Father’s Day: Films that celebrate dad-daughter love

The bond between a father and daughter is always cherished. In some movies, this relationship is portrayed in unique and heartfelt ways of showing how a father supports his daughter through every phase of life and how a daughter, in turn, lovingly fulfills her duties and stands by her father. No matter what difficulties arise, they never turn away from each other.

In Piku, the story beautifully captures the essence of the relationship between the protagonist, Piku Banerjee (played by Deepika Padukone), an architect, and her elderly father, Bhaskor Banerjee (played by Amitabh Bachchan). Piku selflessly cares for her father, often cutting short meetings and cancelling dates whenever his health takes a turn. Her devotion is so strong that she tells Rana (played by Irrfan Khan) that anyone who wishes to marry her must be willing to accept and respect the bond she shares with her father, as they are an inseparable part of each other's lives.

In Dangal, the father-daughter bond takes center stage through Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan), a former amateur wrestler who gave up his dreams to support his family. Though he once hoped for a son to fulfill his ambition of winning gold for India, Mahavir recognized the potential in his daughters, Geeta and Babita. Defying societal norms, he trained them himself with unwavering dedication. His belief, discipline, and unconditional love not only shaped them into world-class wrestlers but also highlighted the strength of a father's faith in his daughters, proving that dreams know no gender.

In Chachi 420, the father-daughter bond shines through a blend of comedy and emotion. Jaiprakash Paswan (Kamal Haasan), separated from his daughter Bharati after a divorce, disguises himself as a nanny named Laxmi to stay close to her. Beneath the humorous appearance lies a father’s deep love, affection, and desperation to remain a part of his daughter’s life. The film beautifully portrays the lengths a father will go to nurture and protect his bond with his child, showing that a parent’s love knows no boundaries when it comes to safeguarding their children.

In Angrezi Medium, the father-daughter bond is portrayed with warmth, sacrifice, and quiet strength. Champak Bansal (played by Irrfan Khan), a kind shop owner and also a single father, is truly devoted to his daughter, Tarika (Radhika Madan). When she dreams of studying in London, he goes to extraordinary lengths, facing financial struggles, legal hurdles, and cultural barriers just to make that dream come true. Through their journey, the film beautifully captures not only a father's unconditional love but also the emotional growth they both undergo.

In Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl, the heart of the story lies in the unwavering support between a determined, passionate daughter and her encouraging father. Anup Saxena (played by Pankaj Tripathi) is not just a parent; he is the one who believes in her the most. While the world doubts her dream of becoming an Air Force pilot, he consistently motivates her to rise above societal expectations. With quiet strength and unconditional conviction, he stands by her side every step of the way. The film beautifully portrays how a parent’s faith can empower a child to break boundaries and achieve extraordinary heights, as Gunjan Saxena went on to become the first Indian woman combat aviator to fly into a war zone during the 1999 Kargil War

In Thappad, the bond between Amrita (Taapsee Pannu) and her father, Sachin Sandhu (Kumud Mishra), is shown with care and understanding. When Amrita decides to leave her husband after he slaps her, her father supports her without question. He doesn’t say much, but he is always there for her. His calm and steady presence gives her the strength to stand up for herself. The film shows how a father’s gentle care and respect for his daughter’s choices can make a big difference, especially when it’s needed the most

In Bareilly Ki Barfi, the relationship between Bitti (Kriti Sanon) and her father, Narottam Mishra (Pankaj Tripathi), is light-hearted, friendly, and warm. Narottam treats his daughter like a friend rather than being a harsh and strict parent. He allows her to live life in her ways and never questions her choices. Their conversations are filled with wit and honesty, showing a modern and open-minded bond. The film celebrates a parenting style where love, trust, and friendship come first. It also reminds us that parenting doesn’t always have to be about being perfect or strict; sometimes, simply understanding your child and letting them be themselves is more than enough.