Plot: What Is Like Stars on Earth About?
At the center of Like Stars on Earth (original title: तारे ज़मीन पर, Taare Zameen Par) is Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi, a young boy with a vivid imagination and a natural pull toward art. The trouble is school. Lessons, grades and tidy notebooks are what the grown-ups around him care about, and those are exactly the things Ishaan keeps failing at. To his parents and teachers, his struggles look like laziness or bad behavior, and tension builds at home, especially with his father.
His family eventually decides to send him away to a boarding school, hoping the discipline will straighten him out. Lonely and far from home, Ishaan seems to sink even further. Then Ram Shankar Nikumbh, a new art teacher, arrives and notices something in the boy that others have missed.
The film is a hopeful, emotional drama about childhood, learning differences such as dyslexia, and the bond between teachers and students. Its tagline sums up its message: “Every child is special.”

What Makes It Notable
- Aamir Khan behind and in front of the camera: The film marks Aamir Khan’s work as director. He also plays the teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh and produced it through Aamir Khan Productions, alongside PVR Inox Pictures and UTV Motion Pictures.
- A young lead at the heart of the story: Darsheel Safary plays Ishaan. Tisca Chopra and Vipin Sharma play Maya and Nandkishore Awasthi, and Sachet Engineer plays Yohaan Awasthi.
- Supporting cast: Tanay Chheda (Rajan Damodaran), Girija Oak (Jabeen), Shankar Sachdev (Tiwari Sir), Rajgopal Iyer (George Sir) and Ravi Khanvilkar (Mr. Holkar).
- Written by Amole Gupte: The screenplay focuses on parent-child relationships, school pressure and a child’s inner world.
- Origin and format: This is an Indian Hindi-language drama, first released on December 20, 2007, with a runtime of 162 minutes (about 2 hours 42 minutes).
- Tone: The film leans hopeful and openly sentimental. Viewers who like heartfelt, tear-jerking family dramas will feel at home.
Looking for a review score? The Drama4U Score is shown separately on this page.
Who Will Enjoy It
- Parents and teachers interested in stories about how children learn and grow
- Fans of Aamir Khan and heartfelt Bollywood dramas
- Viewers who enjoy emotional, uplifting films about childhood and family
- Anyone drawn to stories about art, creativity and finding your own voice
- Families looking for a meaningful movie to discuss together
Release Date & Where to Watch in the Philippines
Like Stars on Earth is not a new film. It was first released on December 20, 2007. A specific Philippine release date has not been announced in the available data.
For streaming, the film is not yet listed for the Philippines in TMDB/JustWatch data as of October 24, 2026. Availability on local platforms can change, so check your preferred streaming services for updates. The original audio is in Hindi, so Filipino viewers will most likely watch it with English subtitles.
Cast
Darsheel Safaryas Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi
Aamir Khanas Ram Shankar NikumbhSee credits →
Tisca Chopraas Maya Awasthi
Vipin Sharmaas Nandkishore Awasthi
Tanay Chhedaas Rajan Damodaran
Sachet Engineeras Yohaan Awasthi
Girija Oakas JabeenSee credits →- Shankar Sachdevas Tiwari Sir
Photo: TMDB
FAQ
- When was Like Stars on Earth released in the Philippines?
- The film was first released on December 20, 2007. A specific Philippine release date has not been announced in the available data.
- Where can I watch Like Stars on Earth in the Philippines?
- As of October 24, 2026, no streaming option for the Philippines is listed in TMDB/JustWatch data yet. Check local streaming platforms, since availability can change.
- Who is in the cast of Like Stars on Earth?
- Darsheel Safary plays Ishaan Awasthi and Aamir Khan plays the teacher Ram Shankar Nikumbh. They are joined by Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Tanay Chheda, Sachet Engineer, Girija Oak, Shankar Sachdev, Rajgopal Iyer and Ravi Khanvilkar.
- Who directed and wrote Like Stars on Earth?
- Aamir Khan directed the film, and Amole Gupte wrote it.
- How long is Like Stars on Earth?
- The film runs 162 minutes, which is about 2 hours and 42 minutes. It is in Hindi.

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