1. Ishan Awasthy – Taare Zameen Par
Ishaan expresses himself through color, as is evident in his brilliant paintings. And Nikumbh is quick enough to understand his language which is why he doesn’t enforce the pen-paper way of learning onto him. Ishaan learns through drawing alphabets on sand and molding them into clay. What makes the audience so attached to him is his outlook on life. He doesn’t confine himself to examination centers and grades, standing tall in his ‘Bindaas’ spirit as he rightfully says, Ishaan reminds us to not follow the crowd but embrace what sets you apart.
2. Michelle McNally – Black
Black is a tale of a deaf-blind woman Michelle (Rani Mukherjee) and the difficulties she combats on her journey to triumph both physically and socially. Inspired by the real-life story of Helen Keller, we find Michelle trapped in a world that is devoid of dight or sound. Her life changes irrevocably when she meets her unconventional and determined teacher Debraj Sahai (Amitabh Bachchan). What makes Michelle more than just a character with a disability, is her unrelentless pursuit of knowledge and how she achieves it – with grit and grace. One of the most moving moments in the film is the ‘intense interview scene’ where Michelle is facing a panel of intellectuals without the support of her mentor to gain admission to college. Despite being visually and audibly challenged, she surpasses all expectations with her unique answers and succeeds! Michelle’s journey from a naive child to a woman who commands attention in a room of able-bodied individuals becomes a striking reminder that when you can’t find the light when times get dark, you must be the light
3. Rohit Mehra – Koi Mil Gaya
4. Rizwan Khan – My Name is Khan
In a complete departure from Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King of Romance’ legacy, Rizwan is a delicate portrayal of a man with Asperger’s syndrome who travels across America with one simple message – ‘My name is khan, and I am not a terrorist’. Rizwan is not your typical Bollywood hero; he is socially awkward and sensitive to sound and touch. What makes him so close to the audience though is that he is all heart. He has had a very mature upbringing and therefore holds a strong moral compass. After the racial tragedy that separates him from Mandira (Kajol), he navigates the post 9/11 world to win her back. His story is a brilliant epitome of the fact that goodness needs no justification. The sheer resilience with which he sets out on his mission in a world that is clouded by hate makes him one of the most remarkable characters of all time.
5. Laila – Margherita with a Straw
In this refreshing coming-of-age story, Laila (Kalki Koechlin), is an aspiring lyricist diagnosed with cerebral palsy, navigating life from Delhi to New York and everything in between. From living in a cocoon protected by her parents to independently hitting a bar asking for a Margarita with a straw, Laila’s story is rather unconventional where the focus isn’t on having the audience pity her. Instead, the narrative revolves around her own experiences through heartbreak, independence, frustration, infatuation, and so much more. What makes Laila such a standout character is that she doesn’t box herself into cliches, she lives life on her own terms, she flirts, rebels, parties, loves music ardently, and expresses her desires without hesitation, part of the reason why the film received international acclaim.
6. Jhilmil Chatterjee – Barfi!
Hailed as one of Priyanka Chopra’s finest, Jhilmil from Barfi is someone who would never leave your side, sometimes even when you want her to. PC weaved soul into the role when she portrayed autism with such brilliance and innocence, bringing Jhilmil to life delicately. Jhilmil is someone who wears her emotions on her sleeve. As evidenced in the streetlight falling scene, she doesn’t move even an inch showing how incredibly loyal she is to Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor). She doesn’t shy away from mimicking Shruti’s (Eleana Dcruz) beautiful saree look and evokes empathy without asking for it. It is Jhilmil’s raw honesty and emotional vulnerability that lingers with the audience long after the film ends.
7. Auro – Paa
Auro played by Amitabh Bachchan is a compelling character who truly defines the meaning of growing up. He is a 12-year-old boy suffering with a rare condition called progeria, which makes him age faster. Despite being differently abled, Auro doesn’t let his disease come in the way of living his life. He plays mischievous tricks, makes quirky remarks, passes intellectual statements, and fiercely protects his dignity. Auro connects deeply with the audience for his humane endurance and deep insight. He is a lesson in empathy and wit – one awkward laugh and savage comeback at a time.
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