View source for Taare Zameen Par

{{short description|2007 Indian film by Aamir Khan}}
{{About|the 2007 film|2020 television series|Taare Zameen Par (TV series)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Taare Zameen Par
| image          = Taare Zameen Par Like Stars on Earth poster.png
| alt            = A smiling, young Indian boy sits at a desk with his head resting on his folded arms in front of him. Behind him and to his right, a young Indian man is doing the same and is looking at the boy. Above them is the film's title "{{Lang|hi-latn|Taare Zameen Par}}" with the subtitle of "Every Child is Special". Drawings of a bird, plane, octopus, and fish are in the background.
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Aamir Khan]]
| producer       = [[Aamir Khan]]
| writer         = [[Amole Gupte]]
| starring       = [[Darsheel Safary]]<br />[[Aamir Khan]]<br />[[Tisca Chopra]]<br />[[Vipin Sharma]]<br />[[Tanay Chheda]]
| music          = '''Score:'''<br/>[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]<br/>'''Songs:'''<br/>[[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]]<br />Shailendra Barve
| cinematography = [[Satyajit Pande]] (Setu)
| editing        = [[Deepa Bhatia]]
| studio         = Aamir Khan Productions<br />[[PVR Pictures]]
| distributor    = [[PVR Pictures]]<!-- do NOT include international distributors -->
| released       = {{Film date|2007|12|21|df=yes}}
| runtime        = 164 minutes<ref name="Runtime">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/taare-zameen-par-every-child-special-2007-0 |title=TAARE ZAMEEN PAR (PG) – British Board of Film Classification |date=17 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205240/http://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/taare-zameen-par-every-child-special-2007-0 |archive-date=29 October 2013 |access-date=23 October 2012}}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = Hindi
| budget         = {{INR|12 crore}}<ref name="numbers" />
| gross          = {{INR|98.48 crore}}<ref name="bo">{{Cite web|title=Taare zameen par Box Office|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/taare-zameen-par/box-office/|access-date=28 December 2023|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=15 February 2008}}</ref>
}}

'''''Taare Zameen Par''''' ({{literal translation|Stars on the Ground}}), also known as '''''Like Stars on Earth''''' in English, is a 2007 Indian [[Hindi]]-language [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] produced and directed by [[Aamir Khan]]. It stars Khan, with [[Darsheel Safary]], [[Tanay Chheda]], [[Vipin Sharma]] and [[Tisca Chopra]]. It explores the life and imagination of Ishaan (Safary), an artistically gifted 8-year-old boy whose poor academic performance leads his parents to send him to a [[boarding school]], where a new art teacher Nikumbh (Khan) suspects that he is [[dyslexic]] and helps him to overcome his reading disorder. The film focuses on raising awareness about [[autism]] and [[Mental disorder|psychiatric disability]] in children.

Creative director and writer [[Amole Gupte]] developed the idea with his wife [[Deepa Bhatia]], who was the film's editor. [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] composed the score, and [[Prasoon Joshi]] wrote the lyrics for many of the songs. Principal photography took place in [[Mumbai]], and in [[Panchgani]]'s [[New Era High School]], where some of the school's students participated in the filming.

''Taare Zameen Par'' made its theatrical debut in India on 21 December 2007. It was commercially successful, earning {{INR|98.48 crore}} gross worldwide.<ref name="bo" /> It received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its story, screenplay, direction, dialogues, soundtrack, and performances. It also helped raise awareness about dyslexia.

A recipient of [[List of accolades received by Taare Zameen Par|several accolades]], ''Taare Zameen Par'' was [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film|India's official entry]] at the [[81st Academy Awards]] for [[Academy Award for Best International Feature Film|Best Foreign Film]], but was not nominated. At the [[55th National Film Awards]], it won 3 awards: [[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare|Best Film on Family Welfare]], [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics|Best Lyrics]] ([[Prasoon Joshi]] for "Maa") and [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer|Best Male Playback Singer]] ([[Shankar Mahadevan]] for "Maa"). At the [[53rd Filmfare Awards]], it received 11 nominations, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor|Best Actor]] (Safary), [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor|Best Supporting Actor]] (Aamir Khan) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] (Chopra), and won a leading 5 awards, including [[Filmfare Award for Best Film|Best Film]], [[Filmfare Award for Best Director|Best Director]] (Aamir Khan) and [[Filmfare Award for Best Lyricist|Best Lyricist]] (Joshi for "Maa").

== Plot ==
Ishaan is an 8-year-old boy living in [[Mumbai]], who has trouble following school. He is assumed by all to simply hate learning and deemed a troublemaker, and is belittled for it. He has even repeated the [[3rd grade|3rd standard]] due to his academic failures from the previous year. Ishaan's imagination, creativity and talent for art and painting are often disregarded. Ishaan's father, Nandkishore Awasthi, is a successful executive who expects his sons to excel and his mother, Maya, is a homemaker who is frustrated by her inability to educate Ishaan. His elder brother Yohaan is an exemplary student and tennis player in whose shadow Ishaan remains, though he is the most supportive of Ishaan. 

One day after Ishaan [[Truancy|bunks]] school, his parents are called by the principal to discuss his behavior and grades. Due to Ishaan's failures, lack of improvement and rebellious behavior, Nandkishore sends him to a [[boarding school]] despite Maya and Yohaan's protests. Alone there, Ishaan rapidly sinks into a state of fear, anxiety and [[depression (mood)|depression]], which is only worsened by the teachers' strict and abusive regime. Ishaan's only friend is Rajan Damodaran, a physically disabled boy who is one of the top students and resides with his family there, as his father is part of the school's board. Ishaan contemplates suicide one day, but is stopped thanks to Rajan's interference. Rajan subsequently informs Ishaan that Mr. Holkar, the boarding school's strict and abusive art teacher, has left and is being replaced by someone else.

Ram Shankar Nikumbh, a young, cheerful and optimistic instructor at the Tulips School for young children with [[Developmental disability|developmental disabilities]], joins as the boarding school's temporary art teacher the same day, replacing Mr. Holkar. Ram's teaching style is markedly different from Holkar's, and he quickly notes Ishaan's unhappiness after Ishaan fails to draw anything during the class. Ram reviews Ishaan's work and concludes that his academic shortcomings are indicative of [[dyslexia]]. Ram then visits Ishaan's house in Mumbai, where he is surprised to discover Ishaan's hidden interest in art. Ram demonstrates to Maya and Yohaan how Ishaan has extreme difficulty in understanding letters and words due to dyslexia and his poverty in sports skills stems from his poor motor ability (which also applies to his difficulty in tying shoelaces and judging the size, speed and distance of a ball). However, Nandkishore labels it as an intellectual disability (as well as an excuse) and dismisses it as laziness, much to Ram's frustration.

Back at school, Ram brings up the topic of dyslexia in a class by offering a [[List of people with dyslexia|list of famous dyslexic people]]. Ram comforts Ishaan, telling him how he struggled as a child as well. Ram obtains the principal's permission to become Ishaan's tutor. With gradual care, Ram works to improve Ishaan's reading and writing by using [[Dyslexia#Management|remedial techniques]] developed by dyslexia specialists. Eventually, both Ishaan's demeanor and grades improve. One day, Nandkishore visits the school and tells Ram that he and Maya have read up on dyslexia and understand the condition. Ram mentions that what Ishaan needs more than understanding is that someone loves him. Outside, Nandkishore sees Ishaan attempting to read from a board. With teary eyes, Nandkishore is unable to face his son and walks away.

At the end of the school year, Ram organises an arts and crafts contest for the staff and students, judged by artist [[Lalita Lajmi]]. Ishaan's work makes him the winner and Ram, who paints Ishaan's portrait, is declared the runner-up. The principal announces that Ram has been hired as the boarding school's permanent art teacher. When Ishaan's parents meet Ishaan's teachers on the last day of school, they are left speechless by the transformation within him. Overcome with emotion, Nandkishore thanks Ram. Before leaving, Ishaan runs toward Ram, who lifts him high up in a hug, advising him to come back next year.

