Movies have a powerful way of both entertaining us and teaching meaningful life lessons in a subtle yet impactful manner. As students, whether in school or college, we can gain valuable insights and inspiration from films that center around themes of learning, growth and overcoming challenges in our educational journey. The Hindi film industry, widely known as Bollywood, has produced many movies over the decades that fall under the category of ‘educational entertainment’. In this blog, I have compiled a list of the top 10 Bollywood educational movies that every student should watch to learn important life lessons while being engaged and entertained.
Top 10 Educational Bollywood Movies for Students
- 3 Idiots (2009)
- Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, this critically and commercially successful comedy drama is loosely based on Chetan Bhagat’s novel Five Point Someone.
- It highlights the importance of pursuing one’s passions and interests rather than societal or parental pressures. Follow your dreams, not others’ dreams for you.
- Shows how true learning happens outside classrooms through creative thinking and innovation rather than only mugging up textbooks.
- Friendship, helping each other and having a balance between studies and extracurriculars are key to a holistic educational experience.
Watch Now: 3 idiot
- Taare Zameen Par (2007)
- Aamir Khan produced and directed this emotional drama about an 8 year old dyslexic child named Ishaan.
- It spreads awareness about learning disabilities and how every child is unique with their own strengths and ways of learning.
- With the right identification and nurturing of talents, even those with learning difficulties can excel and find their true calling.
- The role of teachers in shaping young minds and bringing out their maximum potential is highlighted beautifully.
Watch Now: Tare zmeen Par
- Swades (2004)
- Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, it’s a moving story about an NRI scientist Mohan Bhargava played by Shah Rukh Khan.
- He comes to India to find his nanny who raised him and brings positive change in her village through education and empowerment of women.
- Shows how education uplifts lives and societies by breaking societal norms and transforming mindsets.
- Patriotism and giving back to one’s motherland is an important lesson the film teaches.
Watch Now: Swadesh
- Chak De India (2007)
- Shah Rukh Khan shines as former hockey player turned coach Kabir Khan in this inspiring sports drama.
- He helps the Indian women’s national hockey team achieve victory against all odds at the world cup finals.
- Highlights the value of teamwork, discipline, resilience, passion and never giving up one’s dreams regardless of gender.
- Shows how sports can be used effectively to bring social change and empower marginalized communities.
Watch Now: Chak De India
- Paan Singh Tomar (2010)
- Biopic of the renowned athlete turned dacoit played by Irrfan Khan who won gold for India in the Asian Games.
- How lack of support and opportunities after retirement pushed him to a life of crime despite his talents.
- Importance of not wasting one’s potential and using skills for social good if given the right guidance and platform.
- An education and career can save lives from falling into darkness even in lack of other options.
Watch Now: Pan Singh Tomar
- Black (2005)
- Amitabh Bachchan shines as a gifted teacher helping a gifted girl to overcome her hearing and speech impediment.
- Shows power of empathy, compassion, dedication and believing in someone’s abilities despite all limitations.
- Teachers who go above and beyond their call of duty can be true life changers.
- With support, every challenge can be transformed into an opportunity especially for talented individuals.
Watch Now: Black
- Naya Daur (1957)
- Old but gold, this classic starred Dilip Kumar and shows contrast between modern vs. traditional education.
- How new age learning helps strengthen society by embracing change and new opportunities.
- But also respecting local culture and roots alongside advancement.
- Education should empower and not alienate communities from their culture and heritage.
Watch Now: Naya Daur
- Hindi Medium (2017)
- Starring Irrfan Khan, it’s a hilarious yet thought-provoking take on the rat race of elite English medium education.
- Shows how societal mindsets wrongly judge one’s worth and future based on medium of schooling.
- True education is holistic development of character and knowledge beyond superficial standards.
- Parents should understand their child’s interests and strengths rather than living vicariously.
Watch Now: Hindi Medium
- Stanley Ka Dabba (2011)
- Amol Gupte directed flick brings to light the pressures of exams and grades on young impressionable minds.
- How creativity, arts and play are as important for growth as academics which schools ignore.
- Every child has the right to just be a child rather than a student robot preparing for tests alone.
- Balanced approach is necessary for mental well-being alongside scores.
Watch Now: Stanley Ka Dabba
- Sir (2018)
- Inspiring story of a teacher who fights all odds to set up a free school for underprivileged kids.
- Portrays challenges faced by students from poor economic backgrounds in pursuing education.
- Shows how even little support like a dedicated mentor can transform lives stuck in a vicious cycle of poverty.
- Education empowers people to dream big and chart their own destiny regardless of circumstances.
Watch Now: Sir
Conclusion
These are some of the most iconic Bollywood educational movies that effectively showcase invaluable life and educational lessons through compelling storylines and characters. As students, watching them can be deeply enriching on multiple levels – entertaining us engagingly, broadening perspectives, igniting creativity and boosting motivation to overcome challenges on our academic journey. I hope you enjoy and benefit from these films as much as I have over the years! Do share your thoughts in the comments.