15062025-LSTL-01.qxd 6/14/2025 8:50 PM Page 1 c m y b HAPPY BIRTHDAY Veteran actor Anupam Kher shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to his wife, actress Kirron Kher, on her birthday, calling her “an original piece of life.” The post featured joyful family moments and warm wishes for her health and happiness. Married since 1985, the couple’s bond remains strong. If ‘Maa’ is a constant in Bollywood melodrama, the father has a leading role too — inspirational & supportive, and not just stern or unrelenting TRIBUNE Life Bolly diaries Punjabi actor Sonam Bajwa, fresh off her Bollywood debut in Housefull 5, has wrapped filming for Ek Deewane ki Deewaniyat. She next stars opposite Tiger Shroff in Baaghi 4 LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 15 JUNE 2025 KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI DANGAL out at ab Wh dy d aool! Dc DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE Mona Bollywood has long been dominated by melodramatic “Maa” moments, but it’s the fathers — stern, soft, selfless, and at times flawed — who have quietly carved a space in our hearts. This Father’s Day, we revisit some of the most unforgettable dads on the silver screen, from dream-chasing disciplinarians to tender single fathers who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Whether it’s an akhara in Haryana, a train station in Punjab, or a courtroom battle in Ujjain, these cinematic fathers remind us that behind every strong child often stands a stronger parent. Here’s to the dads of Bollywood who made us laugh, cry, and believe in the power of paternal love. mon parlance and that you can order Tshirts with this dialogue on the back, speaks of its significance! Ungli pakad ke tune, Chalna sikhaya tha na A brief but impactful role by none other than Rajit Kapur, that of Hidayat Khan, rings in the patriotic fervour like none other. As an Indian intelligence agent, Khan, close to the end due to cancer, asks his daughter Sehmat (Alia Bhatt) to carry on the mission. A quick training at RAW and she is packed off to Pakistan as Iqbal Syed’s (Vicky Kaushal) wife. While the film belongs to Alia for her powerful performance, in yet another story picked from real life, Rajit’s brief role, and specially the emotional vidai in the song Dilbaro, moves one to the core. Ja Simran Ja… Jee le apni zindagi AKELE HUM AKELE TUM DILWALE DULHANIA LE JAYENGE PIKU Tu mera dil, too meri jaan, Oh, I love you, daddy Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is the gold standard for Bollywood. The movie not only set romance standards for the teeming teens of ’90s, but gave not one but two powerful father roles. On one side is the friendly father Dharamvir Malhotra (Anupam Kher), ready to go to any length to get his son’s wish fulfilled. On the other is the strict Chaudhary Baldev Singh (Amrish Puri), for whom a promise means more than his daughter’s wish. The conflict is resolved ever so beautifully in the train station climax. As the train chugs, he leaves his daughter’s hand, saying, “Ja Simran jaa… Jee le apni zindagi.” That three decades on, it’s still part of com- It is another 1995 gem that still makes it to T-shirts sold today. Akele Hum Akele Tum has stayed relevant through the decades. As many fathers fight custody battles or navigate challenges of single parenthood, Aamir Khan brought it to the big screen while playing Rohit Kumar, an aspiring singer and a tender father. An emotionally charged court scene, this film is an ode to a father’s love, and one of the few in Indian cinema where Paa takes if not larger but equal space! Baapu sehat ke liye, Tu toh haanikaarak hai This Bapu may be ‘hanikarak’ for sehat to begin with, but is one of the most memorable that Bollywood has seen. Inspired from the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat, who trained his daughters to be international athletes, Dangal is one of the most celebrated sports drama. Aamir Khan in the role of the father who lives his dream to get India ‘gold’ through his daughter’s prowess on the mat was funny, inspiring, sentimental and hugely entertaining. The scene in the climax when he listens to the national anthem when locked in a room gives goose bumps! When Anjali Khanna turns Anjali Sharma Another single father from the ’90s, raising Anjali with her dadi, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai was as much a love story as a father-daughter one at its heart. Shah Rukh Khan played Rahul Khanna, a fun parent raising Anjali (Sana Saeed) with all love; till the daughter takes the matters of heart in control. An indulgent father dropping everything at hearing his daughter’s sneeze on phone, this one has a peppy track. Increasingly, fathers are getting more screen time. Champak Bansal (Irrfan Khan) in Angrezi Medium literally crosses seas for his daughter’s