What Is Like Stars on Earth About?
The premise of Like Stars on Earth in 305 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling sprawl of Mumbai, eight-year-old Ishaan Awasthi moves through a world painted in colors, kites, and drifting fish — at least, that’s how he sees it. While the adults around him value neat handwriting, completed homework, and tidy answers, Ishaan’s mind wanders through canvases of imagination. His teachers and parents read his daydreams as disobedience, and his struggles to keep pace in the classroom are mistaken for laziness rather than something deeper. Despite his rich inner life, Ishaan is labeled a troublemaker, his worth measured by report cards that tell a story no one around him seems willing to question.
At home, the weight of expectation presses down from every corner. His father, Nandkishore, is a successful executive whose ambitions for his sons leave little room for wandering thoughts, while his elder brother Yohaan excels as both student and athlete, casting a long and unintentional shadow. His mother, Maya, loves him deeply but finds herself paralyzed by her inability to bridge the gap between her son’s vibrant mind and the rigid structures of formal education. Bound together by care yet divided by misunderstanding, the family faces a turning point as Ishaan’s repeated academic failures prompt a decision that promises to reshape everything.
When the familiar comforts of home give way to the imposing gates of a boarding school, Ishaan is plunged into a world far colder and more regimented than the one he left behind. The strict routines and unfamiliar faces offer little comfort to a boy already carrying the quiet burden of being told he is not enough. Yet within these walls of discipline, the seeds of change quietly take root — a subtle shift in atmosphere that hints at the kind of understanding Ishaan has never been offered, and the possibility that his world of colors might finally find its place.
What Happens in Like Stars on Earth?
The complete story of Like Stars on Earth, from the first scene to the last, in 585 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Ishaan is an 8-year-old boy residing in the bustling city of Mumbai, facing numerous challenges in the academic environment. His struggles are often misunderstood, with many labeling him as a troublemaker who simply dislikes learning. This misjudgment has led to Ishaan repeating the 3rd standard due to his previous year’s academic failures. His artistic talents and vibrant imagination are overlooked, leaving him feeling isolated. Ishaan’s father, Nandkishore Awasthi, is a high-powered executive with high expectations for his sons, and his mother, Maya Awasthi, a devoted homemaker, feels guilty for her inability to help Ishaan despite her deep love for him. Meanwhile, his older brother, Yohaan Awasthi, excels academically and athletically in tennis, further emphasizing Ishaan’s feelings of inadequacy.
One day, Ishaan’s parents are summoned by the principal, who expresses concerns regarding Ishaan’s behavioral issues and poor grades. The principal suggests they consider special schools, but Nandkishore dismisses this idea and chooses to send Ishaan away to a boarding school, a decision that frustrates both Maya and Yohaan. At the boarding school, Ishaan experiences profound loneliness, suffocating under a harsh environment that heightens his anxiety and depression. His only solace comes from his friendship with Rajan Damodaran, a physically disabled boy who excels in academics and is a fellow student at the school due to his father’s role on the school board.
In a moment of despair, Ishaan contemplates taking his own life, but Rajan intervenes just in time, enlightening him that the abusive art teacher, Mr. Holkar, has been replaced. Enter Ram Shankar Nikumbh, played by Aamir Khan, is a new, optimistic art instructor at the school, whose teaching philosophy starkly contrasts with that of Mr. Holkar. Upon recognizing Ishaan’s difficulties in class, Ram investigates further and soon discovers that Ishaan is struggling with dyslexia, a fact that has never been addressed by his family or teachers.
Ram takes the initiative to visit Ishaan’s home in Mumbai, where he uncovers Ishaan’s hidden passion for art. He then attempts to explain to Maya and Yohaan the challenges posed by dyslexia, showing them how it impacts Ishaan’s ability not just with letters but also in physical activities like sports. Sadly, Nandkishore dismisses Ram’s explanations as mere excuses for laziness, causing friction and frustration for Ram.
