I.

Introductory Paragraph

The movie Like Stars on Earth is a very inspiring story about a boy (Ishaan) who
has dyslexia- a specific learning disability in reading. With the help of his art teacher he
was able to express his dreams and desire.

Title: Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on Earth) by Aamir Khan

Publication Information: Released on December 21, 2007 in INDIA, 2h 45min
Genre: Drama, Family, Musical
Movies thesis/Theme/ Purpose: Every child is special. Every child has their own
capabilities, dreams and desires. Raise awareness for dyslexic individuals.

II. BODY
SUMMARY OF THE PLOT
Ishaan Awasthi is an eight year old boy and a third grade student who has
trouble in reading and solving mathematical problems but very talented and very
imaginative. He is the exact opposite of his brother, Yohaan, a scholar and an athlete.
According to Ishaan the words and numbers are dancing. His teachers not knowing
about his real learning condition always berated him and sends him outside the
classroom as his punishment. Soon he begin skipping school and deliberately showing
behavior to avoid trouble and or bad test results. One day he asked his brother to forge
the signature of his mother to allow him to be excuse in the class. Later on it was
discovered by his parents when they were called in the principals office. His father,
Nandkishore Awasthi, decided to transfer and send him in a very strict boarding school
New Era Boarding School. Ishaans mother, Maya Awasthi though is frustrated because
he cant help his child. Ishaan became so depressed that he would be separated from his
family. He even had a flipbook showing a boy slowly departing from his family.
Things are no different in his new school plus an added trauma of not seeing his
family. He was bullied and belittled because he is poor in writing and cant read but
Rajan Damodharan, a physically disabled boy befriended him. One day, a new art
teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh, came to their class. He is good in painting full of joy
and very optimistic. He entered the class in clown costume and began singing and
dancing. Ram notice Ishaans behavior and sets out to discover why. He first ask
Ishaans friend, Rajan, he said Ishaan has lots of red markings in his books, he discovered
that his handwritings are similar to what he has been years ago. He went to Ishaans
house and talked to his parents. Ishaans mother showed Ishaans notebooks and
drawings. He then explained that Ishaan is suffering from dyslexia a learning disability
that can cause problems with reading, writing and spelling and that he needs help and
support. Ram Shankar Nikumbh returns to school and consequently he discuss about
dyslexia in the class. He showed a list of famous people who were dyslexic, Albert
Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci to name a few and later on he revealed that he too is
dyslexic and faced the same problems similar to Ishaan. Ram Shankar Nikumbh became
so persistent to help Ishaan. He speaks with the principal that Ishaan needed time to
learn because he has dyslexia. Soon he became Ishaans personal tutor. He gives him his
time and patiently working together to improve his learnings. Soon after Ishaan finally
find himself. He can now read and write.
One day his teacher headed a painting contest that is open to all, whether
students or teachers. This is actually to showcase that Ishaans work is exceptional and
that he is worth giving a shot. Early morning Ishaan woke up and find his inspiration
outside. The contest already started but Ishaan is nowhere to be seen. Ram became so
worried because Ishaan might lose his big day. Luckily, Ishaan like a star on Earth, stood
up, prepared with his art materials, he then find his place to start on his canvass. In the
end Ishaan won the contest and became the cover of their schools yearbook. His
parents were so proud that he is no longer belittled by his teachers instead they only
hear words that are uplifting to their child.
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

The Director successfully achieved his purpose of reminding us, that every child is
special. They have their own capabilities, dreams and desires even a child who has learning or
mental disability. It has shown that even in todays world, a lot of formal schools are directed to
teach students to compete, succeed and make future that more often than not the individual
difference of every child is neglected. Sometimes what a person can offer to the world is not
one of the major interest areas such as science or mathematics. Encouragement should be
given where children excel, though it may be art or another. Education is for all and everyone
should have an equal opportunity.
The characters are well portrayed accompanied by right timing of music. The
soundtracks are just so perfect which sets the mood of the scenes. This is actually the strengths
of the movie, its musical sequence are just so seamless which establish the feelings of each
characters. Although the music is in Hindi, the English translation helps me understand the
songs and I was moved and touched by the heartfelt tracks particularly when Ishaan cried in
loneliness in his first days in boarding school. I then realize how hard it was for a young child to
be completely away from his family.
Although the movie portrays the current situation in the actual classroom and in home I
believed that the script missed the side of the parents. Teacher Ram, should also explain to
Ishaan that he was truly loved by his parents, they just dont know about his learning problem.
They are not aware and dont know how to handle this kind of condition. But in totality, I would
personally recommend this movie to be viewed by many including teachers and parents. And as
future teachers we need to understand that every child has individual differences. We should
put extra attention to students with learning problems. As parent one should also be mindful of
what their childs condition, acceptance, support and love