== Cast ==
[[File:DarsheelSafary.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|alt=A smiling, young Indian boy wearing a red T-shirt, blue and white jacket, and red hat.|165px|right|[[Darsheel Safary]]'s initial screen test lacked dialogue. [[Aamir Khan]] said that when he saw Safary's expressive face, he instantly knew: "That's the child. He is Ishaan."<ref>Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making.... Event occurs at approximately 3:50</ref>]]
[[File:The Ms. Tisca Chopra, lead Actor of “Tare Jamin Par” addressing at the Press Conference, during the 39th International Film Festival (IFFI-2008) in Panaji, Goa. The Director (M&amp;C), PIB, Ms. Prabhavati Akashi is also seen.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[Tisca Chopra]], lead actress, addressing a press conference at the 39th International Film Festival (IFFI-2008) in [[Panaji]], [[Goa]]]]
* [[Darsheel Safary]] as Ishaan Nandkishore Awasthi, Nandkishore's and Maya's second son and Yohaan's younger brother<ref name=leap />
** Veer Mohan as Young Ishaan 
* [[Aamir Khan]] as Ram Shankar Nikumbh, An art teacher at New Era High School and Ishaan's tutor, tuition teacher<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/28/3515/index.html |title=In 2002, Taare Zameen Par was still called and registered as High Jump |date=28 January 2008 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080521010001/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/01/28/3515/index.html |archive-date=21 May 2008 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref>
* [[Tisca Chopra]] as Maya Nandkishore Awasthi, Nandkishore's wife and Yohaan's and Ishaan's mother<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 16:00</ref>
* [[Vipin Sharma]] as Nandkishore Awasthi, Maya's husband and Yohaan's and Ishaan's father<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 40:00</ref>
* Sachet Engineer as Yohaan Nandkishore Awasthi, Nandkishore's and Maya's first son and Ishaan's elder brother 
** Aniket Engineer as Young Yohaan
* [[Tanay Chheda]] as Rajan Damodran, Ishaan's best friend and classmate at New Era High School 
* Ramit Gupta as Ranjeet
* [[Neelam Kothari]] as Special Education teacher of Ishaan's former school, St. Anthony's School
* [[Girija Oak]] as Jabeen Khan, Ram's co-worker
* Bugs Bhargava and Shankar Sachdev as Mr. Sen and Mr. Tiwari, Two teachers of New Era High School<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 56:45</ref>
* [[M. K. Raina]] as Headmaster, principal of New Era High School
* Pratima Kulkarni as Principal of St. Anthony's School
* [[Meghna Malik]] as Victoria Teacher, class and maths teacher of Ishaan's former school, St. Anthony's School
* [[Sonali Sachdev]] as Irene Teacher, English teacher of St. Anthony's school

== Production ==
=== Development ===
The husband and wife team of [[Amole Gupte]] and Deepa Bhatia developed the story that eventually became {{Lang|hi-latn|Taare Zameen Par}} as a way of understanding why some children could not conform to a conventional educational system. Their work began as a short story that evolved into a screenplay over seven years. Bhatia said in an interview with ''[[The Hindu]]'' that her original inspiration was the childhood of Japanese filmmaker [[Akira Kurosawa]], who did poorly in school. She cited a specific place in Kurosawa's biography where he began to excel after meeting an attentive art teacher, and said that it "became the inspiration for how a teacher could transform the life of a student".<ref name="leap">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008020350030200.htm&date=2008/02/03/&prd=mag& |title=A leap of faith |last=Vij |first=Gauri |date=3 February 2008 |website=The Hindu |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407235243/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008020350030200.htm&date=2008%2F02%2F03%2F&prd=mag& |archive-date=7 April 2008 |access-date=11 April 2008}}</ref>

While developing the character of a young boy based on Kurosawa, Bhatia and Gupte explored some possible reasons why he failed in school. Their research led them to the Maharashtra Dyslexia Association and Parents for a Better Curriculum for the Child (PACE). Dyslexia eventually became the central topic and theme of the film. The pair worked with dyslexic children to research and develop the screenplay, basing characters and situations on their observations. Bhatia and Gupte carefully concealed the children's identities in the final version of the script.<ref name=leap />

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="While Amole has written what I think is a brilliant and moving script, his contribution towards the film is not limited to that of a writer. The entire pre-production was done by him including the most important task of creating the music&nbsp;... he has been present on set throughout the shooting as the Creative Director, and has been a big support and strong guiding force in my debut as a director. I thank him for that, and more so for having the faith in me by entrusting to me something that is so close to him."|source=— Aamir Khan<ref name=official />}}

Khan and Gupte first met in college. Khan has said that he admired Gupte's abilities as an actor, writer, and painter. Three years before the film's release, Gupte brought Khan to the project as a producer and actor. Gupte himself was to direct,<ref name="official">{{Cite web |url=http://www.taarezameenpar.com/ |title=Director's Note: Official website for ''Taare Zameen Par'' |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410164112/http://taarezameenpar.com/ |archive-date=10 April 2008 |access-date=11 April 2008}}</ref> but the first week's [[dailies]] were a great disappointment to Khan, who "lost faith in Amole and his capability of translating on screen what he had so beautifully written on paper".<ref name="directed">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/05/21/2665/index.html |title="Yes, I have directed Taare Zameen Par"&nbsp;– Aamir Khan |last=Singh |first=Harneet |date=21 May 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728040211/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/05/21/2665/index.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=11 April 2008}}</ref> Khan was on the verge of withdrawing his participation in the film because of these "creative differences",<ref name=directed /><ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 5:00</ref> but Gupte kept him on board by stepping down as director. Contrary to Khan's claim, Gupte lashed out saying that after the wrap-up party, Khan announced that he was the director of the film, despite Gupte acting as director.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/amol-gupte-lashes-out-at-amir-khan/story-u0WHsrzySB1HKzWCQ0wygK.html |title=Amol Gupte lashes out at Amir Khan |date=10 April 2008 |website=hindustantimes |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404122601/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/amol-gupte-lashes-out-at-amir-khan/story-u0WHsrzySB1HKzWCQ0wygK.html |archive-date=4 April 2016}}</ref> Had it been necessary to hire a third party, production would have been postponed for 6–8&nbsp;months as the new director prepared for the film. Keen to keep Safary as Ishaan—the actor might have aged too much for the part had production been delayed—Khan took over the role of director.<ref name=directed /> ''Taare Zameen Par'' was Khan's first experience in the dual role of actor and director. He has admitted that the transition was challenging, stating that while he had always wanted to direct a film, it was unknown territory for him.<ref name="bends">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1141271 |title=Aamir bends the rules |date=24 December 2007 |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102183343/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_aamir-bends-the-rules_1141271 |archive-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=21 April 2008}}</ref> Gupte remained on set, "guiding [Khan] and, at times, even correcting [him]".<ref name=directed />

=== Title and translation ===
Initially, the film was to retain the short story's title of "High Jump", which referenced Ishaan's inability to achieve the [[high jump]] in gym class. This subplot, which was filmed but later cut, would have tied into the original ending for the movie. In this planned ending, a "ghost image" separates from Ishaan after the art competition and runs to the sports field; the film would end on a freeze frame of Ishaan's "ghost image" successfully making the leap. Aamir Khan disliked this proposed ending and convinced Gupte to rewrite it.

With the working title no longer relevant,<ref name="deleted">{{cite video |people=Khan, Aamir |date=12 January 2010 |title=Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: Deleted Scenes |medium=DVD |publisher=Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment}}</ref> Khan, Gupte, and Bhatia discussed several alternatives,<ref name=proud /> eventually deciding on ''Taare Zameen Par.'' Possible translations of this title include ''Stars on the Ground''<ref name=ground /> and ''Like Stars on Earth''.<ref name=reutersosc /> According to Khan:

{{blockquote|
''Taare Zameen Par'' is a film about children and it is a film which celebrates the abilities of children. ''Taare Zameen Par'' is a title which denotes that aspect. It is a title with a very positive feel to it. All the kids are special and wonderful. They are like stars on earth. This particular aspect gave birth to the title.<ref name="proud">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/18/3372/index.html |title=TZP makes me a proud actor, producer and a director |last=Patel |first=Devansh |date=18 December 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205055324/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/18/3372/index.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=dead |access-date=12 May 2009}}</ref>}}

=== Filming ===
Principal photography took place in India over five months.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 20:00</ref> Khan spent his first two days as director [[Blocking (stage)|blocking]] the first scene to be filmed: Ishaan returning home from school and putting away his recently collected fish.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 10:15</ref> Believing the audience should not be aware of the camera, he chose a simple shooting style that involved relatively little [[Cinematography#Camera movement|camera movement]].<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 15:15</ref>