Returning to school, Ram sheds light on the topic of dyslexia during class, sharing stories of successful dyslexics to inspire Ishaan. He becomes a mentor to Ishaan, gaining the principal’s approval to tutor him personally. Through dedicated and specialized teaching methods, Ram helps Ishaan enhance his reading and writing skills, and gradually, Ishaan’s academic performance and spirit begin to flourish.
As the school year progresses, Nandkishore eventually acknowledges Ishaan’s difficulties after witnessing his efforts to read from a whiteboard. Embarrassed and remorseful, he realizes the depth of his misjudgment regarding his son. The culmination of the school year brings an arts and crafts contest organized by Ram, which is judged by esteemed artist Lalita Lajmi. In an inspiring turn of events, Ishaan’s artwork achieves first prize, while Ram’s portrait of Ishaan secures the runner-up position. The principal recognizes Ram’s contributions to the school by making him the permanent art teacher.
On the final day of school, Ishaan’s parents meet with his teachers and are left speechless by his transformation. Overcome with emotion, Nandkishore expresses his gratitude towards Ram. As Ishaan runs to Ram for a jubilant farewell hug, Ram lifts him up high and encourages him to return for another year, symbolizing the profound bond they have formed through their journey together.
Like Stars on Earth Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Ishaan's Struggles” to “Thankfulness and Farewell”. 13 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Ishaan's Struggles
Ishaan is an 8-year-old boy living in Mumbai who faces significant challenges in school. His difficulties with learning lead teachers and his family to label him as a troublemaker, and he has already repeated the third standard due to his poor academic performance.
Where:Mumbai
- 2
Parental Concerns
Ishaan's parents, Nandkishore and Maya, are troubled by their son's academic failures. They are called by the principal to discuss Ishaan's behavior and are advised to consider special schools for him, but Nandkishore dismisses this idea and opts to send Ishaan to a boarding school instead.
Where:School
- 3
Life at Boarding School
At boarding school, Ishaan quickly becomes overwhelmed with fear and anxiety due to the strict and often abusive regime of the teachers. He feels isolated and is unable to cope, further exacerbating his feelings of worthlessness and depression.
Where:Boarding School
- 4
Friendship with Rajan
Ishaan finds his only solace in a friendship with Rajan Damodaran, a physically disabled boy and one of the top students at the boarding school. However, Ishaan's mental state worsens to the point where he contemplates suicide, prompting Rajan to intervene.
Where:Boarding School
- 5
Arrival of Mr. Nikumbh
Ram Shankar Nikumbh, a young and optimistic art instructor, joins the boarding school as the temporary teacher after Mr. Holkar leaves. His cheerful disposition and innovative teaching methods immediately stand in stark contrast to the harsh environment Ishaan has been used to.
Where:Boarding School
- 6
Recognition of Dyslexia
Ram observes Ishaan's struggle during an art class where he fails to produce any work. After reviewing Ishaan's previous drawings, he suspects that Ishaan's academic failures stem from dyslexia, which has been overlooked by others.
Where:Boarding School
- 7
Visit to Ishaan's Home
Determined to help Ishaan, Ram visits his family and reveals his findings about Ishaan's dyslexia. However, he faces resistance from Nandkishore, who dismisses the diagnosis as laziness and fails to recognize the depth of Ishaan's struggles.
Where:Ishaan's Home
- 8
Understanding Dyslexia
Ram dedicates a class to educate students about dyslexia, presenting a list of successful dyslexics to inspire Ishaan. He connects with Ishaan on a personal level, sharing his own struggles and vowing to help him overcome his challenges.
Where:Boarding School
- 9
One-on-One Tutoring
With the principal's approval, Ram becomes Ishaan's private tutor. Utilizing specialized techniques, he begins to help Ishaan improve his reading and writing skills, leading to gradual but significant progress.
Where:Boarding School
- 10
Parental Realization
After learning more about dyslexia, Nandkishore watches Ishaan struggle to read in front of a board at school. Overcome with emotion and regret for his previous treatment of Ishaan, he begins to understand the love and support Ishaan needs.
Where:Boarding School
Show the other 3 events of Like Stars on Earth Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Arts and Crafts Contest
At the end of the school year, Ram organizes an arts and crafts contest for students and staff, judged by a renowned artist. Ishaan impresses everyone with his creativity and wins the contest, marking a significant achievement for him.
