From Nirupa Roy’s Traditional ‘Ma’ to Bold, Independent Mothers of Today
Once confined to the role of a gentle, ever-suffering woman in a white sari waiting patiently for her children to return home, Bollywood's depiction of the mother has undergone a remarkable evolution. On International Women's Day, it's worth reflecting on how Hindi cinema has moved beyond the stereotypical portrayal of mothers to more nuanced, independent, and diverse characters.
The Shift from Traditional to Modern Mothers
Gone are the days when mothers in Hindi cinema were mere emotional anchors with no individual stories. Today's Bollywood mothers, while still caring deeply for their children, now possess strong identities, professional lives, and viewpoints that extend beyond their traditional roles.
This transition began notably in the early 2000s. In the Saif Ali Khan-Rani Mukerji starrer "Hum Tum" (2004), both mothers—played by Rati Agnihotri and Kirron Kher—were single, spirited, and integral to the narrative. The film’s immense popularity indicated audience readiness for such progressive portrayals.
Kirron Kher subsequently became emblematic of the modern mother figure, showcasing a wide spectrum from humorous roles in "Dostana", supportive yet melodramatic portrayals in "Main Hoon Naa" and "Veer Zaara", to empathetic nuances in films like "Devdas" and "Khoobsurat" (2014).
Diverse and Nuanced Mother Figures Emerge
Actresses like Ratna Pathak Shah, Dimple Kapadia, and Dolly Ahluwalia have further redefined the Bollywood mother. Shah's roles in "Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na", "Kapoor & Sons", and particularly in "Thappad", highlight women with aspirations and voices. In "Cocktail" (2012), Dimple Kapadia charmed audiences as a feisty, humorous single mother.
Dolly Ahluwalia’s portrayal of a vibrant, widowed salon owner in Shoojit Sircar’s "Vicky Donor" also broke stereotypes, presenting a mother who shared daily laughs—and drinks—with her mother-in-law.
Everyday Realism Through Contemporary Mothers
Hindi cinema’s mothers today increasingly mirror everyday realities. Seema Pahwa’s authentic portrayal of middle-class motherhood in films such as "Bareilly Ki Barfi" and "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan" strikes a chord with audiences. These characters showcase mothers as relatable, complex, and distinctly human.
Recent films like "Girls Will Be Girls" (2024) explore deeper emotional territories. Kani Kusruti’s portrayal of a young mother's inner conflicts resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. Similarly, Katrina Kaif’s mysterious character as a protective mother in Sriram Raghavan’s thriller "Merry Christmas" underscores Bollywood’s evolving narrative treatment of motherhood.
OTT Platforms Accelerating Change
Streaming platforms have further propelled nuanced storytelling. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s intense role as a single mother protecting her daughter in Netflix’s "Jaane Jaan" (2023), and Shabana Azmi’s powerful role in "Dabba Cartel" (2024), exemplify how the digital space is redefining motherhood in Indian entertainment.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s digital debut, "Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazar", featuring Manisha Koirala and Sanjeeda Shaikh, showcased complicated mother-daughter relationships with compelling realism and complexity.
Comedic, Emotional, and Empowered Portrayals
Directors Varun Grover and Kiran Rao have also creatively explored maternal figures in "All India Rank" and "Laapataa Ladies". Geeta Agrawal Sharma’s roles in these films depict mothers navigating personal aspirations alongside familial responsibilities.
Mona Singh’s humorous yet protective mother figure in the horror-comedy "Munjya" (2024) further underlines Bollywood’s diversification of mother characters, now spanning multiple genres.
The Transformation from Nirupa Roy to Modern-Day Mothers
Bollywood’s earlier iconic portrayals, from Nargis’s sacrificial mother in "Mother India" (1957) to Nirupa Roy’s morally upright figure in "Deewaar" (1975), set the stage for decades. However, the famous dialogue "Mere paas maa hai" from "Deewaar" encapsulated a specific maternal ideal—a tragic yet morally resolute figure.
Contrast that to the contemporary portrayal by actresses like Farida Jalal in "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge", Reema Lagoo in "Hum Aapke Hain Koun!", and more recent portrayals, mothers are now multidimensional, independent, and empowered, reflecting changing societal values.
Bollywood's journey clearly highlights how the cinematic mother figure is no longer just a support system but a significant force shaping narratives, audiences, and cinema itself.