The opening scene of Ishaan collecting fish outside his school was shot on location and at [[Film City, Mumbai|Film City]]. The shots of Ishaan took place at the former, while those involving the gutter [[Vivarium|terrarium]] were filmed at a water tank at the latter. The tank's water often became murky, forcing production to constantly empty and refill it, and causing the scene to take eight hours to film.<ref name="2:45">''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 2:45</ref> The film's next sequence involved Ishaan playing with two dogs. To compensate for the "absolutely petrified" Safary, most joint shots used a body double, though other portions integrated close-up shots of the actor.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 8:30</ref> Ishaan's nightmare—he becomes separated from his mother at a train station and she departs on a train while he is trapped in a crowd—was filmed in Mumbai on a permanent railway-station set. To work around the train set piece's immobility, production placed the camera on a moving trolley to create the illusion of a departing train. For the sequences related from the mother's point of view—shot from behind the actress—Chopra stood on a trolley next to a recreated section of the train's door.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 48:00</ref>

All the school sequences were filmed on location. The production team searched for a Mumbai school with an "oppressive" feel to establish the "heaviness of being in a metropolitan school",<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 10:00</ref> and eventually chose [[:Category:Jesuit schools in India|St. Xavier's School]].<ref name="dvd">{{cite video |date=12 January 2010 |title=Like Stars on Earth |medium=DVD |publisher=Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment}}</ref> As the school is situated along a main road filming took place on weekends, to minimise the background noise, but an early scene in which Ishaan is sent out of the classroom was filmed on the day of the [[Mumbai Marathon]]. The production staff placed acrylic sheets invisible to the naked eye on the classroom windows to mask the sounds of nearby crowds and helicopters.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 23:00</ref> [[New Era High School]] served as Ishaan's boarding school. The change of setting was a "breath of fresh air" for the production crew, who moved from Ishaan's small house in Mysore Colony, [[Chembur]] to the "vast, beautiful environs" of [[Panchgani]].<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 11:00</ref>

Production relied on [[stock footage]] for the brief scene of a bird feeding its babies. Khan carefully selected a clip to his liking, but learned three weeks before the film's release that the footage was not available in the proper format. With three days to replace it or else risk delaying the release, Khan made do with what he could find. He says that he "cringes" every time he sees it.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:00:15</ref>

=== Children ===
Real schoolchildren participated throughout the movie's filming. Khan credited them with the film's success, and was reportedly very popular with them.<ref name=bends /> Furthermore, Khan placed a high priority on the day-to-day needs of his child actors, and went to great lengths to attend to them.<ref name=proud /> The production staff made sure that the students were never idle, and always kept them occupied outside of filming.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 16:00</ref> New Era Faculty Coordinator Douglas Lee thought the experience not only helped the children to learn patience and co-operation, but also gave them a better understanding of how they should behave towards children like Ishaan who have problems in school.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 35:00</ref> Because filming at New Era High School occurred during the winter holiday, those portraying Ishaan's classmates gave up their vacation to participate.<ref name="bumbum">''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:11:30</ref> To fill in the campus background, students from nearby schools were also brought in.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 18:00</ref> A total of 1,500&nbsp;children were used for wide-shots of the film's art-fair climax; medium shots only required 400&nbsp;students.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 2:14:00</ref>

New to acting, the children often made errors such as staring into the camera, and Khan resorted to unorthodox methods to work around their rookie mistakes. For example, an early scene in the film featured a school assembly; Khan wanted the students to act naturally and to ignore the principal's speech, but recognised that this would be a difficult feat with cameras present. First Assistant Director Sunil Pandey spoke continuously in an attempt to "bore the hell out of [them]", and they eventually lost interest in the filming and behaved normally.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 21:00</ref> A later scene involved Nikumbh enlightening his class about famous people with dyslexia, and the children's responses to his speech were the last portion to be filmed. Having already spent 3–4&nbsp;days hearing the dialogue the children's reactions were "jaded". Khan opted to film them while he recited a tale, and manipulated his storytelling to achieve the varying spontaneous reactions.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:49:00</ref> The following scene had the children playing around a nearby pond. Horrified when he learned that the water was {{convert|15|ft}} deep, Khan recruited four lifeguards in case a child fell in.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:56:00</ref>

Khan found it important that the audience connect the film to real children, and had Pandey travel throughout India filming documentary-style footage of children from all walks of life. Those visuals were integrated into the end credits.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 2:35:00</ref>

=== Art and animation ===
While [[Clay animation|claymation]] has been used in Indian television commercials,<ref name="cp">{{Cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080403/jsp/careergraph/story_9086718.jsp |title=Clay play |date=3 April 2008 |work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |access-date=30 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118183929/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080403/jsp/careergraph/story_9086718.jsp |archive-date=18 January 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Calcutta, India}}</ref> the film's title sequence—a representation of Ishaan's imagination<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 6:30</ref>—marked its first instance in a Bollywood film.<ref name="title">{{Cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/taare-zameen-par-brings-clay-animation-to-bollywood/56787-8.html |title=Taare Zameen Par brings clay animation to Bollywood |last=Pillai |first=Varsha |date=18 January 2008 |publisher=[[CNN-IBN]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111164620/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/taare-zameen-par-brings-clay-animation-to-bollywood/56787-8.html |archive-date=11 January 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=30 July 2010}}</ref> Khan gave claymation artist Dhimant Vyas free rein over the various elements.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 53:45</ref> The storyboarding took one and a half months and the shooting required 15&nbsp;days.<ref name=cp /> The "3 into 9" sequence, in which Ishaan delves into his imagination to solve a math problem, was originally conceived as a 3D animation. Halfway through its creation, however, Khan felt it was not turning out as he had envisioned it. Khan scrapped the project and hired Vaibhav Kumaresh, who hand-drew the scene as a 2D animation.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 51:30</ref>

Artist [[Samir Mondal]] composed Ishaan and Nikumbh's art-fair watercolor paintings. He held a workshop with the schoolchildren, and incorporated elements from their artwork into Ishaan's.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 41:00</ref> Mondal also instructed Khan on a painter's typical mannerisms and movements.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 43:00</ref> Gupte created the rest of Ishaan's artwork and Assistant Art Director Veer Nanavati drew Ishaan's flipbook.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:38:00</ref> The art department's designs for Ishaan's school notebooks disappointed Khan, who had familiarized himself with dyslexic writing. Using his left hand, Khan instead wrote it himself.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:26:15</ref>

=== Musical sequences ===
The musical sequence of "Jame Raho" establishes the characters of the four members of Ishaan's family; for example, the father is hardworking and responsible, and Yohaan is an "ideal son" who does all the right things. A robotic style of music overlaps most of the sequence—this is mirrored by the machine-like morning routines of the mother, father, and Yohaan—but changes for Ishaan's portion to imply that he is different from the rest. This concept is furthered by [[Slow motion#In action films|speed ramping]] and having the camera sway with the music to create a distinct style.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 17:30</ref> The twilight scenes of "Maa" were a particular issue for the production crew. Because the specific lighting only lasted ten to fifteen minutes a day, the scenes took nearly ten evenings to film. Production at one time considered having a child singing, but ultimately deemed it too over the top and felt it would connect to more people if sung by an adult. Shankar initially performed the song as a sample—they planned to replace him with another singer—but production eventually decided that his rendition was best.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 51:00</ref>
[[File:Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy Raymond Weil.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|The trio of [[Shankar Mahadevan]] (right), [[Ehsaan Noorani]] (middle), and [[Loy Mendonsa]] (left) composed most of the film's music.]]
Ishaan's truancy scene—he leaves school one day after realizing that his mother has not signed his failed math test—originally coincided with the song "Kholo Kholo," but Khan did not believe it worked well for the situation. In his opinion, the accompanying song should focus on what a child wants—to be free—and be told from the first-person perspective instead of "Kholo Kholo{{"'}}s second person. When Khan took over as director, he opted to use "Mera Jahan"—a song written by Gupte—and moved "Kholo Kholo" to the art fair. Viewers of test screenings were divided over the truancy scene. Half thoroughly enjoyed it but the rest complained that it was too long, did not make sense, and merely showed "touristy" visuals of Mumbai. Khan nevertheless kept the scene, because he "connected deeply" with it and felt that it established Ishaan's world.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 28:45</ref>

