‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ Cast: Aamir Khan’s Heartwarming Film Introduces 10 Specially-Abled Stars – Meet Ashish Pendse, Simran Mangeshkar, Gopikrishnan and Other Inspirational Actors Winning Hearts (Watch Videos)

In a cinematic step that goes beyond storytelling and into inclusivity and representation, actor Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par, the sequel of 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, is making headlines for all the right reasons. Scheduled for release on June 20, 2025, this drama doesn’t just feature big names like Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh, the production proudly presents 10 incredible lead characters with special needs. The main roles of Sitaare Zameen Par are played by neurodivergent actors with conditions like Down syndrome and autism. Directed by RS Prasanna, best known for the barrier-breaking film Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017), Sitaare Zameen Par revolves around a determined coach (Aamir Khan) who brings together specially-abled individuals to form a basketball team. The story is one of resilience, inclusion, and the belief that talent comes in many forms. Exclusive: Sitaare Zameen Par Director RS Prasanna on Working With Aamir Khan and the Special Cast Members.

Who Are the Cast Members of 'Sitaare Zameen Par'?

Aamir Khan Productions recently shared joyful behind-the-scenes clips and cast introductions, letting fans witness the real stories of these 10 new stars. Each brings something deeply human, touching, and inspiring to the film. Let's take a look at the atypical cast members of Sitaare Zameen Par.

Ashish Pendse as Sunil Gupta

From Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, Ashish Pendse plays a security guard who hilariously stops Aamir Khan’s character from parking his vehicle. The video of Ashish reciting India's former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s poem with his father brings a poetic touch to his proud journey.

Rishi Shahani as Sharmaji

At 42 years, Rishi Shahani is the oldest special cast member of Sitaare Zameen Par. What is to be noted is that Rishi is a former Gold and Silver medalist at the Special Olympics 1999 in swimming. He is an inspiring presence. His love for yoga, vibrant BTS moments with Aamir Khan, and the joy he felt on shoot days shared by his mother Aruna Premchand Shahani add warmth to his story.

Simran Mangeshkar as Golu Khan

Simran Mangeshkar, from Mumbai, plays a bully with a temper, a role opposite to her soft-spoken nature. She nailed her audition for Sitaare Zameen Par by recreating Alia Bhatt’s famous scene from Gully Boy (2019). Her team spirit shines when she says she’d dedicate an award to the entire cast.

Aroush Datta as Satbir

The joker of the crew, Aroush Datta plays a mechanic who works with his uncle. His favourite moment? Telling Aamir Khan to shut up on screen in Sitaare Zameen Par. For him, the whole experience was nothing short of a ‘rebirth.’

Gopikrishnan Varma aka Gopi as Guddu

Funny, messy, and earthy, Gopikrishnan Varma aka Gopi plays a boy who avoids bathing and loves mud. Off screen, he has always dreamt of being an actor, and now, that dream is real with Sitaare Zameen Par.

Aayush Bhansali as Lotus

Aayush Bhansali, a 28-year-old Kathak dancer who dyes his hair in fun colours, works in a dye factory in Sitaare Zameen Par. His mother appreciates his colourful side, contrasting with his calm real-life personality.

Samvit Desai as Kareem

From Mumbai, 34-year-old Samvit Desai is an energetic bundle on set. He jokes about people asking him for autographs and can’t wait to see himself on the big screen in Sitaare Zameen Par.

Rishabh Jain as Raju

Inspired by Mr. Bean, Rishabh Jain plays a gardener who chats with cacti. He calls his castmates from Sitaare Zameen Par as the best team of his life, cementing friendships that go beyond cinema.

Vedant Sharma as Bantu

Vedant Sharma was offered other roles but chose Bantu—a quiet, lost boy who constantly touches his ears, a trait Vedant shares in real life. His father confirms this charming detail. He’s also a big fan of Genelia Deshmukh, who stars opposite Aamir Khan in Sitaare Zameen Par.

Naman Mishra as Hargovind

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Gurgaon-based Naman Mishra, 29, plays a deep, insightful character named Hargovind. Diagnosed with ‘invisible autism’, Naman sees this opportunity as the fulfillment of a dream, and describes Aamir Khan as a man with a great heart.  ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’: Aamir Khan Opens Up About Remakes After ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ Debacle, Defends His Choice (Watch Video)

'Sitaare Zameen Par' – Cultural Movement for Inclusivity

Each of these cast members brings authenticity and emotional power to Sitaare Zameen Par. More than just actors, they are symbols of what cinema can do and provides a space where everyone has a chance to shine. With these powerful performances and real stories, Sitaare Zameen Par is set to be more than just a movie. It’s a cultural movement for inclusivity, and a celebration of those often overlooked by mainstream narratives. Aamir Khan may be the star, but these 10  rising talents are the real ‘sitaare’ (stars) we’ll be watching for years to come. ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’ a Fan Boy’s Love Letter to Aamir Khan, Says Director RS Prasanna (Watch Video)

Watch the Trailer of Aamir Khan’s Upcoming Film ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’:

Censor Board Clears ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’

The British Censor Board has officially cleared Sitaare Zameen Par with a 12A certificate. After some initial glitches, the Indian Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has also cleared  Sitaare Zameen Par. The Aamir Khan-starrer is an official adaptation of the acclaimed Spanish film Champions. Sitaare Zameen Par is set for release in theatres on June 20, 2025.

'Sitaare Zameen Par' Director RS Prasanna on Working With Aamir Khan and the Special Cast Members - Watch Video:

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 17, 2025 04:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).