The Most Amazing Filmy Mummas!

Mother’s Day is a day to remember the sacrifices made by mothers all over the world. Becoming a mother is a gift of God to a woman. Motherhood brings with it joy and happiness. It also brings challenges, but any mother would say that the joys outweigh the challenges. In the wake of this upcoming day, it is an opportunity to reflect upon screen idols who played the roles of mothers in films (onscreen mothers). In hundreds of Bollywood films, the role of the mother has been sacrosanct. No song, scenery, dance or fight scene can replace a meaty role for the Maa in the film. Because as much as the actor or actress is important, so is the mother. Here are some actresses who made legendary their roles as Maas in Bollywood.  

1. Waheeda Rehman

She was a critically acclaimed actress of yesteryear. But after Lamhe, she became the perfect Maa. Essaying the Maa role with perfection, she won critical acclaim for her roles in Rang De Basanti, Om Jai Jagadish and Water.

2. Jaya Bachan

There cannot be a better portrayal of a mother in an emotionally charged film such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Kam. Jaya Bachan stole the show with her perfect rendition of a mother who is in a situation where she has to fulfill her son’s wishes, and also listen to her husband. She did an equally fabulous job in Fiza. And not to forget her talent in Kal Ho Na Ho. Way to go Jaya Maa!

3. Farida Jalal

She immortalized the Maa role and changed the dynamics of the quintessential Maa role in Bollywood. Her acting histrionics in Dilwale Dulhani Le Jayenge was original and heart-warming. She stole the thunder from all the protagonists in Dil To Pagal Hai. Her amazing screen presence melted everyone’s heart in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It is tough to imagine what these films could have turned out to be without Farida Jalal.

4. Dimple Kapadia

In Pyaar Mein Twist, Dimple Kapadia is a modern mother. She wears jeans and is as fashionable as her daughter in the film. She is her daughter’s best friend and also her healthy competitor! She has loads of talent to endorse the Maa role in future films too. Looking forward to it!

5. Ratna Pathak Shah

In Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na, Ratna Pathak Shah plays a lovable mother. It could be no surprise that everyone wanted a mother like her! Playing Imran Khan’s mother seems easy at the outset. But she was cooler than the ever-cool Imran. That’s how a perfect modern-day Maa is nowadays – cool as an iceberg, but with a fire in the belly! And did you forget how she mesmerized the audience in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai? For her portrayal of Maya Sarabhai? This was a cult television series.

6. Kirron Kher

No one can quite match-up to Kirron Kher when playing a typical Punjabi mom. She appeared in such roles in so many Hindi movies that this stereotype has stuck to her. She gave beautiful performances in films such as Devdass, Om Shanti Om, and Dostana to name a few.

7. Reema Lagoo

It was in the film Maine Pyaar Kiya that the first time Reema Lagoo’s talent playing the role of a mother was spotted. Who can forget her riveting performance playing gangster Sanjay Dutt’s conscientious mother in Vaastav. She was a genius in Hum Aapke Hai Kaun with an unbeatable performance.

8. Achla Sachdev

Being Amitabh Bachan’s mother is not an easy task. The legendary actor needs an equally legendary actress to play his mother. That’s what Achla Sachdev did in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. And what a performance was that! She is often referred to as the ‘Original Maa’.

9. Smita Jayakar

She is known for her meaty roles in Marathi Films and is also a known face in theatre. But even Smita Jayakar is one of the top 10 Maas in Bollywood. Who can forget her memorable roles in films such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Pardes and Hum Aapke Dil Mein Rehte Hain.

10. Zohra Sehgal

Being in the category to play Amitabh Bachan’s mother needs something special. It is definitely not age! It is something else – which cannot be explained that Zohra Sehgal had. In Cheeni Kum she played Amitabh Bachan’s mother and held her own throughout the film! How many people can do that when sharing the screen with Big B?

Hope you liked the article. Also, let us know if we missed any of your favorite star in the comments below. We would love to cover that in our next article on the similar topic.