The medical profession deserves to be celebrated not just on the special occasion of National Doctors’ Day, but every day. And Bollywood has always done
that. From emotional dramas to comedy, many actors have brought doctors to life with depth and impact. Among them are stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Shahid Kapoor, who not only portrayed the profession but also made these roles memorable. As we celebrate Doctors’ Day, let’s look at performances that highlight how real-life healers dedicate their lives to saving others. Shah Rukh Khan In Dear Zindagi Shah Rukh Khan was seen in a completely new avatar as Dr Jehangir Khan in Dear Zindagi (2016), which starred Alia Bhatt in the lead role. He played a warm and understanding therapist who helps a young woman navigate emotional trauma and mental health challenges with patience and empathy. As "Jug", SRK left a strong mark on the audience and became yet another popular character that continues to be cherished by fans. Kareena Kapoor In 3 Idiots Kareena Kapoor has worn the white coat in multiple projects, but her role as Dr Pia Sahastrabuddhe in 3 Idiots will forever be iconic. As a peppy, bright and talented medical student, she was seen balancing academic pressure with personal emotions. Her character reflected the life of an aspiring doctor navigating ambition, love, and the challenges of medical education. Kareena Kapoor In Udta Punjab Another memorable role of Kareena as a doctor was in Udta Punjab, which also starred Alia Bhatt, Diljit Dosanjh, and Shahid Kapoor. The film revolved around growing drug abuse among youth and showed her as Dr Preet Sahni. She was seen treating addicts with care while also raising awareness about the crisis as a committed and compassionate doctor. Sanjay Dutt And Boman Irani In Munna Bhai MBBS Murli Prasad Sharma, aka Munna Bhai, and his hilarious moments still live rent-free in every Bollywood fan’s mind. Sanjay Dutt delivered an iconic performance in Rajkumar Hirani’s film and became Bollywood’s most-loved "doctor." From his “jaadu ki jhappi” healing style to laughter therapy, he remains the OG doctor of hearts. He taught the audience that empathy, kindness, and human connection matter more than textbook knowledge. Also memorable was Boman Irani’s performance as Dr Asthana. While he played the strict and authoritarian dean of a medical college, his powerful clash with Munna added depth to the comedy. Shahid Kapoor In Kabir Singh Love him or hate him, you cannot ignore him. Shahid Kapoor essayed Kabir Singh in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-talked-about film. He was seen as a problematic orthopaedic surgeon known for his surgical expertise but troubled personal life. Intense, passionate, and self-destructive, his character explored the darker side of genius. While it continues to spark debate even today, it remains one of the most discussed portrayals of the profession.