[[Shiamak Davar]] choreographed the dance sequence of "Bum Bum Bole," and was given free rein over its design. He had intended to use 40&nbsp;students from his dance school, but Khan did not want trained dancers.<ref name="bumbum" /> Davar gave the children certain cues and a general idea of what to do, but left the style and final product up to them to avoid a choreographed appearance.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 45:00</ref> Time constraints meant that while Khan was busy filming "Bum Bum Bole," [[Ram Madhvani]] took over as director for "Bheja Kum".<ref name="bumbum" /><ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:03:15</ref> The latter sequence, containing a "fun-filled" song of rhythmic dialogue,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/12567/Aamir-Khan-Turns-Singer-Taare-Zameen-Par.html |title=Aamir Khan Turns Singer for Taare Zameen Par |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116090611/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/12567/Aamir-Khan-Turns-Singer-Taare-Zameen-Par.html |archive-date=16 January 2008 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> allowed the audience to perceive how Ishaan sees the world and written languages. It was intended to represent "a young boy's worst nightmare, in terms of&nbsp;... the worst thing that he can think of"; Madhvani based the visual concept on his son's fear of "creepy-crawlies" such as cockroaches, dragonflies, and lizards.<ref name="49:00">''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 49:00</ref> [[Tata Elxsi]]'s [[Tata Elxsi#Visual Computing Labs (VCL)|Visual Computing Labs]] made the creatures out of the English alphabet and numbers, although Khan insisted they include the Hindi alphabet as not all the audience would be familiar with English.<ref name="49:00" /><ref name="tata">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/26/3394/index.html |title=Tata Elxsi renders visual effects for the Bollywood movie Taare Zameen Par |date=26 December 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115133933/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/26/3394/index.html |archive-date=15 January 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 April 2008}}</ref> The chalkboard writing's transformation into a snake was included to surprise the audience and "end the song on a high note."<ref name="49:00" />

In writing the song "Taare Zameen Par," lyricist [[Prasoon Joshi]] followed the theme of "however much you talk about children, it's not enough." Every line throughout the song describes children, and only one repeats: "Kho Naa Jaaye Yeh / Taare Zameen Par" ("Let us not lose these / Little stars on earth").<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 46:15</ref> The song is mostly set to the annual day performance by the developmentally disabled children of Tulips School. Actual students from Tulips School and Saraswati Mandir participated, and were filmed over a period of five days.<ref>{{cite video |people=Various |date=12 January 2010 |title=Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: Panel Discussion on Children |medium=DVD |publisher=Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment}}</ref> The sequence originally featured numerous dance performances, but was trimmed down when test audiences found it too long.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:31:45</ref> A song accompanying the scene in which Ishaan's mother is watching home videos of her son was also cut, and replaced with background music after test audiences expressed their opposition to yet another song.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:47:00</ref>

=== Background music ===
{| class="toccolours" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 2em; font-size: 85%; width:27em; max-width: 40%;" cellspacing="5"
| style="text-align: left;" | "It is easier when you have to create a song like "Move Your Body" in ''[[Johnny Gaddaar]]''. There you can add a lot of nonsense in the recording studio. On the other hand, something like ''Taare Zameen Par'' requires melody to hold center stage. There is a different level of energy that you have to bring in composing for such different soundtrack as we had to be subdued yet effective in ''Taare Zameen Par''."
|-
| style="text-align: right;" |&nbsp;– Shankar Mahadevan<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/11/14/3257/index.html |title=Aamir wanted Shankar to sing for TZP |date=14 November 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100726231007/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/11/14/3257/index.html |archive-date=26 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref>
|}
Timing and other aspects are usually planned when scoring a film, but Khan chose to take a more improvised approach. Instead of using a studio, he and the trio [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]] recorded it at Khan's home in Panchgani, to clear their heads and not be in the mindset of the city. As they watched the film, Khan pointed out when he wanted music to begin and of what type. Ehsaan Noorani noted that this strategy allowed the score to have a "spontaneity to it."<ref>''Like Stars on Earth Bonus Disc: The Making...''. Event occurs at approximately 55:00</ref>

Different styles of background music were used to convey certain things. For example, a guitar is played when Ishaan is tense or upset, sometimes with discordant notes.<ref name="2:45" /> The music of the opening scene—the recurring "Ishaan's Theme," which represents the character's peace of mind—overpowers the background noise to show that Ishaan is lost in his own world; the noise becomes louder after he snaps back to reality.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 4:30</ref> But the scene in which Nikumbh explains dyslexia to Ishaan's family took the opposite approach. Silent at first, the music is slowly introduced as the father begins to understand his son's dilemma. The almost seven-minute long scene scarcely used any background music, to slow the pace and make it seem more realistic.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 1:38:30</ref>

=== Promotional material ===
When filming part of the montage that details Ishaan's tutoring by Nikumbh, Khan immediately decided it would be the "key art of the film". He noted that "this one shot tells you the entire story", and used it for the poster.<ref>''Like Stars on Earth DVD commentary''. Event occurs at approximately 2:06:00</ref>

== Soundtrack ==
{{Main|Taare Zameen Par (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack for ''Taare Zameen Par'' was released on 5 November 2007 under the label [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]].<ref name="releasedatecd">{{Cite web |url=http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=110707123745 |title=Planet Bollywood Music Review: Taare Zameen Par |last=Khan |first=Atta |publisher=Planet Bollywood |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502150925/http://www.planetbollywood.com/displayReview.php?id=110707123745 |archive-date=2 May 2008 |access-date=11 April 2008}}</ref> The music is mainly composed by [[Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy]], with lyrics by [[Prasoon Joshi]]. However, "Mera Jahan" was scored by Shailendra Barve and written by Gupte.<ref name="cd">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/13306/index.html |title=Taare Zameen Par: Music Review by Joginder Tuteja |work=Bollywood Hungama |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224062442/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/musicreview/13306/index.html |archive-date=24 December 2008 |access-date=4 January 2009}}</ref> The Indian trade website [[Box Office India]] reported that the album sold around {{formatnum:1100000}} units, becoming the year's thirteenth highest-selling.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Music Hits 2000–2009 (Figures in Units) |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624132928/http://boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=286&catName=MjAwMC0yMDA5 |archive-date=24 June 2010 |publisher=[[Box Office India]]}}</ref> Joshi received the [[National Film Award for Best Lyrics]], and [[Shankar Mahadevan]] won the [[National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer]], both for "Maa."<ref name="pib.nic.in" />

