Like Stars on Earth - Characters & Cast

Initially, his motivation is simply to explore the world through his senses and imagination. After being punished and shamed, his motivation becomes avoiding failure and ridicule. Ultimately, with Nikumbh's help, his motivation shifts to expressing himself through his art and proving his own worth, not just to others, but to himself.

Ishaan begins as a vibrant, imaginative, but misunderstood child who is slowly crushed by the expectations of the world. Labeled lazy and defiant, he internalizes this criticism, leading to deep depression and withdrawal at boarding school. Through the mentorship of Ram Nikumbh, he is diagnosed with dyslexia, receives proper guidance, and slowly rebuilds his confidence. His journey culminates in him embracing his artistic talent, excelling academically, and finding acceptance from his family and peers, transforming from an outcast to a celebrated individual.

Having overcome the struggles of dyslexia himself, Nikumbh is driven by a deep sense of empathy and a passion for helping children who are failed by the conventional system. He is motivated by the belief that every child is special and has the right to an education that acknowledges their unique abilities.

Nikumbh arrives at the boarding school as a temporary art teacher with an unconventional, joyful approach. He remains a consistent force of empathy and wisdom throughout the film. His arc is less about personal change and more about his impact on the environment around him. He identifies Ishaan's dyslexia, having experienced it himself, and takes on the role of his guide. He not only teaches Ishaan but also educates Ishaan's parents and the other faculty, fundamentally changing their perspective on education and compassion.

His primary motivation is for his sons to be successful and to uphold the family's reputation. He is driven by a rigid, competitive worldview and a fear of failure, which blinds him to Ishaan's actual needs and talents.

Nandkishore starts as a strict, impatient, and unsympathetic father who values success and discipline above all else. He sees Ishaan's struggles as willful disobedience and makes the harsh decision to send him to boarding school. His transformation begins when Nikumbh confronts him and explains dyslexia. He is forced to see his son's pain and his own role in it. His arc completes on the last day of school when, seeing Ishaan's profound change and artistic talent, he breaks down in tears and thanks Nikumbh, finally accepting and appreciating his son for who he is.

Her motivation is rooted in a deep, instinctual love for her son. She wants to protect him and help him succeed, but she is constrained by a lack of understanding of his condition and the patriarchal family structure.

Maya is a loving and caring mother who is deeply frustrated by her inability to help Ishaan. She is trapped between her son's needs and her husband's authority. She senses something is wrong but lacks the knowledge or power to challenge the 'lazy' narrative. Her arc is one of dawning awareness. After Nikumbh's intervention, her guilt and helplessness are replaced by understanding. She becomes a more effective advocate for Ishaan within the family, culminating in her emotional pride at his final success.