Aamir Khan in Dangal (2016)

As Mahavir Singh Phogat, Aamir Khan played a strict, relentless father who fought societal sexism to train his daughters into world-class wrestling champions.

Ajay Devgn in Drishyam

Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar stands out as one of the most unique and defining dads in modern Indian cinema. 

Irrfan Khan Angrezi Medium (2020)

As Champak Bansal, a simple sweet-shop owner, Irrfan's character goes to extreme, chaotic lengths just to fulfil his daughter’s dream of studying abroad. 

Amitabh Bachchan in Piku (2015)

Amitabh Bachchan’s performance as 70-year-old Bhashkor Banerjee in celebrated for his shockingly progressive, feminist views despite being exhausting, nagging, and childish.

Amitabh Bachchan in Baabul (2006)

After his son's death, Balraj becomes a father for his daughter-in-law, not treating her like a widow bound to mourning but as his own daughter who deserves a second chance at life.

Kumud Mishra in Thappad (2020)

As Sachin Sandhu, Kumud's character stands out as an ideal father who supports his daughter's decision to leave an abusive marriage, prioritising her self-respect over societal judgements.

Kamal Haasan in Chachi 420 (1997)

Unable to bear the distance from his daughter, Jai cross-dresses as an elderly, conservative nanny to work inside his ex-wife's household and stay close to his daughter.

Pankaj Tripathi in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)

As Anup Saxena, a father who breaks societal norms to support his daughter's dream of becoming a combat pilot, Pankaj Tripathi's character set new benchmarks. His dialogue, "Whether it's a girl or a boy, it doesn't matter... just learn to fly the plane," remains inspiring.

Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan (2023)

Vikram, a former Indian Army commando who was betrayed by a corrupt arms dealer, resurfaces years later with partial amnesia, but steps into battle the moment his son's life is threatened. The film's most iconic line: "Bete ko hath lagane se pehle, baap se baat kar" (Before you touch the son, deal with his father), shows his fatherly love.