Meet the Bollywood stars who are real-life teachers

On-screen, they’ve played unforgettable roles, but beyond the arc lights and film sets, some Bollywood actors have taken on an equally powerful role — that of a teacher. From classrooms to workshops, from mentoring to guiding future stars, these actors remind us that teaching is also an art, one that demands patience, passion and generosity. On Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the stars who have inspired both audiences and students alike.

Pankaj Kapur

Regarded as one of the finest actors in Indian cinema, Pankaj Kapur also began his career as a teacher at the National School of Drama (NSD). His students often recall how his nuanced approach to acting helped them unlock new dimensions in their performances.

Saurabh Shukla

Best known for his powerful character roles, Saurabh Shukla has always kept one foot in the world of theatre. He regularly conducts workshops, encouraging students to explore their creative instincts. His teaching style emphasises honesty in performance and staying true to one’s craft.

Boman Irani

Beyond cinema, Boman Irani founded Spiral Bound, a free online screenwriting workshop series on Zoom that he launched during the 2020 lockdown. What began as an informal gathering has evolved into a thriving creative community that he personally leads. Anyone with a love for cinema and an interest in writing is welcome to join FOC, creating an inclusive space for learning. Adding to its charm, Boman often invites friends from the industry, who drop in to share their stories and insights, making Spiral Bound not just a workshop but an evolving dialogue on storytelling.

Anupam Kher

A National Award-winning actor and a stalwart of Indian cinema, Anupam Kher has always believed in nurturing young talent. His acting academy, Actor Prepares, is a hub for budding performers. Several stars, who rule the industry today, have trained under his watchful eye.

Nandita Das

Nandita Das was a part-time teacher at the residential Rishi Valley School in India before establishing herself as a prominent figure in Bollywood and independent cinema. She completed her masters from the Delhi School of Social Work and then established herself as the director of this school and took up teaching as a part-time job for her theatre work. She has won many accolades for her performance in many feature films like Fire, Earth, Bawandar, Kannathil Muthamittal, Azhagi, Kamli, and Before The Rains.

Entertainment