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Reema Lagu
While Farida Jalal was the fan favorite for the role of the mother in Bollywood, Reema Lagu was the official mother in almost all the Rajshri films in the 90s and early 21st century.
Whether it’s Maine Pyar Kiya or Hum Aapke Hain Koun, she justified her role of an Indian mother with grace and simplicity. While she often played the lovable, down to earth mother in many films, we saw a negative shade explored in her performance as the modern day Kaikeyi in Hum Saath Saath Hai.
Aruna Irani
Aruna Irani began her career donning character roles even when she was young. As she grew older, she started getting offers for motherly characters in the 90s and later years. She created her own identity as Indian mother and often played gray shades in films like Beta for which she also won a Filmfare award.
While playing some comic roles here and there, she constantly played motherly roles in some of the notable movies like Raja Babu, Doodh Ka Karz, and Suhaag, One of the notable appearances in a motherly avatar was also witnessed in Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai, where she plays the elderly dance teacher of the female lead Madhuri Dixit.
Rakhee
“Mere Karan Arjun Aayenge” is the phrase popularized by Rakhee Gulzar as the unfortunate mother of two children who die at the hands of evil Thakur. Rakhee is another main lead actress turned supporting actress in her second innings in Bollywood.
She portrayed the mother character much similar to the ones portrayed by Nirupa Roy in the 70s. However, her portrayal was a bit more obsessive than others.
She was the strict mom in Saugandh who prepares her son to fight against the enemies, whereas she also played a persistent mother who believes that her dead sons would return to finish of Thakur once and for all.
Smita Jayakar
Smita Jayakar is another example of modern day mothers in Bollywood. While she has performed as a mother in several Bollywood films, her notable performance came in Sarfarosh and later in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
In addition to that, we also loved her as the cool mom in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani who often becomes the shield for her son against the father.
Kirron Kher
The coolest of all moms in Bollywood history is Kirron Kher. Remember her role in Dostana or Hum Tum? Her typical Punjabi Mom avatar doesn’t only please the audience but also make them desire if their moms too were as cool as her.
Some of her notable appearances as a mother were in films like Devdas, Main Hoon Na, Khoobsurat, Rang De Basanti, and Fanaa.
Jaya Bachchan
One of the most loved and respected personalities in Bollywood; Jaya Bachchan also makes it to our list of best onscreen mothers of all time.
While she started her career as the main lead, she quit films post marriage. However, she returned for motherly characters and made her mark in films like Kal Ho Na Ho, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Fiza.
Ratna Pathak Shah
The wife of Mr. Naseeruddin Shah and notable television star, Ratna Pathak Shah didn’t do much in films until Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.
Since that film, she was cast in major roles as mother and she gave some notable performances in films like Golmaal 3, Ek Main Aur Ek Tu, Khoobsurat, and Kapoor & Sons.
Also Read: Best Woman Centric Bollywood Movies
Shefali Shah
Well, Shefali Shah is another Television prodigy who made her mark in Bollywood in her motherly characters.
While she hasn’t played many motherly characters to be precise, she made her presence felt in that avatar in films like Waqt: The Race Against Time and Dil Dhadakne Do.
Over to you
We love our moms but you must agree that while watching these Bollywood moms, you do compare their antics with your moms such that you can relate to the events in your life.
Moms are the best gifts in life and Bollywood has done an impressive role in keeping these characters pure and beautiful all together.