dreams. Kanti Sharan Mudgal (Pankaj Tripathi) fights against his son Vivek’s (Aarush Varma) expulsion from school, and wins his pride back. Fathers have been presented in many hues and shades. The eccentric Bhashkor Banerjee of Piku, idealistic Vishwanath in Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. to progressive Anup Saxenai in The Kargil Girl, the list goes on. Who’s been your favourite? Celebrities reflect on cherished memories and timeless lessons from their fathers Rooted in love Father’s Day isn’t just a calendar date — it’s a deeply personal celebration of love and lifelong lessons. As the world gets ready to mark the occasion, celebrities pause to reflect on the enduring influence of their fathers. From cherished childhood rituals to foundational life values, these stars revisit heartfelt memories and the wisdom their fathers quietly passed down. QUIET FATHERLY WISDOM: Aarya Babbar Imtiaz,Diljit team up again Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s new film with actor-musician Diljit Dosanjh will be released in theatres in April 2026 on Baisakhi. Billed as a “charming story of love and longing”, the untitled movie marks the second collaboration between Ali and Dosanjh after their 2024 widely loved movie, Amar Singh Chamkila. Actors Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari will also feature in the film, which has a contemporary and witty narrative that explores the depth of human connection. — PTI For me, Father’s Day is about quiet reflection. My father, Raj Babbar, never gave me lectures on values — he lived them. Whether in his work or how he treats others, his actions spoke volumes. At home, he’s calm, grounded and wise. He listens more than he speaks and when he does, it’s exactly what you need to hear. I’ve learnt that strength is not loud — it’s steady and deeply rooted in principle. This year, I’m marking the day with a quiet dinner and meaningful conversation — just as he’s always shown me: presence matters more than performance. LOVE & RESPECT: Jobanpreet Singh My bond with my father is truly one of a kind. He didn’t just bring me into this world — he raised me with unwavering love, patience and tenderness. He opened my eyes to the beauty of the world and taught me how to navigate it with integrity. The most valuable lesson he passed on to me was the importance of honesty — in thought, in action, and in every corner of life. I watched him find peace and joy in the simplicity of a farmer’s life. Now, as time moves on and he grows older, the roles are gently reversing. I find myself worrying about him, caring for him, just as he once did for me. It’s a bond rooted in love and respect. SUNDAY SCOOTER: Neel Samarthh One of my fondest childhood memories with my father is our Sunday ritual. He’d take my brother and me out on his old Priya scooter, treat us to ‘dahi jalebi’ and we’d come home to watch Ramayan together. He worked relentlessly — sacrificing sleep, comfort and peace of mind — to ensure all our wishes were fulfilled. His strength, resilience and quiet confidence continue to inspire me. SAFE & HAPPY: Shivangi Verma One memory I hold close is riding pillion on my dad’s scooter to get ice cream. It might sound small, but it meant everything to me. I felt safe, happy and truly loved. From him, I learnt the power of patience and perseverance. He always says, “No matter how tough things get, stay strong and keep going.” That quiet strength I saw in him has shaped who I am today. JOBANPREET SINGH AARYA BABBAR & RAJ BABBAR RIDDHIMA SHARMA EVERY DAY IS HIS DAY: Riddhima Sharma For me, Father’s Day is not confined to just one date. I celebrate my dad every day. We share a deep bond, and being his daughter is the greatest joy of my life. One memory that stands out is his birthday on August 15th. I surprised him by decorating his car in Delhi. When he opened his eyes, he got emotional — it’s a moment I’ll never forget. He has the best sense of humour and keeps me laughing. His advice, “Beta, become someone people want to take a picture with. Before any profession, be a good human being,” guides my every decision. OLD-SCHOOL LOVE LESSONS: Palash Dutta Growing up in the 1970s, long before social media, love was shown in simpler, more meaningful ways — handwritten notes, handmade cards, thoughtful gestures. We didn’t need a special day to express affection. Discipline, honesty and resilience weren’t just values he taught — they were the essence of how he lived. STRENGTH IN SIMPLICITY: Indraxi Kanjilal My father is like a tree — always there, offering quiet strength and shelter. I have countless happy memories from school summer holidays when we’d travel together. He’s taught me what it means to be mentally strong. Discipline and integrity I strive for come directly from him. — TNS c m y b INDRAXI KANJILAL NEEL SAMARTHH