== Release ==

=== Box office ===
''Taare Zameen Par'' was released worldwide on 14 December 2007, although countries such as Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Fiji opened it on 20 December.<ref name="mojo">{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=taarezameenpar.htm |title=Taare Zameen Par |publisher=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728040931/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=taarezameenpar.htm |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="yahoo1" /> It debuted in India with 425&nbsp;prints,<ref name="yahoo1">{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=15498 |title=Taare Zameen Par to be released in multiplexes |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100728162720/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=15498 |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="sparkle">{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/Entertainment/Taare_Zameen_Par_adds_to_Christmas_sparkle_at_box-office/rssarticleshow/2650998.cms |title=Taare Zameen Par adds to Christmas sparkle at BO |last=Meenakshi |first=Verma |date=26 December 2007 |work=Economic Times |access-date=10 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505073526/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/Entertainment/Taare_Zameen_Par_adds_to_Christmas_sparkle_at_box-office/rssarticleshow/2650998.cms |archive-date=5 May 2008}}</ref> although revenue-sharing issues between the film's distributors and theatre owners caused some slight delays.<ref name="yahoo1" /> The movie grossed {{INRConvert|150|m|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}} domestically within the first three days.<ref name=sparkle /> Its theatre occupancy in Mumbai dropped to 58 percent during its third week, but climbed back to 62 percent the following week—this brought the total to {{INRConvert|770|m|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}}—after the [[Maharashtra]] government granted the film exemption from the [[entertainment tax]]. Anticipating further tax exemption in other states, world distributor [[PVR Pictures]] circulated 200 more prints of the film.<ref name="tax">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_taare-zameen-par-smashes-box-office-nets-rs-770-mn_1145341 |title='Taare Zameen Par' smashes box office, nets Rs. 770 mn |date=15 January 2008 |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121011727/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_taare-zameen-par-smashes-box-office-nets-rs-770-mn_1145341 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=18 March 2008}}</ref> The film completed its domestic run with $19,779,215.<ref name="mojo" /> To reach more audiences, the film was later dubbed in the regional languages of [[Tamil language|Tamil]] (Vaal Nakshatram) and [[Telugu language|Telugu]]. Both were scheduled for release on 12 September 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/31253/Taare-Zameen-Par-in-Tamil.html |title=Taare Zameen Par in Tamil |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100728162919/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/31253/Taare-Zameen-Par-in-Tamil.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> It grossed $1,223,869 in the US by its seventh week, and £351,303 in the UK by its ninth week.<ref name="overseas">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/overseasboxoffice/13306/index.html |title='Taare Zameen Par' Overseas |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117170713/http://bollywoodhungama.com/movies/overseasboxoffice/13306/index.html |archive-date=17 January 2008 |access-date=5 May 2009}}</ref> Reports regarding the film's worldwide gross have conflicted, with sources citing {{INRConvert|889.7|m|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}},<ref name="BOI">{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU= |title=Top Lifetime Grossers Worldwide (IND Rs) |publisher=Boxofficeindia.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021202725/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/showProd.php?itemCat=312&catName=TGlmZXRpbWU%3D |archive-date=21 October 2013}}</ref> {{INRConvert|984.8|m|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}}<ref name="bo" />
{{INRConvert|1.07|b|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}},<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=taarezameenpar.htm |title=Taare Zameen Par |publisher=[[Box office Mojo]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014162052/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=main&id=taarezameenpar.htm |archive-date=14 October 2011 |access-date=14 October 2011}}</ref> {{INRConvert|1.31|b|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}},<ref name="numbers">{{Cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100307/jsp/calcutta/story_12184110.jsp |title=Screen syndrome |last=Lahiri |first=Samhita Chakraborty |date=7 March 2010 |work=Kolkata Telegraph |access-date=7 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729045047/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100307/jsp/calcutta/story_12184110.jsp |archive-date=29 July 2010 |location=Calcutta, India}}</ref> and {{INRConvert|1.35|b|nolink=no|year=2007|mode=historical}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/aamir-does-it-again-tzp-is-indias-official/363930/ |title=Aamir does it again, TZP is India's official entry at Oscar awards |date=21 September 2008 |publisher=[[Indian Express]] |access-date=14 October 2011 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703164927/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/aamir-does-it-again-tzp-is-indias-official-entry-at-oscar-awards/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Protests in Gujarat ===
In response to Khan's support for the [[Narmada Bachao Andolan]] and his criticism of Chief Minister [[Narendra Modi]],<ref name="narmada" /><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/15356/Anti-Modi-remarks-haunts-Aamir-Khan-release-of-Taare-Zameen-Par-in-Gujarat.html |title=Anti-Modi remarks haunts Aamir Khan before release of 'Taare Zameen Par' in Gujarat |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728041200/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/15356/Anti-Modi-remarks-haunts-Aamir-Khan-release-of-Taare-Zameen-Par-in-Gujarat.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> approximately 50&nbsp;activists of the [[Sardar Patel]] Group conducted protests outside of PVR and [[INOX Leisure Limited|INOX]] theatres in [[Vadodara]], [[Gujarat]]. The group also issued statements to all the multiplexes of Gujarat, suggesting that the film not be screened unless Khan apologised for his comments.<ref name="narmada">{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=15486 |title=Taare Zameen Par banned in Vadodara multiplex |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20100728163148/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail.html?news_id=15486 |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="trouble">{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/15411/TZP-runs-trouble-in-Gujarat.html |title=TZP runs into trouble in Gujarat |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302062841/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/15411/TZP-runs-trouble-in-Gujarat.html |archive-date=2 March 2008 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> The INOX cinema eventually [[Boycott|boycotted]] the film; INOX Operations Manager Pushpendra Singh Rathod stated that "INOX is with Gujarat, and not isolated from it".<ref name="narmada" />

=== International Dyslexia Association ===
The [[International Dyslexia Association]] screened ''Taare Zameen Par''  on 29 October 2008 in [[Seattle, Washington]]. Khan noted in his official blog that there were about 200&nbsp;people in the audience and that he was "curious to see the response of a non-Indian audience to what we had made." He felt some concern that ''Taare Zameen Par'' was shown in a conference room rather than a cinema hall and was projected as a DVD rather than as a film. He said that the showing concluded to an "absolutely thunderous standing ovation" which "overwhelmed" him and that he "saw the tears streaming down the cheeks of the audience." Khan also noted that the reaction to the film "was exactly as it had been with audiences back home in India".<ref name="khanblog">{{Cite web |url=http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog/login.php?topicid=642 |title=Sleepless in Seattle |last=Khan |first=Aamir |date=1 November 2008 |publisher=AamirKhan.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728042553/http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog/login.php?topicid=642 |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=31 January 2008}}</ref><ref name="seattle">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_taare-zameen-par-gets-standing-ovation-in-seattle_1202519 |title='Taare Zameen Par' gets standing ovation in Seattle |date=1 November 2008 |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728042638/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_taare-zameen-par-gets-standing-ovation-in-seattle_1202519 |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=1 November 2008}}</ref>

=== Home media ===
[[UTV Motion Pictures|UTV Home Entertainment]] released the film on DVD in India on 25 July 2008.<ref name="features">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/parties-and-events/dvd-launch-of-barfi/ |title=Hindi Movie DVD Review |last=Shahryar |first=Faridoon |date=21 July 2008 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112214448/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/dvd/type/view/id/118 |archive-date=12 January 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=25 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/2008-30-screens-in-u-k/ |title=Aamir Khan to launch TZP DVD at Darsheel Safary's school in Mumbai |date=24 July 2008 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822051140/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/07/24/11722/index.html |archive-date=22 August 2008 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> It was launched at Darsheel Safary's school, Green Lawns High School, in Mumbai. Aamir Khan, Tisca Chopra, Vipin Sharma, Sachet Engineer, and the rest of the cast and crew were present. In his speech, Khan stated, "Darsheel is a very happy child, full of life and vibrant. I am sure it's because of the way his parents and teachers have treated him. I must say Darsheel's principal Mrs. Bajaj has been extremely supportive and encouraging. The true test of any school is how happy the kids are and by the looks of it, the children here seem really happy."<ref name="school">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/07/25/4114/ |title=Taare Zameen Par DVD launch in a complete Masti Ki Paathshala |last=Ramsubramaniam |first=Nikhil |date=25 July 2008 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728044502/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/07/25/4114/ |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=25 July 2008 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>

[[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment]], whose parent company previously acquired 33&nbsp;percent of UTV Software Communications, bought the DVD rights for distribution in North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia for {{INRConvert|70|m}}.<ref name="countries">{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2008/digital/asia/disney-goes-bollywood-1117989294/ |title=Disney goes Bollywood |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=25 July 2008 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=25 July 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022021256/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117989294?refCatId=20 |archive-date=22 October 2012}}</ref> This marked "the first time an international studio has bought the video rights of an Indian film."<ref name="first">{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Business/India_Business/Disney_buys_N_American_rights_for_TZP/articleshow/3256629.cms |title=Disney buys N American rights for TZP |last=Dubey |first=Bharati |date=21 July 2008 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021092302/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Disney-buys-N-American-rights-for-TZP/articleshow/3256629.cms |archive-date=21 October 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Retitling it ''Like Stars on Earth'', Disney released the film in [[DVD region code#Region codes and countries|Region]]&nbsp;2 on 26 October 2009,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Like-Stars-Earth-Tanay-Chheda/dp/B001NN415S |title=Like Stars On Earth |date=26 October 2009 |publisher=Amazon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513222101/https://www.amazon.co.uk/Like-Stars-Earth-Tanay-Chheda/dp/B001NN415S |archive-date=13 May 2016 |access-date=18 June 2016}}</ref> in Region&nbsp;1 on 12 January 2010,<ref name="amazon1">{{Cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N6FPRI |title=Like Stars on Earth (Two Disc DVD + CD): Aamir Khan: Movies & TV |publisher=Amazon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728045222/http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N6FPRI |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> and in Region&nbsp;4 on 29 March 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/804113 |title=Like Stars on Earth (Taare Zameen Par) @ EzyDVD |publisher=EzyDVD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616062810/http://www.ezydvd.com.au/DVD/like-stars-on-earth-taare-zameen-par/dp/804113 |archive-date=16 June 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 July 2010}}</ref> A three-disc set, the Disney version features the original Hindi audio soundtrack with English subtitles or another dubbed in English, as well as bonus material such as audio commentary, deleted scenes, and the musical soundtrack.<ref name="language">{{Cite web |url=http://www.disneystore.com/like-stars-on-earth-taare-zameen-par-3-disc-dvd/mp/1259282/1000318/ |title=Like Stars on Earth:Additional Information&nbsp;– Tech Specs |publisher=[[Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629011651/http://www.disneystore.com/like-stars-on-earth-taare-zameen-par-3-disc-dvd/mp/1259282/1000318/ |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=2 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The film is available on [[Netflix]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.netflix.com/in/title/70087087 |title=Taare Zameen Par |website=Netflix |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-date=3 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703164933/https://www.netflix.com/title/70087087 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Critical response ===
[[File:AamirKhan.jpg|thumb|alt=An Indian man wearing a black dress shirt.|200px|right|Critics praised [[Aamir Khan]] for his directorial debut, which garnered him many awards and nominations.]]

