Bollywood movies have always had a powerful influence on our lives. And while most of the movies revolved around the female and male leads of the movie, they also showed a strong mother-son relationship. Who can forget the iconic mother-son bond in Karan Arjun, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, Taare Zameen Par, and Koi… Mil Gaya. Here we bring you 8 actresses who played a prominent role in shaping the course of motherhood in Hindi cinema.
1. Durga Khote
Durga Khote has been active in theater and Hindi films for over 50 years. She has starred in over 200 roles, with her most played role being that of an idealistic wife. You might know her from iconic movies such as Mughal-E-Aazam, Vidaai, Bawarchi, Bobby, Anand, and Abhimaan.
2. Nirupa Roy
Image: NDTV
Nirupa Roy was best known for her portrayal of motherly roles in Indian cinema. Famously known as the “Queen of Misery”, she has acted in over 250 movies from the 1940s to 1990s. One of her most memorable roles is from the movie Deewar, which showcases a strong mother-child relationship.
3. Reema Lagoo
Image: TOI
Reema Lagoo has played the role of onscreen mother to many Bollywood actors and actresses. The warmth and affection which she brought to every single role made the viewers wish for a mother like her. She was most active in movies around the early 1990s and 2000s. She is famous for her roles in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Maine Pyar Kiya, Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
4. Kirron Kher
Image: kirronkhermp/Instagram
For decades, Bollywood’s portrayal of an Indian mother was someone who constantly worried and suffered. Kirron Kher’s portrayal of a mother was a refreshing change when compared to the “typical mothers” audiences always saw on screen. Her witty and modern take was well accepted by the audiences, especially the millennials. She has worked in several movies such as Devdas, Khoobsurat, Om Shanti Om, Veer Zara, Dostana, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, Fanaa, Rang De Basanti, and Singh Is Kinng.
5. Jaya Bachchan
Image: bachchan/Instagram
Jaya Bachchan is one actress who continued to rule the big screen as a leading lady and later donning the role of a mother. The actress took a break from Hindi cinema after embracing motherhood in real life. Her most famous movies in the role of mother include Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, and Kal Ho Naa Ho.
6. Ratna Pathak
Image: TOI
As Hindi cinema evolved, so did the role of mothers. And Ratna Pathak played a prominent role, revolutionizing how mothers are portrayed on screen. She gave a commendable performance in several movies such as Lipstick Under My Burkha, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Kapoor and Sons, Khoobsurat, and The Coffin Maker.
7. Farida Jalal
Image: faridajalalofficial/Instagram
Farida Jalal’s contribution to Hindi cinema is remarkable though she was mostly restricted to playing motherly roles. She gave her all to every one of her roles and managed to stand out in a star-studded cast. You may know her from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, Student Of The Year, and many more.
8. Zohra Sehgal
Image: India Today
You would think that actresses such as Zohra Sehgal would not be able to carve her own niche because of the limited roles offered to older actresses in the industry. However, this talented actor never failed to amaze us in her cheerful and memorable roles, whether it was Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Cheeni Kum, Saawariya, Dil Se, or Veer Zara.
While some roles made our hearts heavy for the pain that a mother goes through, others made us wish we had a mom just like that. From heartwarming and innocent characters to witty and quirky ones, these women did their best to beautifully portray the different mothers we come across in real life.
