National Doctors’ Day 2026: Iconic On-Screen Doctor Characters in Bollywood
On National Doctors’ Day 2026, revisit the iconic actors who brought unforgettable doctor characters to life with honesty. Explore the journeys of Kareena Kapoor Khan in '3 Idiots' and 'Udta Punjab', Shahid Kapoor in 'Kabir Singh', Sanjay Dutt in 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.', and the dedicated rural doctors of the hit web series 'Gram Chikitsalay'.
Over the years, we have seen several actors playing the roles of doctors in films and web series. They have made a massive impact on audiences not just because of their profession, but also because of the people they portrayed as doctors. Brought to life with honesty, conviction, and emotional depth, these performances felt authentic, deeply relatable, and became fan favorites as doctors. Each character had a unique personality that made them impossible to forget, be it the quirky doctor Munna Bhai by Sanjay Dutt or Amol Parashar's Prabhat Sinha as a passionate doctor to change healthcare in rural areas. Today, as we celebrate National Doctors’ Day, here’s a look at characters who made these doctors more memorable! Doctors' Day 2026: Wishes, Messages and Quotes To Honour Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy.
Kareena Kapoor Khan in '3 Idiots'
Kareena Kapoor Khan played Dr. Pia Sahastrabuddhe in 3 Idiots, the daughter of a strict and orthodox college principal. Despite her father's nature, Pia was humble, kind, grounded, and deeply compassionate. She always put her patients first, whether it was treating Raju, helping his father, or guiding students through the delivery of her sister's baby over a webcam. Her warmth and selflessness made her an unforgettable doctor. Kareena Kapoor Khan also played a doctor in Udta Punjab. As Dr. Preet Sahani, a psychiatrist who runs a rehabilitation clinic to help combat Punjab's increasing drug abuse.
Sonali Bendre in 'Kal Ho Naa Ho'
Sonali Bendre played Dr. Priya in Kal Ho Naa Ho, a close friend of Shah Rukh Khan's Aman Mathur, who is battling cancer. Not just as a friend but also as a doctor, she stands by Aman whenever he needs her, supporting him through his most difficult moments as he courageously fights his illness.
Amol Parashar in 'Gram Chikitsalay'
Amol Parashar has delivered an incredible portrayal of Dr. Prabhat Sinha in Gram Chikitsalay, the son of a respected doctor who moves to the rural village of Bhatkandi with a dream of improving healthcare through modern practices. Initially, in the first season, he struggles to earn the villagers' trust, who rely on a "Google doctor," but gradually wins them over through his dedication. In the recently released Gram Chikitsalay Season 2, people start coming to him, and despite fresh challenges, his optimism, determination, and compassion make him the heart of the series, turning Dr. Prabhat into an unforgettable doctor. Gram Chikitsalay S2 Trailer: Amol Parashar Struggles to Revive Primary Health Centre Amid New Challenges.
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor in 'Gram Chikitsalay'
Akansha Ranjan Kapoor continues to win hearts as Dr. Gargi, a compassionate small-town doctor in Gram Chikitsalay. From Season 1 to the recently released Season 2, she remains a constant pillar of support for Dr. Prabhat Sinha while championing maternal healthcare and institutional deliveries. Deeply committed to her patients and grounded in her approach, Dr. Gargi's warmth, sincerity, and quiet strength make her one of the most memorable doctor characters in recent times.
Shahid Kapoor in 'Kabir Singh'
Shahid Kapoor delivered one of his most memorable performances as Dr. Kabir Singh, a highly skilled surgeon whose brilliance is matched by his emotional flaws. Even while struggling with alcoholism and inner conflict, his extraordinary talent in the operating room never wavers. His confidence, medical excellence, and emotionally complex journey made Dr. Kabir Singh a doctor character that remains unforgettable.
Sanjay Dutt in 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.'
Sanjay Dutt played Munna, a kind-hearted Mumbai gangster who enters medical college by cheating on the entrance exam. Though not a conventional doctor, he wins everyone over with his compassion, empathy, and famous "Jaadu Ki Jhappi." By healing patients with kindness as much as medicine, Munna redefined what it means to care, making him one of cinema's most unforgettable doctor characters.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2026 04:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).