''Taare Zameen Par'' received widespread critical acclaim upon release. {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=93|count=14|average=7.4|consensus=|ref=yes |access-date=July 18, 2022}} Subhash K. Jha suggests that the film is "a work of art, a water painting where the colors drip into our hearts, which could easily have fallen into the motions of over-sentimentality. Aamir Khan holds back where he could easily resort to an extravagant display of drama and emotions."<ref name="skjtzp">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/27/3396/index.html |title=Subhash K Jha speaks about ''Taare Zameen Par'' |last=Jha |first=Subhash |date=27 December 2007 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509111656/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2007/12/27/3396/index.html |archive-date=9 May 2008 |access-date=12 January 2010}}</ref> [[Khalid Mohamed]] of [[Hindustan Times]] wrote that Khan "rekindles those uncomfortable moments of our childhood but reassures us that hey, it’s quite okay to be out-of-the-box," and labelled the movie "a must-experience for sensitive viewers."<ref>{{cite news |author=Mohamed, Khalid |title=Won from the heart |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=21 December 2007 |url=http://hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?id=a004e101-a288-404c-82df-d371fb80f2d0taarezameenpar_Special&&Headline=Review+%3a+EMTaare+Zameen+Par%2fEM |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224195328/http://hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/FullcoverageStoryPage.aspx?id=a004e101-a288-404c-82df-d371fb80f2d0taarezameenpar_Special&&Headline=Review+%3a+EMTaare+Zameen+Par%2fEM |archive-date=24 December 2007}}</ref> [[Sudhish Kamath]] of [[The Hindu]] called it "the movie of the year," writing that "the filmmaking here is calculatedly flawed because it is all-heart. While it is world-class in terms of sensibility, craft and performances (almost), it does feel the need to reach out, please and educate a mass."<ref>{{cite news |last=Kamath |first=Sudhish |website=[[The Hindu]] |title=Return to innocence -- Taare Zameen Par
 |date=4 January 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2008/01/04/stories/2008010450770200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619053238/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2008/01/04/stories/2008010450770200.htm |archive-date=19 June 2008}}</ref> [[Rajeev Masand]] of ''[[CNN-IBN]]'' argued that the true power of the film lies in its "remarkable, rooted, rock-solid script which provides the landscape for such an emotionally engaging, heart-warming experience."<ref name="change">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/review-taare-zameen-par-may-change-your-life/54724-8-single.html |title=Taare Zameen Par may change your life |last=Masand |first=Rajeev |date=21 December 2007 |publisher=IBN-CNN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623225110/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/review-taare-zameen-par-may-change-your-life/54724-8-single.html |archive-date=23 June 2008 |access-date=10 April 2008}}</ref> Manish Gajjar from the ''[[BBC]]'' stated that the film "touches your heart and moves you deeply with its sterling performances. [It is] a film full of substance!"<ref name="BBCshrop">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/12/taare_zameen_review.shtml |title=Taare Zameen Par (2007) |last=Gajjar |first=Manish |publisher=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105190630/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2007/12/taare_zameen_review.shtml |archive-date=5 January 2008 |access-date=6 January 2008}}</ref> Jaspreet Pandohar, also of BBC, posited that ''Taare Zameen Par'' is a "far cry from the formulaic masala flicks churned out by the Bollywood machine," and is "an inspirational story that is as emotive as it is entertaining; this is a little twinkling star of a movie."<ref name="BBCreview">{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/12/17/taare_zameen_par_2007_review.shtml |title=Taare Zameen Par (2007) |last=Pandohar |first=Jaspreet |date=18 December 2007 |publisher=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307060900/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/12/17/taare_zameen_par_2007_review.shtml |archive-date=7 March 2008 |access-date=8 April 2008}}</ref> Furthermore, Aprajita Anil of ''[[The Indian Express|Screen]]'' gave the film four stars and stated, "''Taare Zameen Par'' cannot be missed. Because it is different. Because it is delightful. Because it would make everyone think. Because it would help everyone grow. Because very rarely do performances get so gripping. And of course because the 'perfectionist' actor has shaped into a 'perfectionist' director."<ref name="screen">{{Cite web |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/movie-review-taare-zameen-par/252888/2 |title=Movie Review: Taare Zameen Par |last=Aprajita |first=Anil |date=21 December 2007 |website=[[The Indian Express]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130151923/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/movie-review-taare-zameen-par/252888/2 |archive-date=30 November 2017 |access-date=18 June 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, filmmaker [[Anurag Kashyap (director)|Anurag Kashyap]] stated that, "''Taare Zameen Par'' took me back to my hostel days. If you take away the dyslexia, it seems like my story. The film affected me so deeply that I was almost left speechless. After watching the [[film]], I was asked how I liked ''Taare Zameen Par.'' I could not talk as I was deeply overwhelmed."<ref name="rocks">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1143127 |title='Taare Zameen Par' rocks overseas audience |date=4 January 2008 |publisher=DNA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402125138/http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1143127 |archive-date=2 April 2008 |access-date=12 May 2009}}</ref>

However, there were some criticisms. Jha's only objection to the film was Nikumbh's "sanctimonious lecture" to Ishaan's "rather theatrically-played" father. Jha found this a jarring "deviation from the delectable delicacy" of the film's tone.<ref name=skjtzp /> Although she applauded the film overall and recommended "a mandatory viewing for all schools and all parents", [[Nikhat Kazmi]] of ''The [[Times of India]]'' believed the second half was "a bit repetitive," the script needed "taut editing," and Ishaan's trauma "[seemed] a shade too prolonged and the treatment simplistic."<ref name="timesofindia">{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/hindi/Taare-Zameen-Par/movie-review/2641799.cms |title=Review |last=Kazmi |first=Nikhat |date=21 December 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080624022631/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/moviereview/2641799.cms |archive-date=24 June 2008}}</ref> Despite commending the "great performances" and excellent directing, Gautaman Bhaskaran of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'', too, suggested that the movie "suffers from a weak script."<ref name="THR1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=10573 |title=Review |last=Bhaskaran |first=Gautaman |date=31 January 2008 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728042305/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?rid=10573 |archive-date=28 July 2010}}</ref> Likewise, Derek Kelly of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' criticized it for what he described as its "touchy-feely-ness" attention to "a [[special needs]] kid's plight." Kelly also disliked the film for being "so resolutely caring&nbsp;... and devoid of real drama and interesting characters" that "it should have 'approved by the Dyslexia Assn.' stamped on the posters."<ref name="Variety">{{Cite news |url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935724.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |title=Review |last=Derek |first=Kelly |date=28 December 2007 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=1 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728042433/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935724.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |archive-date=28 July 2010}}</ref> The core plot of the movie was reported to be similar to the 1985 American movie ''[[Love, Mary]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sen |first=Manjula |date=2009-05-24 |title=No ripoffs, please |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/7-days/no-ripoffs-please/cid/623609 |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]]}}</ref>

