Up Sid (2009) follows Ranbir Kapoor’s Sid, a privileged yet aimless youth who discovers purpose through independence and emotional growth. His transformation is subtle yet relatable, capturing the confusion and clarity that often define early adulthood, especially in a city as overwhelming and inspiring as Mumbai.

Start a Conversation

Post comment
Featured In Entertainment
  • Madhavan reveals simple diet of his grandparents: 'Ate rice'
  • Silambarasan and Vetrimaaran’s ‘Arasan’ targets Diwali release
  • 'Jailer 2' cast: Hrithik Roshan eyed for cameo in Rajinikanth starrer
  • Cynthia Erivo on her bond with Ariana Grande
  • ‘Descendants’ cast pay their respects on Cameron Boyce’s birth anniversary
  • Quote of the day by Nicolas Cage
  • Salman hosts screening of 'Maatrubhumi' for directors
  • Raam on 'Krishnavataram': I often tell my friends that I can now relate to Priyanka
  • Rumer Willis alleges she was emotionally abused by ex
Photostories
  • What is Solo, that PM Narendra Modi called modern-day 'Sanjeevani': 4 ways to include it in daily meals
  • 7 railway stations in India with unbelievable colonial history
  • 6 things every traveller (and every person) should know about snake bites
  • ​​People judge you within seconds, say psychologists- here’s what they notice first​
  • Love quote of the day by Toni Morrison: “Love is or it ain't..."
  • "Egg is the worst thing you can..." Sadhguru shares 3 traditional South Indian vegetarian dishes rich in protein and vitamin B12
  • Neena Gupta's high-protein Tori and Paneer Sabzi is perfect for gut health during summer months
  • Staying up late every night? Neurologist warns your bedtime habits could quietly raise the risk of a mini-stroke
  • 7 coastal towns in India offering strong potential for real estate investment
Explore more Stories
  • 7
    Ranveer Singh controversies: Recalling ‘Kantara’ row, nude photoshoot and more amid FWICE directive over 'Don 3' exit
  • 6
    All about Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston’s bond: From acquaintances, to co-workers, and lifelong friends
  • 6
    From MBBS to movies: Sai Pallavi, Sreeleela and other south actresses chose cinema over medicine
  • 5
    Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift date nights at sports games: All about their loud cheers and sequin smiles
  • 8
    Varun Dhawan's ‘Chunnari Chunnari’, Kiara Advani's ‘Cheez Badi’ to Jacqueline's ‘Ek Do Teen’ : Bollywood song remakes that failed to impress audiences
Up Next
  • ETimes
  • /
  • Entertainment
  • /
  • Hindi
  • /
  • Bollywood
  • /
  • Bollywood coming of age stories where characters grow from naive to noble on screen
About UsTerms Of UsePrivacy PolicyCookie Policy

Copyright © May 29, 2026, 12.35PM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service