Where:Boarding School
- 12
Transformation Acknowledged
On the final day of school, Ishaan's parents meet with his teachers and are left astounded by the transformation in their son. They witness his newfound confidence and abilities, which leave them speechless and filled with pride.
Where:Boarding School
- 13
Thankfulness and Farewell
Grateful for Ram's support, Nandkishore expresses his sincere thanks to him for helping Ishaan. In a heartfelt moment, Ishaan runs to Ram, and Ram lifts him in a joyous hug, encouraging him to return next year at the boarding school.
Where:Boarding School
Who Are the Main Characters in Like Stars on Earth?
4 characters, among them Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi, Ram Shankar Nikumbh and Nandkishore Awasthi: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- IN
Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi
Played by Darsheel Safary
Ishaan is an imaginative, creative 8-year-old boy struggling with dyslexia, which makes it difficult for him to conform to academic expectations. His artistic talents are overshadowed by his challenges in traditional schooling, leading to emotional turmoil and feelings of isolation.
- 🎨 Art
- 📖 Learning Difficulties
- 😢 Struggle
-
Ram Shankar Nikumbh
Played by Aamir Khan
Ram is a young, optimistic art teacher who plays a pivotal role in identifying Ishaan's dyslexia. His unique teaching methods and genuine care help Ishaan regain confidence and flourish creatively. He represents hope and the transformative power of understanding in education.
- 👩🏫 Teacher
- 💪 Supportive
- 🌟 Optimism
- NA
Nandkishore Awasthi
Played by Vipin Sharma
Nandkishore is Ishaan's father, a successful executive who initially struggles to understand his son's challenges. His character arc reflects a journey of realization and remorse, ultimately leading to a more compassionate approach towards Ishaan's needs.
- 👨💼 Executive
- 😠 Pressure
- 💔 Growth
- MA
Maya Awasthi
Played by Tisca Chopra
Maya is Ishaan's mother and a homemaker who experiences frustration in trying to help her son. Her character evolves as she learns about dyslexia, showcasing the theme of parental understanding and the importance of support at home.
- 👩👧👦 Mother
- 🤔 Frustration
- 💙 Love
Where and When Is Like Stars on Earth Set?
Like Stars on Earth is set in Mumbai and Tulips School. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in a contemporary time period, reflecting modern educational challenges and societal expectations on children. Ishaan's struggles with dyslexia highlight the need for awareness and understanding within the education system.
Where
Mumbai, Tulips School
Mumbai is a bustling metropolis known for its vibrant culture and diverse population. It is a prominent financial center in India and is famous for its Bollywood film industry. The Tulips School is a specialized institution designed for young children with developmental disabilities, providing a nurturing environment for students to thrive.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏫 School
What Are the Themes of Like Stars on Earth?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Creativity, Empathy and Education.
-
01
Creativity
The theme of creativity runs deeply throughout the film, showcasing Ishaan's artistic talents despite the overwhelming pressure to conform to traditional academic standards. His journey emphasizes the importance of nurturing individual creativity and recognizing unique skills over standard metrics of success.
-
02
Empathy
Empathy is a central theme, illustrated through the transformation of Ishaan's parents and teachers as they learn to understand his condition. The film beautifully portrays how love, support, and understanding can lead to profound change in a child's life.
-
03
Education
Education is depicted as a double-edged sword, where traditional methods can fail to recognize the diverse needs of students. The film challenges educational norms and advocates for a more inclusive approach that accommodates different learning abilities.
What Kind of Film Is Like Stars on Earth?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An emotionally rich, hopeful drama that follows a misunderstood dyslexic boy through suffering and self-doubt before a compassionate teacher helps him rediscover himself through art.
- heartwarming
- uplifting
- tender
- moving
- nostalgic
- emotional
- dyslexia
- coming of age
- learning disabilities
- teacher student bond
Content notes: suicidal ideation, child emotional abuse, child neglect, bullying by authority figures.
Quiz
How well do you remember Like Stars on Earth? Test yourself on the story.
