Paa 2009

Auro, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan, is a bright and clever 12-year-old boy battling an exceptionally rare genetic disorder known as Progeria, which causes him to appear significantly older than he truly is—while he mentally functions like a typical twelve-year-old, his physical appearance resembles that of someone five times his age. Nevertheless, Auro remains a cheerful child, despite his dietary restrictions that exclude him from spicy foods. He lives with his devoted mother, Vidya, acted by Vidya Balan, a gynecologist, and his grandmother, Bum, played by Arundhati Nag.

Amol Arte, a cold-hearted politician, is portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan. He aspires to change the perception of politics in society, dedicating himself to a mission of reform. Auro is actually Amol’s son, a fact that Vidya has kept secret from him. Their paths unexpectedly cross when Amol visits Auro’s school as a guest at its 50th anniversary celebration, where a competition titled “visionary of India” is held. Impressed by Auro’s creative project—a white globe symbolizing a world devoid of boundaries—Amol names him the winner. This sparks media attention around Auro, complicating their lives.

Somi, played by Taruni Sachdev, remains infatuated with Auro, who, while flattered, often escapes her advances. Auro’s closest companion at school is his best friend Vishnu, portrayed by Prateek Katare.

When Vidya discovers on the news that Auro has received the award from Amol, she is flooded with memories of their past in London, where their romantic relationship once blossomed. Their time together culminated in a pregnancy, which Amol initially urged Vidya to terminate so that he could pursue an MBA and follow in his father’s political footsteps. Torn between the potential future and her feelings, Vidya chose to return to Bombay, supported by Bum to embrace motherhood.

However, Auro’s arrival into the world comes with a grim diagnosis. With only around 50 known cases globally, the prognosis for children with Progeria is dire, with most not surviving past their early teenage years. Shortly after the news of Auro’s recognition, media intrusion into his life becomes overwhelming, prompting Auro to reach out to Amol via email for help. This leads Amol to secure a restraining order to safeguard Auro from the media frenzy.

As time progresses, Auro’s wish to visit the presidential residence remains unfulfilled due to Amol’s ongoing political battles. Eventually, Auro learns the truth about their connection, a revelation Vidya decides to share after consulting with their doctor, who emphasizes Auro’s limited lifespan.

Amol’s father, Mr. Kaushal Arte, performed by Paresh Rawal, expresses concern over Amol’s pursuits. Amol is embroiled in a redevelopment project that encounters opposition from Jaikirt, played by Satyajit Sharma, who believes in defending the slum residents against Amol’s plans. This culminates in a public outcry against Amol, branding him out of touch with the struggles of the poor.

Undeterred, Amol takes a bold stand to counteract the negative publicity, showcasing the realities of his redevelopment plan live on television. Despite the chaos, Auro and Amol finally embark on a long-awaited trip to visit the President’s residence, which becomes a cherished memory. However, Auro’s health declines rapidly, leading to a hospital admission.

During this challenging time, Amol connects the dots and comes to understand that Auro is indeed his son. Attempting to reconcile with Vidya becomes a priority as Auro strives to bring his parents back together. Despite Vidya’s initial resistance stemming from past pain, moments of vulnerability emerge, deepening their familial bond.

As Auro’s condition deteriorates in the days leading up to his 13th birthday, Amol publicly acknowledges Auro as his son, a move that stirs media interest once more. In a touching scene, Somi visits Auro in the hospital, reflecting on her past behavior and expressing her remorse.

In a poignant twist, Auro ultimately succeeds in rekindling the love between his parents. With a sense of peace, he utters his final words, “Maa” and “Paa,” leaving behind a moment of shared happiness as he passes away with a serene smile, completing their heart-wrenching journey against the backdrop of both personal and societal challenges.