"Baba main teri mallika, tukda hoon tere dil ka, Ikk baar phir se dehleez paar karaa de…" is sung by Vibha Saraf for 2018's Raazi, picturised on Alia Bhatt's Indian character, an undercover spy who's getting married to Vicky Kaushal's Pakistani military officer. To which, Shankar Mahadevan sings "Mere dilbaro, barfein galengi phir se, Mere dilbaro, Fasalein pakengi phir se, Tere paaon ke tale, Meri dua chalein, Duaa meri chalein…" signifying that a father's blessing always stays with his children, especially daughters.

While Meghna Gulzar made a spy thriller, the short bond between an undercover spy father and his innocent daughter, who becomes an undercover RAW agent at his behest, is beautifully portrayed.

Many such movies portray father/son or father/daughter relationships, melting our hearts and showcasing what an ever-evolving bond looks like with feminist fathers changing stereotypes. This article highlights a few fathers who helped us vicariously believe that the sky is not the limit.

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (1995) - Dharamvir Malhotra

Anupam Kher's portrayal as a liberal and modern father is often described in a contemporary context in DDLJ, with the role being the most memorable because of the humorous ease of the performance. The character in the film is presented as a jolly person who has built a good life for himself and his son in a foreign country. He is wealthy, affords his son the best, does things in life, and is a man guided by ethics and values in society. He stands firmly behind his son, but not without asserting the strength of his belief. The scene is particularly humorous and soothing when Kher's character celebrates his son's flunking out of college.

Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995) - Rohit Kumar

Rohit Kumar is a struggling playback singer and a dad who falls in love with Kiran. However, Kiran's lofty ambitions tumble down to earth while she manages household obligations, and they finally separate. Even through the legal battles, Rohit looks out for his son and wife's reputation no matter the cost. He can ultimately fix his family back together. He proves that a father is not just a husband to his wife, but also the angel of his child, and it is his duty never to let his child's and wife's reputation fall.

Chachi 420 (1997) - Jaiprakash Paswan

Due to financial issues, Paswan is depicted as a hardworking, middle-class assistant dance director trying to keep his wife and daughter with him. He dresses up as a female and is a maid/nanny to be with his daughter throughout the movie. Ultimately, he wins back the love of his estranged wife and father-in-law and gets his family reunited.

Vivaah (2006) - Krishnakant Mishra & Harishchandra Bajpayee

This movie is about two fathers who aren't biological fathers. Alok Nath's Krishnakant Mishra plays Poonam's uncle, who Amrita Rao portrays. He fills the void of her father after her parents died in her childhood. He never differentiates between Poonam and Rajni, his own daughter, who often shields the former from her jealous and denigrating wife. Once Poonam gets engaged to Shahid Kapoor's Prem Bajpayee, Anupam Kher's character Harishchandra Bajpayee treats her as his daughter. After Poonam is severely burned while saving her cousin in a fire, everyone expects the groom's side to cancel the wedding, seeing her condition. But Harishchandra astonishes them by bringing a fleet of superior doctors to treat her to-be daughter-in-law, then letting his son Prem fill Poonam's temple with vermilion. Together, these two father figures exemplify the true essence of parenthood: unconditional love, sacrifice, and a commitment to prioritising children.

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) - Mr. Thapar

Mr. Thapar is depicted as a caring father who hides his feelings from his son, wants him to enjoy life to the fullest, and occasionally attempts to instil moral qualities in his son. He lives with his second wife, whom his son refuses to accept as his mom. However, both love their son. He wants his son to live, and then also for every moment; this remains a beautiful lesson for his son, even after he has died.

Piku (2015) - Bhashkor Banerjee

Piku is a lovely movie with Bhashkor Banerjee as a lovable father. The film follows Bhashkor's relationship with his independent daughter. The movie establishes Bhashkor's character through his quirks, such as his obsession with bowel movements, but each quirk reveals his genuine concern for his daughter's happiness. Bhashkor's overprotectiveness comes from love and care. The film depicts the trials and tribulations of a father-daughter relationship, and Bhashkor's combination of vulnerability and stubbornness lends great complexity to their relationship. He even knows about Piku's occasional sexual encounters. Despite his peculiarities, Bhashkor is sweet and thoughtful. He tells Piku to live her life however she wants. Ultimately, Bhashkor's paternal love relies on recognising and accepting Piku's decisions.

M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) - Pan Singh

Anupam Kher plays Pan Singh, Sushant's Mahendra Singh Dhoni's dad. Pan represents the caring and loving father role by supporting Dhoni's passion for cricket, regardless of the circumstances that arise. He supports Dhoni in pursuing his dreams, even with limited finances and societal pressures, and instils values of absence, determination, perseverance, and strong moral character. Pan Singh's unwavering belief in Dhoni is transparent throughout the entire movie. He supports Dhoni in terms of moral support during tough experiences and mentorship.

