Like Stars on Earth (2007)
A landmark Hindi drama about a dyslexic child whose hidden brilliance is finally seen by one extraordinary teacher.
Like Stars on Earth - Movie Information
- Original Title: तारे ज़मीन पर
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Aamir Khan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 2h 42m
- Original Language: Hindi
- Spoken Languages: Hindi
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 21, 2007 (United Arab Emirates), December 21, 2007 (United States - PG), December 21, 2007 (Canada), December 21, 2007 (United Kingdom - PG), December 21, 2007 (India - U), September 6, 2012 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: तारे ज़मीन पर (IN), Yerdəki Ulduzlar (AZ), ดวงดาวเล็กๆ บนผืนโลก (TH), Kochavim Al Pney Ha'Adama (IL), 지상의 별처럼 (KR), Her Çocuk Özeldir (TR), 每一个孩子都是特别的 (CN), Como Estrelas na Terra (BR)
- Production Companies: Aamir Khan Productions, PVR Inox Pictures, UTV Motion Pictures
- Production Countries: India
Like Stars on Earth - Plot
Ishaan Awasthi is an eight-year-old whose world is filled with wonders that no one else seems to appreciate. Colours, fish, dogs, and kites don't seem important to the adults, who are much more interested in things like homework, marks, and neatness. Ishaan cannot seem to get anything right in class; he is then sent to boarding school, where his life changes forever.
Like Stars on Earth - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the heart of this unforgettable story:
Every child is special.
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Like Stars on Earth - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Aamir Khan
Main Cast
- Darsheel Safary
- Aamir Khan
- Tisca Chopra
- Vipin Sharma
- Tanay Chheda
- Sachet Engineer
- Girija Oak
- Shankar Sachdev
- Rajgopal Iyer
- Ravi Khanvilkar
Writers
- Amole Gupte
Producers
- Aamir Khan
Like Stars on Earth - FAQs
Is Like Stars on Earth based on a true story?
Like Stars on Earth is not based on a single true story, but it draws on real experiences of children with dyslexia. Writer Amole Gupte conducted extensive research into learning disabilities and the Indian education system, grounding the film in authentic emotional and psychological realities faced by many children and families.
Where can you watch Like Stars on Earth?
Like Stars on Earth is available to rent on Google Play Movies and YouTube. Streaming availability may vary by region and can change over time. For a full and up-to-date list of viewing options in your area, check JustWatch, which tracks current platforms offering the film.
What is Like Stars on Earth about?
Like Stars on Earth follows Ishaan Awasthi, an eight-year-old with undiagnosed dyslexia who struggles in school and is sent to boarding school. There, a compassionate art teacher named Ram Shankar Nikumbh recognizes Ishaan's extraordinary creative gifts and fights to restore his confidence and joy.
Does Like Stars on Earth have a happy ending?
Yes, Like Stars on Earth ends on a deeply uplifting note. After teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh identifies Ishaan's dyslexia and nurtures his artistic talent, Ishaan wins a school art competition. The final scene, in which Ishaan joyfully reunites with his family, is widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's most emotionally resonant conclusions.
Who are the main actors in Like Stars on Earth?
Like Stars on Earth stars Darsheel Safary as the young protagonist Ishaan Awasthi and Aamir Khan as the transformative art teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh. The supporting cast includes Tisca Chopra as Ishaan's mother Maya, Vipin Sharma as his father, and Tanay Chheda as his classmate Rajan.
What is the age rating for Like Stars on Earth?
Like Stars on Earth is rated PG in the United States and received a U certificate in India, indicating it is suitable for general audiences including children. The film deals with themes of learning disabilities and parental pressure in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner without graphic content.
Did Like Stars on Earth win any awards?
Like Stars on Earth earned widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Film and Best Director for Aamir Khan. Darsheel Safary received multiple Best Child Actor honors. The film was also India's official submission to the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
Who directed Like Stars on Earth?
Like Stars on Earth was directed by Aamir Khan, marking his feature directorial debut. Khan, already one of Bollywood's most acclaimed actors, stepped behind the camera to tell this deeply personal story about childhood, learning differences, and the transformative power of empathetic teaching.
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