=== Scholarly response ===
In his article "''Taare Zameen Par'' and dyslexic savants" featured in the ''Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology'', Ambar Chakravarty noted the general accuracy of Ishaan's dyslexia. Though Chakravarty was puzzled by Ishaan's trouble in simple arithmetic—a trait of [[dyscalculia]] rather than dyslexia—he reasoned it was meant to "enhance the image of [Ishaan's] helplessness and disability". Labeling Ishaan an example of "dyslexic savant syndrome", he especially praised the growth of Ishaan's artistic talents after receiving help and support from Nikumbh, and deemed it the "most important (and joyous) neurocognitive phenomenon" of the film. This improvement highlights cosmetic neurology, a "major and therapeutically important issue" in [[cognitive neuroscience]] and [[neuropsychology]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Chakravarty |first=Ambar |year=2009 |title=Taare Zameen Par and dyslexic savants |journal=Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=99–103 |doi=10.4103/0972-2327.53077 |pmc=2812748 |pmid=20142854 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Likewise, in their article "Wake up call from 'Stars on the Ground'" for the ''Indian Journal of Psychiatry'', T. S. Sathyanarayana Rao and V. S. T. Krishna wrote that the film "deserves to be vastly appreciated as an earnest endeavor to portray with sensitivity and empathetically diagnose a malady in human life". They also felt it blended "modern professional knowledge" with a "humane approach" in working with a dyslexic child. However, the authors believed the film expands beyond disabilities and explores the "present age where everyone is in a restless hurry". The pair wrote, "This film raises serious questions on mental health perspectives. We seem to be heading to a state of mass scale mindlessness even as children are being pushed to 'perform'. Are we seriously getting engrossed in the race of 'achievement' and blissfully becoming numb to the crux of life i.e., experiencing meaningful living in a broader frame rather than merely existing?" The film depicts how "threats and coercion are not capable of unearthing rich human potentialities deeply embedded in children", and that teachers should instead map their strengths and weakness. With this in mind, the author felt that Khan "dexterously drives home the precise point that our first priority ought to be getting to know the child before making any efforts to fill them with knowledge and abilities". Overall, the pair found a "naive oversimplification" in the film. With India "only recently waking to recognizing the reality and tragedy of learning disability", however, they "easily [forgave the film's fault] under artistic license".<ref name="ground">{{Cite journal |last1=Rao |first1=T. S. Sathyanarayana |last2=Krishna |first2=V. S. T. |year=2008 |title=Wake up call from 'Stars on the Ground' |journal=Indian Journal of Psychiatry |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=2–4 |doi=10.4103/0019-5545.39749 |pmc=2745856 |pmid=19771297 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Public response ===
The film raised awareness of the issue of dyslexia, and prompted more open discussions among parents, schools, activists, and policymakers.
Anjuli Bawa, a parent-activist and founder of Action Dyslexia Delhi, said that the number of parents who visit her office increased tenfold in the months following the film's release.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/03/AR2008060303201.html?nav=rss_education&sid=ST2008060400877 |title=The Pain of Dyslexia, As Told by Bollywood, Page 1 |last=Lakshmi |first=Rama |date=4 June 2008 |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111134022/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/03/AR2008060303201.html?nav=rss_education&sid=ST2008060400877 |archive-date=11 November 2012}}</ref> Many began taking a more proactive approach by contacting her after noticing problems, rather than using her as a last resort. Gupte himself received "many painful letters and phone calls" from Indian parents. He noted, "Fathers weep on the phone and say they saw the film and realized that they have been wrong in the way they treated their children. This is catharsis."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/03/AR2008060303201_2.html?nav=rss_education&sid=ST2008060400877 |title=The Pain of Dyslexia, As Told by Bollywood, Page 2 |last=Lakshmi |first=Rama |date=4 June 2008 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=22 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111134030/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/03/AR2008060303201_2.html?nav=rss_education&sid=ST2008060400877 |archive-date=11 November 2012}}</ref>

These reactions have also brought about a change in policies. The film, only ten days after its debut, influenced the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]] to provide extra time to disabled children—including visually impaired, physically disabled, and dyslexic students—during exams. In 2008, Mumbai's civic body also opened 12&nbsp;classrooms for autistic students. In [[Chandigarh]], the education administration started a course to educate teachers on how to support children with learning disabilities.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Business_of_Bollywood/Taare_Zameen_Par_inspires_people_institutions_into_action/articleshow/2946132.cms |title=Taare Zameen Par inspires people, institutions into action |last=Lakshmi |first=Rama |date=12 April 2008 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=22 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518122424/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Business_of_Bollywood/Taare_Zameen_Par_inspires_people_institutions_into_action/articleshow/2946132.cms |url-status=live |archive-date=18 May 2011}}</ref>

The film has had a similarly positive response in [[Greater China]], where the film was not officially released yet has a large online cult following due to Aamir Khan's popularity in the region after the success of ''[[3 Idiots]]'' (2009). The film has been well received by Chinese audiences for how it tackles issues such as education and dyslexia, and is one of the highest-rated films on popular Chinese film site [[Douban]], along with two other Aamir Khan films, ''3 Idiots'' and ''[[Dangal (2016 film)|Dangal]]'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/zl/bagua/blog/2017-05-19/10105939/350163497/14df122910102wywr.shtml |title=印度的良心阿米尔·汗如何用电影改变国家 |date=19 May 2017 |work=[[Sina Corp|Sina]] |access-date=11 December 2017 |archive-date=24 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224085618/http://ent.sina.com.cn/zl/bagua/blog/2017-05-19/10105939/350163497/14df122910102wywr.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.chinanews.com/yl/2017/05-11/8220929.shtml |title=《摔跤吧！爸爸》主演阿米尔·汗被誉为"印度刘德华"-中新网 |date=11 May 2017 |work=[[China News Service]] |access-date=11 December 2017 |archive-date=27 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227161827/http://www.chinanews.com/yl/2017/05-11/8220929.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Sequel ==
{{Main Article| Sitaare Zameen Par}}
In 2025, a spiritual sequel titled ''[[Sitaare Zameen Par]]'' was announced. Directed by R.S. Prasanna and produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, the film features Khan alongside [[Genelia Deshmukh]] and a cast of ten newcomers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-05 |title=Aamir Khan's ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ first poster: R.S. Prasanna brings a story of ‘Sabka Apna Apna Normal’ |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/aamir-khans-sitaare-zameen-par-first-poster-r-s-prasanna-brings-a-story-of-sabka-apna-apna-normal/articleshow/120892662.cms |access-date=2025-05-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Unlike its predecessor, which focused on [[dyslexia]], ''Sitaare Zameen Par'' centers around a basketball coach who trains a team of players with intellectual disabilities, and is an official remake of 2018 Spanish film [[Champions (2018 film)|''Champions'']].<ref>https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/sitaare-zameen-par-poster-out-aamir-khan-teases-a-special-story-about-special-people-film-out-june-20-101746427656775-amp.html</ref> Sitaare Zameen Par was theatrically released on 20 June 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-05 |title=Sitaare Zameen Par first poster: Aamir Khan doesn’t look pleased around a bunch of kids; film to release on June 20 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/sitaare-zameen-par-first-poster-aamir-khan-doesnt-look-pleased-around-a-bunch-of-kids-film-to-release-on-june-20-9983453/lite/ |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aamir Khan Starrer Sitaare Zameen Par's First Look Out {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/aamir-khan-starrer-sitaare-zameen-pars-first-look-out-73580.html |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Filmfare |language=en}}</ref>

== Accolades ==
{{Main|List of accolades received by Taare Zameen Par}}

Among its many awards, ''Taare Zameen Par'' won the [[Filmfare Award for Best Film]] for 2008,<ref name="filmfare">{{Cite web |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/20159/Taare-Zameen-Par-sweeps-Filmfare-Awards.html |title=Taare Zameen Par sweeps Filmfare Awards |date=24 February 2008 |publisher=Yahoo! India Movies |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228125818/http://in.movies.yahoo.com/news-detail/20159/Taare-Zameen-Par-sweeps-Filmfare-Awards.html |archive-date=28 February 2008 |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2010}}</ref> as well as the [[National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare]].<ref name="pib.nic.in">{{Cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2009/sep/r2009090707.pdf |title=55th National Film Awards for the Year 2007 |publisher=Press Information Bureau ([[Govt. of India]]) |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007125534/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/others/2009/sep/r2009090707.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2009}}</ref> Khan's directorial role and Safary's performance were recognized at the 2008 Zee Cine Awards,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/27/3817/index.html |title=Winners of the Zee Cine Awards 2008 |date=27 April 2008 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814222126/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/04/27/3817/index.html |archive-date=14 August 2011 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 November 2010}}</ref> 2008 Filmfare Awards,<ref name="filmfare" /> and 4th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/05/5746/index.html |title=Winners of 4th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards |date=5 December 2009 |website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208013537/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2009/12/05/5746/index.html |archive-date=8 December 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 November 2010}}</ref>