He does everything he can as a contributor to Dhoni's endeavour to pursue cricket lifelong, even if that means sacrificing financially and other means to give his son access to resources and opportunities at whatever level they amount to. His major advice is still relevant to audiences—not to lose control when one achieves success.

Dangal (2016) - Mahavir Singh Phogat

A former wrestler, Mahavir Singh Phogat, failed to win a gold medal for his country. To turn his dreams into reality, he trains and inspires his daughters in wrestling. Every girl would want a father like him who thinks his girl child is more than a paraya dhan, whose destiny is to get married. Mahavir’s famous dialogue, “Hamari choriyan choro se kam hai ke?” is what every father should tell his daughter. He is one of the most inspirational fathers on-screen.

Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) - Narottam Mishra

Pankaj Tripathi portrays the role of Narottam Mishra in Bareilly Ki Barfi, an unconventional and caring father who defies gender stereotypes. Mishra emphasises the significance of open-mindedness by embracing Bitti’s unique qualities and unconventional choices. He boosts Bitti’s self-confidence and individuality, showcasing the role fathers can play in supporting their daughters’ aspirations and challenging societal norms. Narottam Mishra, as a character, embodies the concept of a non-traditional father, illustrating how acceptance and love can be transformative in a father-daughter relationship.

Raazi (2018) - Hidayat Khan

Rajit Kapoor plays Sehmat’s father, Hidayat Khan. Sehmat is a young Indian woman who becomes a spy during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. What Hidayat does is completely flip expectations. He allows his daughter to challenge notions of gender by letting her live the life of a spy. He obliterates the moulding of an overprotective father as he is emotionally available and vulnerable, and acts as a mentor to her, creating trust. Still, in the process, he subverts masculinity.

Chhichhore (2019) - Anirudh Pathak

Sushant Singh Rajput portrays Anirudh Pathak, who embodies the strength of spirit and the weight of belonging. Anirudh is resilient throughout the film, and his journey ultimately motivates his son's journey, teaching him the values of perseverance, justice, and relationships. He exemplifies adversity and encourages his son to face his own adversity head-on, embrace failure and continue in the hope with optimism and the specific knowledge, after having travelled the full cycle of events, that the future is full of possibility.

The film ultimately represents Anirudh's love and protection as father and son, emphasising the stability of family and belonging, who continuously reminds his son that success often comes at a cost and, while challenging to navigate, can accrue benefits. Ultimately, the film shows that life should be approached with humility and optimism. The objective measure of success is if a recipient is willing to accept all of life's gifts and tribulations.

Thappad (2020) - Sachin Sandhu

Kumud Mishra plays Sachin Sandhu, the father figure who has to confront his beliefs about and realise the challenges of gender roles. In the beginning, Sachin Sandhu fails to acknowledge the significance of what has happened and the domino effect that takes place. However, during the journey, Sachin begins to think about and examine the rules and expectations placed on women. The character moves from an indifferent and uninvolved helper to a compassionate and supportive helper who supports equal rights and empathy. The journey depicted by Sachin shows the process of self-awareness and growth. After acknowledging his role in perpetuating patriarchal ideas, he vows to address them. Sachin illustrates the importance of being an active ally and open to addressing existing biases.

Angrezi Medium (2020) - Champak Bansal

Irrfan Khan's heartwarming Champak Bansal delivers a powerful performance as an extraordinary father. The film showcases the trajectory of a single father and his daughter, highlighting the incredible lengths a parent will go to safeguard their child. Khan exemplifies Champak’s devotion as a father, his sacrifices, commitment, and strength. His character contradicts society's expectations of him by embarking on an untraditional journey from a simple, small-town businessman.

Champak's goal of funding his daughter Tarika's schooling abroad involves obstacles and setbacks. Champak can always find ways to move forward and never gives up on Tarika or his vision for her. Champak carries with him the significant power of parental love and the sacrifices parents make for the happiness of their children. He uproots the life he knows, struggles financially, and even goes to foreign countries to make Tarika's ambitions a reality. Champak’s ride underscores the lengths parent will go to support their children in realising their dreams.

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020)- Anup Saxena

Pankaj Tripathi plays Anup Saxena, Gunjan's father, a complete rebel and visionary who supports Gunjan's dream of being a pilot, even when no one else does. Anup goes against the traditional gender norms and advocates for Gunjan's empowerment and equality. Anup is Gunjan's biggest fan throughout the whole story. It is there for Gunjan to continuously give her the motivation and the dreams to move beyond otherwise very significant barriers to moving ahead and ultimately achieving her aspiration! The support and belief that Gunjan's father has in her have, in all likelihood, been a crucial part of Gunjan being successful. Anup supports Gunjan and goes way out of his way to allow Gunjan an opportunity to relieve a field (flying) that was and remains so just primarily for men, and to not lose sight of this, Anup just never gives up on Gunjan.