Bollywood to highlight father's role in latest flicks

In 1975, Shashi Kapoor impeccably echoed the importance of a mother in one’s life with just one line, ‘Mere paas maa hai.’ Circa 2013: Tables have turned and filmmakers are now keen to play out the father card in their films. A father’s role has become essential to the film’s plot, be it due to the patriarchal society that we live in or the fact that a father’s character can be painted in diverse shades.
From being a condescending dad to a father who steals a sports car in order to fulfill his son’s dream, to a father who breaks into an occasional jig with his daughter or for that matter, a dad who holds himself responsible for the death of his child, films now have a wide variety of father roles to offer. This is definitely a welcome change from a time when dads would only come into the picture if the makers wanted to portray a father-son conflict or provide a motive for the hero to take revenge in the film.
Farooq Sheikh in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
As an understanding father of a boy (Ranbir Kapoor) who lives on his own terms, Farooq Sheikh’s role was pivotal to the hero’s journey of self-realisation.
Jackie Shroff in Aurangzeb
Though touted as a tale of two brothers, Jackie Shroff’s character of a don falling from grace added a lot more gravitas to this 70s-style action-thriller.
Pankaj Kapur in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Dancing in the company of his daughter, Kapur’s character broke the monotony of conventional father-daughter relationships.
Ram Kapoor in Mere Dad Ki Maruti, Student Of The Year
In MDKM, Ram Kapoor played a raging Punjabi father while in SOTY, his role of a business tycoon was a catalyst for changing the lead actors’ relations.
Aamir Khan in Talaash
Though a story of a cop, filmmaker Reema Kagti intricately weaved in the father-son relationship that proved crucial to this suspense drama.
Sharman Joshi in Ferrari Ki Sawaari
As a Parsi father, Sharman Joshi was willing to go to any length to fulfil his son’s dream. Father-son relationship was the focal point of this film.
Naseeruddin Shah in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Though present only in one scene, Naseeruddin Shah’s character was responsible for bringing out Farhan Akhtar’s vulnerable side.
Daddy’s girls: When will these famous father-daughter pairs work together?
Randhir Kapoor-Kareena Kapoor
Though they make public appearances together, no filmmaker has managed to cast Randhir and Kareena together yet.
Anil Kapoor-Sonam Kapoor
While the duo appeared in the theme song of Bombay Talkies — not in the same frame — this father-daughter jodi is yet to work together in a film.
Kamal Haasan-Shruti Haasan
While her other commitments may not allow Shruti to act with her father in near future, this is one pair that would be interesting to watch on screen.
Shatrughan Sinha-Sonakshi Sinha
As a protective father, Shotgun Sinha often drops by on Sonakshi’s sets. Hope a director pens a script for them soon.
Mahesh Bhatt-Alia Bhatt
With his kind of cinema, Bhatt Senior’s directorial venture starring his daughter Alia — whenever that happens — would surely reinvent her as an actress.
Real on the reel
Some popular father-son jodis who are making a splash professionally, too:
Rishi Kapoor-Ranbir Kapoor
While they have appeared together in a television commercial, Rishi and Ranbir will have their first big-screen outing in Abhinav Kashyap’s forthcoming Besharam.
The Deols
These Punjab de puttars —Dharmendra and his sons Sunny and Bobby — were first seen together in Apne followed by Yamla Pagla Deewana and most recently, in its sequel.
Rakesh Roshan-Hrithik Roshan
After delivering successes like Kaho Na… Pyaar Hai, Koi… Mil Gaya and Krrish, this father-son duo is gearing up to release Krrish 3 later this year.
Amitabh Bachchan-Abhishek Bachchan
After working together in some films, including Sarkar and Sarkar Raj, the father-son duo reversed roles for Paa where Abhishek played Big B’s dad. Abhishek has also produced his dad’s acting venture, Bbuddah… Hoga Terra Baap.
Javed Akhtar-Farhan Akhtar
Javed saab has penned lyrics for most of his son’s directorial and acting ventures, including Dil Chahta Hai, Don, Rock On, and Karthik Calling Karthik.
In Ferrari Ki Sawaari I borrowed a lot from my relationship with my dad. While mothers, of course, play a major role in a child’s life, fathers often go beyond the patriarchal image created by the society and for that reason, fatherhood needs to be celebrated, especially in our films!
— Rajesh Mapuskar, director, Ferrari Ki Sawaari
Our films have always explored the relationship between parents and children very well. In Talaash, we needed a reason for Aamir’s character to turn from a rationalist to a believer of the supernatural. As a result, we brought in the father-son relationship
- Reema Kagti, co-writer & director, Talaash