Mothers of Bollywood : An Itroduction

With numerous legendary and enduring characters that have made a lasting impression on the audience, mothers have always played a big part in Bollywood films. The way mothers are portrayed in Bollywood has changed throughout the years, reflecting the shifting social and cultural values in Indian society. 

From being a symbol of love and sacrifice to the personification of strength and resiliency. Mothers in Bollywood are a source of Inspiration.

Bollywood films frequently centre on the sacrifices that mothers make for their children, and moms are frequently portrayed as the epitome of love and selflessness. The principles of the Indian family system and the value of ties to one’s extended family are frequently represented by these characters. They have grown to be significant figures in Indian cinema.

Several gifted actresses have played moms throughout the years in Bollywood films, producing legendary roles that viewers still adore and remember. These actresses, who range from Farida Jalal in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to Nargis in Mother India, have made an imprint on Indian film with their stirring performances and have inspired countless women around the nation.

Let’s examine a handful of these legendary actresses who have dawned the role of Mothers of Bollywood:

Photo Credit : Bolly Views

Mothers of Bollywood : Nargis

Fatima Rashid, better known by her stage name Nargis, was one of the most well-known actresses in Indian cinema. One of the best performances in Indian cinema is still associated with her portrayal as Radha in the 1957 film Mother India. In the movie, Nargis played a strong, self-reliant mother who gives up all for the benefit of her kids.

Early in the 1940s, Nargis started her acting career and went on to star in a number of well-known movies of the era, including Barsaat, Andaz, and Awara. She was one of the most sought-after actresses of her era and was noted for her beauty, grace, and strong acting abilities.

In Mother India, Nargis gave a performance that is now regarded as one of the best in Indian film history. The movie chronicles the challenges of a low-income mother trying to raise her kids in the midst of famine, poverty, and societal injustice. The character was so effectively portrayed by Nargis that she was nominated for the Best Actress prize at the Academy Awards.

In addition to her role as Mother India, Nargis gave a number of other standout performances, including those in the movies Raat Aur Din, Chhalia, and Barsaat Ki Raat. She was a true legend of Indian film, and even today, women from future generations continue to draw inspiration from her legacy.

Photo Credit : IMDB

Mothers of Bollywood : Rakhee Gulzar

Indian film industry veteran Rakhee Gulzar is renowned for her strong performances and adaptability. In her career, she has played a number of notable characters, including several famous mother parts that have had a lasting impression on the audience.

Beginning her acting career in the 1960s, Rakhee went on to star in a number of commercially successful movies, including Basera, Kabhi Kabhie, and Sharmilee. One of the greatest performances in Indian cinema is still regarded as her portrayal of Pooja in the 1976 movie Kabhie Kabhie.

In her career, Rakhee has also played a number of motherly roles, appearing in movies like Baazigar, Ram Lakhan, and Karan Arjun. One of the most recognisable mother characters in Indian cinema is still her portrayal of Durga in the 1995 film Karan Arjun. The role cemented that Mothers of Bollywood can be as important to the movie as the Heroes.

Rakhee has consistently received accolades for her performances’ emotional nuance and reality, and this is also true of the way she portrays mother figures. Her characters exhibit warmth, compassion, and strength, which helps the audience identify with and find inspiration in them.

 

Photo Credit : Times of India

Mothers of Bollywood : Nirupa Roy

One of the most recognisable actors in Indian cinema, Nirupa Roy was most recognised for playing the stereotypical mother figure in Bollywood movies. She began her acting career in the late 1940s and was born on January 4, 1931, in Gujarat, India.

The audience was deeply affected by Nirupa Roy’s portrayal of the selfless and afflicted mother in movies like Deewar, Amar Akbar Anthony, and Mard. She became linked with the mother role in Indian film because of the strength of her on-screen presence as a mother.

She was renowned for her natural acting technique and her capacity to express emotions with her eyes. Her performances received a lot of appreciation for being sincere and relatable. Nirupa Roy continues to be one of the most adored actresses in the nation despite her tremendous contribution to the Indian cinema industry.

One of the most recognisable roles in Indian cinema is her portrayal of mothers in movies like Deewar, where she played the mother of the Amitabh Bachchan’s character. She had an unmatched capacity to portray the agony and pain experienced by mothers who give all to their children.

 

Photo Credit : Indian Express

Mothers of Bollywood : Waheeda Rehman

One of the most recognisable actresses in Indian cinema, Waheeda Rehman is renowned for her diverse roles in pictures made during a five-decade period. She began her acting career in the late 1950s and was born on February 3, 1938, in Hyderabad, India.

Waheeda Rehman was well-known for portraying strong mother figures in movies like Kabhi Kabhie, Lamhe, and Rang De Basanti in addition to her leading lady parts. Her portrayals of a mother received tremendous praise for their intensity, feeling, and sincerity.

