The real sitaare of Sitaare Zameen Par are its unforgettable debutants; here’s why they shine the brightest!

More than the return of the changemaker superstar we missed, Sitaare Zameen Par truly belongs to its debutants who steal the spotlight not just with their performances but by redefining the narrative itself. 

When Sitaare Zameen Par was first announced, the buzz was all about its inclusive casting - an entire ensemble of neurodivergent actors stepping into the spotlight. But no one could have anticipated just how deeply this film would resonate. Yes, Aamir Khan plays the lead and it’s through his character, Gulshan, that we meet 10 neurodivergent individuals. But it’s the debutant actors who truly command the screen, not just representing themselves but also shining a light on a community that’s long been invisible in cinema.

Let me share a personal story to explain why this film hit so close to home. In my review, I mentioned that SZP felt different because I’ve grown up with a cousin who has Down syndrome. What I didn’t mention is his deep love for films. He dances to every Bollywood number, mimics dialogues, and acts like the hero just like any of us. His speech isn’t always clear and his gait is different, so sometimes people find his dance funny or his dialogues hard to follow. But to us, he’s pure joy. So when I first saw Sharmaji and Guddu on screen, I was instantly reminded of him. I could understand Sharmaji because I’ve learned over the years how to tune into my brother’s speech patterns. And Guddu’s endless hugs and playful energy felt so familiar like watching a piece of home on screen.

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par has captured the hearts of the Janta; here’s proof!

My cousin’s humor doesn’t always come in conventional forms either. Sometimes it’s in his unfiltered truths, sometimes it’s his antics, just to make you smile. The film captures that exact spirit turning these unique quirks into moments of sincere, situational comedy, not using them for laughs but respecting them. And the actors perform with such honesty that autenticity becomes a representation that is real, moving, and full of heart. And then there’s the film’s most beautiful message of how these neurodivergent individuals keep the budhaapa (old age) of a household at bay by preserving the innocence of childhood. Whether it’s Sunil’s refusal to take off his helmet, Golu’s temper, Lotus getting lost in his own thoughts, or Satbir, Raju, and Bantu's light-hearted mischief, all these traits come together to show us what it’s truly like to live with neurodivergent people. 

Yes, the world often sees only the struggle which undeniably is there. But what the world overlooks is their ability to love unconditionally, to spread joy effortlessly, and to see life through a lens of purity we’ve long forgotten. Exactly what changes Gulshan, someone who once carelessly calls them paagal (crazy), eventually becomes their biggest advocate, explaining how living with each of the players quirks has taught and changed him in ways he never imagined he could. And that’s exactly what people on the spectrum do - they change you. I knew this, but having the world see it was what made it powerful. 

They challenge how you see the world, not with force but with warmth. They teach you that being seen as different doesn’t matter unless you let it. With just a little bit of love, hope and understanding, the world can be changed, even if it’s too set in its own ideas of normal. That’s why these sitaares are the real stars of Sitaare Zameen Par, they don’t just open doors for neurodivergent actors in cinema, they show us what neurodivergent people bring to the world. And in this hypersensitive, fast-paced world, their presence feels not just important but absolutely necessary.

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Here’s a detailed look at each one of them and how their characters brought the much needed representation!

Ashish Pendse as Sunil Gupta

A breakout performer in this film, Pendse is a spotlight stealer as Sunil Gupta, the ever-present, grounded voice of reason for Aamir Khan’s Gulshan. As a security guard who might confuse left and right when putting on shoes, he’s also the one correcting Gulshan’s parking, reminding him that “every child deserves a father like you” and guiding him in understanding other neurodivergent team members better. Pendse brings a subtle warmth, humor, and quiet authority to a role that leaves a lasting mark.

Simran Mangeshkar as Golu

From the trailer itself, Simran caught my eye and she doesn’t disappoint. A firecracker with the spirit of a leader, Golu is the perfect gundi among a team of boys. She plays hard, speaks her truth, and drops life lessons effortlessly like how saying sorry can solve any fight, or how true sportsmanship means uplifting others, not putting them down. Simran delivers her role and drops her dialogues with fearless energy and irresistible charm.

Rishi Shahani as Sharmaji

Just like my cousin, Sharmaji's speech isn't always clear but his determination to be understood never wavers. Watching Sharmaji persist, speak up for himself and others and even offer discounts at his café to people who make the effort to understand him, was deeply moving. Rishi's understated but powerful portrayal of him subtly challenges our perceptions of speech disabilities. Finding out that he’s an Olympic gold and silver medalist from the Special Olympics was the cherry on top.

Gopikrishnan Varma as Guddu

If a hug were a person, it would be Guddu. Watching him felt like seeing my cousin on screen, always in search of a hug and some unconditional love. Guddu fears drowning so much that he avoids bathing, but his love for animals breaks that barrier. The scene where he saves a drowning mouse and then finally bathes is one of the film’s most tender, reminding us how tiny victories can lead to big personal growth. And keeping this as the interval block is a genius play as well by the makers for the film’s message to shine through! 

Ayush Bhansali as Lotus

Ayush lights up the screen as Lotus, the group’s resident comic and color-changer - literally, thanks to his job at a dye factory. A trained Kathak dancer with distinction, Aysuh’s expressive presence adds joy to every frame. Whether he’s cracking jokes or getting a little lost in the moment, Lotus is here to make you laugh and Ayush ensures the humor always comes with heart.

Arosuh Datta as Satbir

Satbir is all about good vibes, basketball, and being there for his teammates. He’s the one who teaches you how to smile even when life hurts. His joy isn’t naive, it’s resilient. Arosuh’s performance balances playfulness with emotional depth, reminding us that strength sometimes lies in simply choosing to be kind and light-hearted, even when it’s hard.

Rishabh Jain as Raju

Raju is the joker, the mood-lifter and Jain, the mimic, clearly has a blast playing him. Raised around plants thanks to his family’s nursery business, Raju treats them like friends, talking to them as he would with people. It’s a beautiful touch that adds to the film’s gentle messaging that everyone deserves to grow in their own way.

Vedant Sharma as Bantu

Bantu is the unlikely catalyst of the story as he’s the judge’s nephew, which lands Gulshan in trouble for coaching neurodivergent kids. Vedant plays him with an endearing awkwardness - shy, a little lost, and always coming up with bizarre yet oddly sensible justifications. His quirks light up the screen, encouraging us to take life a little less seriously.

Samvit Desai as Kareem

Kareem’s arc is a moving example of independence and quiet strength even when the world doesn’t get your normal. Living with roommates and working at a hotel, he insists on doing things his own way like shooting baskets with flair instead of form. But moments where his boss mistreats him hit hard, reminding us of the harsh realities neurodivergent individuals face. Samvit delivers a performance filled with quiet resilience and charm.

Naman Misra as Hargovind

Hargovind is the tallest on the team and the only one with invisible autism, much like Naman in real life. His character navigates the world a little differently as he’s capable, solitary, and observant. But as the team grows, he joins them and even gives Gulshan coaching advice, proving that what meets the eye is never the full story. Naman’s understated performance is a valuable reminder of how diversity within neurodivergence itself needs visibility too.

Who is your favorite character? Tell us in the comments below.

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