'Best Moment': Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par Clip Takes Fans On Nostalgic Ride

In the year 2007, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan played Ram Shankar Nikumbh, an art instructor, in the film Taare Zameen Par. This cinematic opus served as India’s official submission to the Oscars back in the day. It was a refreshing departure from the traditional teaching approach. Ram ignited the spark of imagination in the heart of 8-year-old Ishaan Awasthi, played by Darsheel Safary. Encouraging Ishaan to venture beyond the confines of textbooks, step outside the ordinary classroom walls and breathe life into his imagination through the vibrant strokes of paint, Ram became the teacher we all yearned for.

On Saturday, a clip on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) from the film with the caption, “Aamir Khan as Ram Shankar Nikhumbh is the best thing that happened to Indian Cinema,” went viral.

In this clip, we see Ram meeting Ishaan’s parents and discussing the reading challenges he is facing. However, what unfolds is a delightful revelation – Ram discovers that Ishaan’s true passion lies in art, and, in fact, he is an exceptionally gifted painter. As he gazes upon the paintings in Ishaan’s room, Ram is genuinely impressed by the imaginative prowess of an 8-year-old who could conceive and draw such remarkable creations.

The film’s impact is evident even years later, as this recent clip shared on social media sparked a wave of nostalgia and admiration for Aamir Khan’s portrayal of Ram Shankar Nikumbh. With the hashtag #16YearsOfTaareZameenPar, viewers reminisced about the powerful scenes that touched their hearts.

A user commented, “One of those very few movies which you might have watched over 10 times and still if given a chance you can watch it once more.”

Another user said, “That moment when Ishan shakes and cries silently with the sound of his dad’s car engine? I don’t think I can think of a better shot in Indian cinema.”

A third user wrote, “When his dad sees him trying to read from afar… that’s “THE BEST MOMENT” Bollywood ever created.”

The central theme of the film is dyslexia, shedding light on the struggles faced by children with learning disabilities. By portraying Ishaan’s journey, the film successfully raises awareness about dyslexia and encourages open discussions among parents, schools, activists, and policymakers. It challenges preconceived notions about learning and underscores the importance of recognising individual talents and creativity in the academic setting.

Beyond its focus on dyslexia, Taare Zameen Par subtly critiques the conformity ingrained in the education system. The film prompts viewers to question the narrow definitions of success and the emphasis on rote learning, advocating for a more holistic and inclusive approach to education.