Previously in Indian cinema, successful actors or filmmakers usually launched their sons in the industry but not their daughters. Later on, this stereotype was broken by the actor and director Kishore Sahu. In 1967, he made a feminist movie Hare Kanch Ki Chooriyan while introducing his daughter Naina Sahu into the industry. Things have however changed now and today many success stories have been written by daughters of celebrated fathers.

This Father's Day, we present father-daughter duos who have contributed to the world of entertainment with their immense talent

Shriya and Sachin Pilgaokar

Sachin Pilgaonkar began his career as a child actor in 1962 and also starred in many successful films as a solo lead in films like 'Geet Gaata Chal', 'Balika Vadhu', 'Ankhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se' and 'Nadiya Ke Paar'. The actor who has also made a name for himself in Marathi cinema as a director is now proudly watching over his daughter Shriya who has established herself as a critically acclaimed actor in cinema, theatre and the OTT space. Shriya has starred in Zee Theatre's teleplay 'Internal Affairs', OTT hits 'Guilty Minds', 'Broken News', 'Mirzapur' and films like 'Fan.' She began her acting career as a five-year-old in her father's directorial 'Tu Tu Main Main' where her mother Supriya Pilgaonkar also starred. Today Shriya attributes her creativity to Sachin and fondly recalls the story-telling sessions he nourished her imagination with.

 Sonam and Anil Kapoor

Sonam was just a little girl in the early 90s when she first appeared on camera with her father in a public service song. Anil Kapoor, who started with bit parts in the late 70s was by now a leading star with hits like 'Parinda', 'Karma', 'Mr. India', 'Tezaab', and 'Ram Lakhan' behind him. He remains a much-in-demand actor even today and is also a successful producer. Sonam, his firstborn, began her career as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the film 'Black' and debuted as an actor with Saawariya (2007). She also starred with her father in' Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga.' Apart from delivering hits like 'Raanjhanaa', 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', 'Sanju', 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', 'Neerja', and 'Veere Di Wedding', Sonam has also made a name for herself as a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights.

Shikha and Tiku Talsania

Tiku Talsania is a film, theatre and television veteran who shot into prominence in 1984 with Doordarshan's beloved comedy 'Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi'. He went on to star in multiple TV shows and also in hits like 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin', 'Bol Radha Bol', 'Andaz Apna Apna' 'Ishq' and 'Devdas.' His daughter Shikha Talsania has also carved a niche for herself in projects like the Zee Theatre teleplays 'Yeh Shaadi Nahi Ho Sakti' and 'Internal Affairs.' She was also appreciated in cinematic hits like 'Wake Up Sid', 'Veere Di Wedding', 'Coolie No. 1' and 'I Hate Luv Storys.' Watching her father rehearse his plays familiarised her with the magic of theatre and then there was no looking back.

Alia and Mahesh Bhatt

In a TV show celebrating the life and work of director Mahesh Bhatt, Alia Bhatt who was a preteen then, announced that she would be an actor one day. Surprisingly, she did not rely on her father to give her a break even though Bhatt had been responsible for introducing the likes of Anupam Kher, Rahul Roy, Anu Aggarwal and many others. Bhatt emerged as a major cinematic voice in the 80s and 90s with films like 'Arth', 'Saaransh', 'Naam', 'Daddy,' 'Aashiqui', 'Dil Hai Ki Manta Nahin', 'Sadak' and many more. Alia has inherited his passion for cinema and since her debut in 'Student of the Year,' has emerged as a powerful actor with hits like 'Udta Punjab', 'Raazi', 'Gully Boy', 'Highway', 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' and 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani'. She has also forayed into film production with black comedy 'Darlings' in 2022. The father and daughter duo also worked together in 'Sadak 2.'

These duos have not only contributed to Indian cinema but have also broken a stereotype that has been in the industry for decades. By acknowledging these duos let's celebrate this Father's Day.