Waheeda Rehman became one of the most revered actresses in Indian film because of her talent for portraying nuanced emotions onscreen. Her performances continue to rank among the most enduring in Indian cinema in movies like Guide, Pyaasa, and Kaagaz Ke Phool.

Waheeda Rehman, a fixture in Mothers of Bollywood list, was renowned for her capacity to exude both power and sensitivity. In the movie Rang De Basanti, she played the mother of R. Madhavan’s character, and her depiction was praised for its emotional nuance and empathy.

Photo Credit : News18

Mothers of Bollywood : Fareeda Jalal

An accomplished Indian actress, Farida Jalal has appeared in more than 200 films in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and other local dialects. She has played a significant role in the Indian cinema industry for more than 50 years and is renowned for her diverse acting abilities. Her portrayal of mother characters in numerous films has been one of her most prominent contributions to Bollywood.

Both the audience and critics have praised Farida Jalal’s portrayal of motherly figures. She has taken on a variety of roles, from that of a devoted and tender mother to that of a severe and demanding one. She has received recognition for her memorable performances in movies like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. She is a strong candidate in Mothers of Bollywood list.

Farida Jalal portrayed a mother in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge who encouraged her daughter’s love affair despite it going against conventional wisdom. Her portrayal of a single mother in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai received a lot of praise as well. She portrayed a mother in the movie who had to raise her daughter by herself following the passing of her husband.

One of the most adored actresses in Indian cinema is Farida Jalal because of her talent for evoking emotion in her viewers. She holds a particular place in the hearts of the Indian audience because of the impact that her portrayal of mother figures has had on them. She has made an incalculable contribution to Indian cinema as a mother figure, and she will continue to inspire.

 

Photo Credit : Geo.tv

Mothers of Bollywood : Reema Lagoo

Talented Indian actress Reema Lagoo was well recognised for her roles in Hindi and Marathi movies. She gained notoriety for her depictions of mothers in Bollywood movies. She was able to bring to life the numerous well-known mother’s characters because to her versatile acting abilities. She passed away in  May 2017 in Mumbai.

Reema Lagoo is well recognised for her role as a loving and caring mother who supports her son’s choice of life partner in the hit movie Maine Pyar Kiya. Her roles in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Vaastav, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai among others earned her praise. She represented the character of a mother in each of these movies in a variety of ways, from being a tender mother to a harsh and authoritarian one.

Reema Lagoo demonstrated her versatility in numerous film genres in addition to her motherly parts. In movies like Judwaa and the television programme Tu Tu Main Main, she was renowned for her comic timing. She was one of the most sought-after actresses of her era due to her effortless ability to play a variety of roles.

Reema Lagoo has made significant contributions to Bollywood as a mother figure. Her performances were usually realistic and helped the audience relate to her. Her untimely death in 2017 was a huge loss for the Indian cinema industry, but she leaves behind a legacy that motivates actresses today and into the future.

 

Photo Credit : Geo.tv

Mothers of Bollywood : Jaya Bachchan

Veteran Indian actress Jaya Bachchan has acted in a range of roles during her career. She is also well known for playing mothers in a number of Bollywood movies. Both audiences and critics have praised her performances in these roles highly.

The role of a mother was one of Jaya Bachchan’s most recognisable in the movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. She portrayed Nandini Raichand, a compassionate and caring mother who tries to bring her family back together after a protracted argument. Her on-screen portrayal received high accolades for its emotional nuance and sincerity.

In a number of other movies, like Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Fiza, Jaya Bachchan has also portrayed a mother. She brought a feeling of reality to her performances by playing the part of a mother with a distinct personality in each of these movies.

Jaya Bachchan has a background in politics and social activism in addition to her profession as an actor. She is a member of the Indian Parliament. She is renowned in the film industry and in politics due to her contributions to Indian society and movies.

Photo Credit : Geo.tv

Mothers of Bollywood : Kirron Kher

Indian actress Kirron Kher is well-known and has established a reputation for herself in Bollywood through her range of roles. She has also played mothers in a number of movies, lending each character her distinct personality and sense of flair.

Kirron Kher portrayed the mother of Abhishek Bachchan’s main character in the movie Dostana. Her portrayal of Kanta Singh, a typical Punjabi mother who is protective of her son and wishes the best for him, was accurate. The film’s audience praised Kirron Kher’s performance for its humour and sincerity. She gave her character a certain level of warmth and charm, which helped her stand out in the movie.

She portrayed Bela Makhija, a strong-willed mother in the movie Om Shanti Om who inspires her son to pursue his ambitions, in one of her most well-known roles as a mother. Her on-screen portrayal received a great deal of praise for its emotional range and sincerity.

In a number of other movies, including Devdas, Khoobsurat, and Rang De Basanti, Kirron Kher has also portrayed a mother. She brought a feeling of reality to her performances by playing the part of a mother with a distinct personality in each of these movies.

In addition to her career as an actor, Kirron Kher is renowned for her support of political and social concerns. She has fought vociferously for women’s rights and made contributions to society.

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