=== 2009 Academy Awards submission and ''Slumdog Millionaire'' ===
''Taare Zameen Par'' was initially acclaimed as India's official entry for the 2009 [[List of submissions to the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film|Academy Awards Best Foreign Film]],<ref name="reutersosc">{{Cite news |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35580920080921 |title='Taare Zameen Par' is India's entry to Oscars |last=Jamkhandikar |first=Shilpa |date=21 September 2008 |work=Reuters |access-date=30 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208075259/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-35580920080921 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="toiosc">{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Taare_Zameen_Par_is_Indias_entry_for_Oscar/articleshow/3507409.cms |title=Taare Zameen Par is India's entry for Oscar |date=21 September 2008 |work=[[Times of India]] |access-date=30 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081024034146/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Taare_Zameen_Par_is_Indias_entry_for_Oscar/articleshow/3507409.cms |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 October 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.zeenews.com/Entertainment/2008-12-22/493040news.html |title=Aamir gets congratulatory call from Oscar panel chief for 'TZP'! |date=22 December 2008 |publisher=[[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526052744/https://www.webcitation.org/6AMidPZ2S?url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/movies-and-theatre/aamir-gets-congratulatory-call-from-oscar-panel-chief-for-tzp_493040.html |archive-date=26 May 2024 |url-status=live |access-date=2 January 2009}}</ref> but after it failed to progress to the short list, a debate began in the Indian media as to why Indian films never win Academy Awards.<ref name="code">{{Cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/why-cant-indian-films-crack-the-oscar-code/86058-8.html |title=Why can't Indian films crack the Oscar code? |last=Mishra |first=Somen |date=23 February 2009 |publisher=CNN-IBN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012162642/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/why-cant-indian-films-crack-the-oscar-code/86058-8.html |archive-date=12 October 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=22 July 2010}}</ref> Speculation for the reasons behind ''Taare Zameen Par''{{'}}s failed bid included [[Rediff.com]]'s Arthur J. Pai's observation that it lacked mainstream media attention;<ref name="special">{{Cite web |url=http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/14taare-zameen-par-out-of-oscar-race.htm |title=Taare Zameen Par out of Oscar race |last=Pais |first=Arthur J. |date=14 January 2009 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120809193033/http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/14taare-zameen-par-out-of-oscar-race.htm |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2010}}</ref> AMPAS jury member Krishna Shah criticized its length and abundance of songs.<ref name="musical">{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Story.aspx?id=ENTEN20090082117&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA |title=Why Taare&nbsp;... didn't make it to the Oscars |date=1 February 2009 |publisher=[[NDTV]] |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526052706/https://www.webcitation.org/6AMNXQhPk?url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_Story.aspx%3Fid=ENTEN20090082117&keyword=bollywood&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=1 February 2009 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{quote box
| width = 30%
| quote = "Three days before ''[[Chandni Chowk to China]]'' hit theaters in the U.S. and India, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced its shortlist of nine films edging closer to a foreign-language nomination. India's submission, the powerful and moving ''Taare Zameen Par'' by Aamir Khan, didn't make the cut. Sadly, that film never will be seen by mainstream American audiences; yet ''Chandni Chowk'' is enjoying a hefty publicity push. If only ''Taare Zameen Par'' could have gotten its hands on that magic potato."
| source = — American film critic Lisa Tsering in  ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]].''<ref name="THR2">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/film-review-chandni-chowk-to-china-1003931198.story |title=Film Review: Chandni Chowk to China |last=Tsering |first=Lisa |date=15 January 2009 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=12 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116181607/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/film-review-chandni-chowk-to-china-1003931198.story |archive-date=16 January 2009}}</ref>
}}

Khan claimed that he was "not surprised"  that ''Taare Zameen Par'' was not included in the Academy Award shortlist,<ref name="aamirkhan">{{Cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/No+Obama-like+leader+in+Indian+politics:+Aamir/1/26844.html |title=No Obama-like leader in Indian politics: Aamir |date=31 January 2009 |work=[[India Today]] |access-date=31 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101128225510/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/26844/Cinema/No+Obama-like+leader+in+Indian+politics:+Aamir.html |archive-date=28 November 2010}}</ref> and argued, "I don't make films for awards. I make films for the audience. The audience, for which I have made the film, really loved it and the audiences outside India have also loved it. What I am trying to say is that film has been well loved across the globe and that for me it is extremely heartening and something that I give very high value to."<ref name="aamirkhan2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Entertainment/I-don-t-make-films-for-awards-Aamir-Khan/Article1-373139.aspx |title=I don't make films for awards: Aamir Khan |last=[[Indo-Asian News Service]] |date=31 January 2009 |website=[[Hindustan Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313183100/http://www.hindustantimes.com/news-feed/entertainment/i-don-t-make-films-for-awards-aamir-khan/article1-373139.aspx |archive-date=13 March 2014 |url-status=dead |access-date=31 January 2009}}</ref>

The Indian news media also frequently compared ''Taare Zameen Par's'' nomination failure with the British drama film ''[[Slumdog Millionaire]]''{{'}}s multiple Academy Award nominations and wins,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_aamir-s-taare-zameen-par-misses-oscar-shortlist_1221595 |title=Aamir's 'Taare Zameen Par' misses Oscar shortlist |date=14 January 2009 |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925082541/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_aamir-s-taare-zameen-par-misses-oscar-shortlist_1221595 |archive-date=25 September 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_slumdog-bags-10-oscar-hopes_1224030 |title=Slumdog bags 10 Oscar hopes |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6AM78sK18?url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_slumdog-bags-10-oscar-hopes_1224030 |archive-date=1 September 2012 |access-date=22 July 2010 |last=Shetty-Saha |first=Shubha |date=17 February 2009 |publisher=DNA}}<br />{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200902171661.htm |title=Govt. lauds Rahman, 'Slumdog' team |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6AM75BKr5?url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200902171661.htm |archive-date=1 September 2012 |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=17 February 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}<br />{{cite web |url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20090113-114349.html |title=Is 'Slumdog' India's? |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100728043411/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20090113-114349.html |archive-date=28 July 2010 |access-date=26 May 2010 |date=13 January 2009 |publisher=AsiaOne}}</ref> and noted that other Indian films in the past were overlooked.<ref name="dnaart">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-says-jai-ho-to-slumdog-victory_1233778 |title=Gujarat says Jai Ho to Slumdog victory |last=Quadri |first=Misbah |date=24 February 2009 |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926175430/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_gujarat-says-jai-ho-to-slumdog-victory_1233778 |archive-date=26 September 2012 |url-status=live |access-date=22 July 2010}}</ref> Film critic [[Rajeev Masand]] argued that it is difficult to compare the two films and noted that ''Slumdog Millionaire'' was being marketed in a way that Indian films such as ''Taare Zameen Par'' could not compete with.<ref name="masandchat">{{Cite web |url=http://features.ibnlive.in.com/chat/view/237.html |title=Live Chat: Rajeev Masand on Rahman, Oscars&nbsp;– IBNLive |publisher=DNA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225021147/http://features.ibnlive.in.com/chat/view/237.html |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=22 July 2010}}</ref> In this context, ''Slumdog Millionaire'' actor [[Mahesh Manjrekar]] stated, "I'm sad that Aamir's ''Taare Zameen Par'' didn't make it to the final round of the Oscars. I thought it to be way better than ''Slumdog'' [''Millionaire'']..., without taking away anything from Boyle and the kids. But, Indian movies are underestimated there."<ref name="maheshman">{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/No-more-acting-for-me-Mahesh-Manjrekar/articleshow/4448172.cms |title=No more acting for me: Mahesh Manjrekar |last=Ashar |first=Urvashi |date=26 April 2009 |access-date=26 April 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427203517/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/No-more-acting-for-me-Mahesh-Manjrekar/articleshow/4448172.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |url-status=live |archive-date=27 April 2009}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Film|Bollywood}}
*[[List of artistic depictions of dyslexia]]
* [[List of Indian submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film]]
* [[List of submissions to the 81st Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film]]

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}

*{{Cite web|last=Mohideen|first=Nabeel|date=26 December 2007|editor-last=Hoelterhoff|editor-first=Manuela|title=Aamir Khan Makes Sparkling Debut as Film Director With ''Taare''|url=http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFf17G89ZsOM|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112210912/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aFf17G89ZsOM|archive-date=12 January 2015|website=[[Bloomberg News]]|location=[[New Delhi]]}}
*{{Cite web|last=Mukherjee|first=Krittivas|date=24 December 2007|title=''Taare Zameen Par'', film on dyslexic child, pulls at Indian heartstrings|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31102120071224?sp=true|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428001621/https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-31102120071224?edition-redirect=in|archive-date=28 April 2021|publisher=[[Reuters]] Life|location=[[Mumbai]]}}
*{{Cite interview|last=Chhabra|first=Aseem|interviewer=[[Joe Palca|Palca, Joe]]|title=Singing The Praises Of Bollywood Films|type=Radio|last2=Kumar|first2=Amitava|last3=Tharoor|first3=Shashi|url=https://www.wbur.org/npr/101151401|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304102328/https://www.wbur.org/npr/101151401|archive-date=4 March 2016|url-status=dead|publisher=[[WBUR-FM]]|date=25 February 2009|location=[[Boston]]}}

{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote|Taare Zameen Par}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb title|title=Like Stars on Earth (Taare Zameen Par)}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|title=Like Stars on Earth (Taare Zameen Par)}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama title|taare-zameen-par<!-- 54378-->}}

{{Aamir Khan|state=expanded}}
{{Amole Gupte}}
{{Filmfare Award for Best Film}}
{{Indian submission for Academy Awards}}
{{featured article}}

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