Mother’s Day 2018: The Six Most Iconic Maa of Hindi Cine’MAA’

The Indian mothers have always been crucial to Bollywood film plots. Over the years, filmmakers have depicted various shades of a mother’s character. From a stereotypical sacrificing Maa to the modern day ‘swagger’ moms, Bollywood has shown it all. As we celebrate Mother’s Day on May 13, we take a look at some Bollywood moms who have immortalised their characters on screen with such magnificence that their names have been etched in history.

Some Bollywood actresses have effortlessly portrayed maternal characters in multiple films and have created a prototype for themselves. We list down some classic actresses of the industry who have managed to create such and image for themselves with their role as mothers.

Radha in Mother India

Nargis’ character Radha in Mother India became the archetypal ‘mother’ for the entire country. Her portrayal in the 1957 film is still remembered and revered as one of the most iconic characters to have been played in Hindi Cinema. She won various awards for her role as Radha, including a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award. The film was also nominated for Oscars. Her role in and as Mother India has now become synonymous with an ideal, goddess-like Indian mother.

Mrs. Chaudhary in Hum Aapke Hain Kaun

In the much acclaimed film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Reema Lagoo’s character as Mrs. Chaudhary became extremely popular. She was the face of a homely, Indian mother for many Rajshri films. Her portrayal of a soft, simple, sacrificing house-wife and mother whose entire world revolved around her children was loved by all. Her similar roles in other films like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Na Ho, Saajan and Hum Saath Saath Hain made her a popular artist to play the traditional Indian mother in Bollywood films.

Lajjo in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge

Farida Jalal’s role as Lajjo in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge was  much ahead of her times. In the early 90s it was quite unlikely for a traditional mother to be depicted as someone who would help her daughter elope with her lover,  leaving behind her entire family on the eve of her wedding. But Lajjo broke from the shackles of a typical sankaari mother and helped her daughter Simran, live her dreams, because she couldn’t do it herself.

Durga in Karan Arjun

‘Mere Karan Arjun Aayenge’ uttered by Durga Singh (Rakhee) in Karan Arjun is now a classic. Durga’s character of a mother who was wronged, who lost her kids and was made to suffer at the hands of the evil Thakur (played by Amrish Puri) became an epitome of hope and motherly love. The story of a mother’s absolute faith and determination that her sons will return and avenge her sufferings made the film a blockbuster. With the film’s success Durga’s character became extremely popular and is reminisced fondly even today.

Mausi in Sholay

Not a maa but mausi (aunt) played by Leela Mishra in the iconic film Sholay became another mother-figure that will always be one of the most popular characters of Indian cinema. Her role as the stereotypical mother who wants to get her daughter married to a ‘good’ young man, and her hilarious conversation with Jai (Amitabh Bachchan) remains one of the most popular scenes of Sholay. Also, Veeru’s (Dharmendra) legendary scene where he climbs on a water tank and threatens suicide unless mausi agrees for the two (Veeru and Basanti) to get married.

Sumitra Devi in Deewaar

Nirpua Roy’s character as Sumitra Devi in Deewar as a typical poor, grief-stricken mother, who fights every obstacle to give her children a good life, is yet another classic Bollywood maa. Her role as the forgiving, sacrificing and emotional mother was loved by many and also received immense critical acclaim.  She was referred as the ‘Queen of Misery’ for her portrayal of the sad, helpless mother in several films. Shashi Kapoor's dialogue Mere Pass Maa Hai immortalised her as one of the most popular ‘maa’ in the history of Hindi cinema.

These are a few names that have played popular roles as mothers in various Bollywood films. A lot of other actress like Achla Sachdev, Dina Pathak, Zohra Sehgal, Waheeda Rehman, Jaya Bachchan, Smita Jaykar and Kirron Kher have also played roles as mothers that have been loved and appreciated largely by the audience. The list is endless just like the love and significance of a mother in our lives.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2018 06:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).