Taare Zameen Par, also known as Like Stars on Earth in English, is a 2007 Indian Hindi-language drama film directed and produced by Aamir Khan. The film stars Khan himself, along with Darsheel Safary, Tanay Chheda, Vipin Sharma, and Tisca Chopra. The story revolves around Ishaan (Safary), an imaginative and artistic 8-year-old boy whose poor academic performance leads his parents to send him to a boarding school. There, a new art teacher, Nikumbh (Khan), suspects Ishaan is dyslexic and helps him overcome his reading difficulties.

Creative director and writer Amole Gupte developed the concept with his wife Deepa Bhatia, who was the film's editor. The music was composed by Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, with lyrics by Prasoon Joshi. Filming took place in Mumbai and at New Era High School in Panchgani, where several of the school's students participated.

Taare Zameen Par premiered in India on December 21, 2007, and was commercially successful, grossing ₹98.48 crore worldwide. It received widespread critical acclaim for its story, screenplay, direction, dialogues, soundtrack, and performances, and also raised awareness about dyslexia.

The film won several awards, including India's official entry for Best Foreign Film at the 81st Academy Awards, though it was not nominated. At the 55th National Film Awards, it won Best Film on Family Welfare, Best Lyrics (Prasoon Joshi for "Maa"), and Best Male Playback Singer (Shankar Mahadevan for "Maa"). At the 53rd Filmfare Awards, it received 11 nominations and won five awards, including Best Film, Best Director (Aamir Khan), and Best Lyricist (Joshi for "Maa").

Plot

Ishaan, an 8-year-old boy in Mumbai, struggles in school and is perceived as a troublemaker. Despite his vivid imagination and talent for art, his academic failures lead his father, Nandkishore Awasthi, to send him to a boarding school. Ishaan's mother, Maya, is frustrated by her inability to help him, and his older brother, Yohaan, excels in academics, overshadowing Ishaan.

At the boarding school, Ishaan's fear and depression worsen due to the strict and abusive environment. His only friend is Rajan Damodaran, a physically impaired boy and top student. Ishaan contemplates suicide but is stopped when Rajan falls, prompting Ishaan to help him.

Ram Shankar Nikumbh, a cheerful teacher from a school for children with developmental disabilities, joins the boarding school as a temporary art teacher. He quickly notices Ishaan's distress and reviews his work, concluding that Ishaan is dyslexic. Ram visits Ishaan's home in Mumbai and discovers Ishaan's hidden interest in art. He explains to Maya and Yohaan that Ishaan struggles with dyslexia and poor motor skills, but Nandkishore dismisses it as an excuse for laziness.

Back at school, Ram brings up dyslexia in a lesson and comforts Ishaan, sharing his own childhood struggles. He gets permission to mentor Ishaan and uses therapeutic techniques to improve his reading and writing. Gradually, Ishaan's mood and grades improve. Nandkishore visits the school, acknowledging that he and Maya have researched dyslexia. Ram notes that Ishaan needs love more than understanding.

At the end of the school year, Ram organizes an art competition judged by artist Lalita Lajmi. Ishaan's work wins, and Ram, who painted Ishaan's portrait, is the runner-up. The principal announces that Ram is hired as the school's permanent art teacher. Ishaan's parents are amazed by his transformation, and Nandkishore thanks Ram. Ishaan shares a heartfelt hug with Ram before leaving.

Cast

• Darsheel Safary as Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi, the protagonist
• Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikumbh, the art teacher and Ishaan's mentor
• Tisca Chopra as Maya Nandkishore Awasthi, Ishaan's mother
• Vipin Sharma as Nandkishore Awasthi, Ishaan's father
• Sachet Engineer as Yohaan Nandkishore Awasthi, Ishaan's older brother
• Tanay Chheda as Rajan Damodran, Ishaan's friend at the boarding school
• Girija Oak as Jabeen Khan, Ram's colleague
• Bugs Bhargava and Shankar Sachdev as Sen Sir and Tiwari Sir, teachers at the boarding school
• M. K. Raina as the Principal of New Era High School
• Pratima Kulkarni as the Principal of St. Anthony's School
• Meghna Malik as Victoria Teacher, Ishaan's former class teacher
• Sonali Sachdev as Irene Teacher, Ishaan's former English teacher
• Lalita Lajmi as herself (cameo appearance)

The film emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting children with learning disabilities, and showcases the transformative power of compassion and creative education.