The influence and dominance of Bollywood in India cannot be underestimated. Movies have been integral part of our lives, with new releases and fresh stories captivating audiences every Friday. People eagerly await the opportunity to be inspired by the latest films and their talented cast. From aspiring dancers mimicking their favourite stars to teenagers imitating the fashion sense of their beloved celebrities, Bollywood has a profound impact on youth culture. Certain movie characters even transcend the films themselves, while some actors become synonymous with specific roles, leading to typecasting. For instance, Jagdish Raj became the quintessential police inspector during the 70s and 80s, while Nirupa Roy portrayed the iconic mother figure in numerous Bollywood movies. As Mother’s Day approaches, it is fitting to reminisce about the memorable mother characters that have graced Bollywood films.
Nirupa Roy, an iconic figure in Bollywood, holds a significant place in the history of the industry, particularly when it comes to portraying the role of mothers. Her famous dialogue, “Mere Paas Maa Hai” (I have my mother with me), is among the top 10 memorable dialogues in Bollywood. During the 70s and 80s, Nirupa Roy was a prominent presence as the mother character in numerous films. She epitomised the self-sacrificing mother whose life revolved around her child’s happiness, becoming a symbol of maternal love and devotion. She is also remembered for her on-screen relationship with actor Amitabh Bachchan. While her most iconic role remains in the film Deewar (1975), she played similar roles in other notable films such as Inquilab, Mard, Amar Akbar Anthony, Suhaag, and Muqaddar ka Sikandar.
With her timeless beauty, grace, and elegance, she continues to captivate hearts even at her age. Her enigmatic smile and regal demeanour have the power to make you skip a beat. She embodies the quintessential mother figure who is flawless and unwavering in her support for her children. In the film Lamhe, she portrayed the role of a nurturing caretaker, embracing the concept of love transcending age barriers. We also cherished her presence in Rang De Basanti, where she passionately fought against the government to seek justice for her deceased son. She truly personifies the endearing and beloved mother figure in Bollywood.
In the delightful comedy family dramas of the 70’s and 80’s, she effortlessly portrayed the beloved mommy darling. From Khubsoorat to Koshish, Gol Maal to Jhoothi, Naram Garam to Pinjar, she graced these films with her exceptional motherly characters. Audiences adored her performances in these roles, and perhaps these movies wouldn’t have achieved their level of acclaim without her presence. However, her most iconic mom role of her career was in Khubsoorat, where she played the strict yet endearing mother to her children.
DDLJ – Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge holds the distinction of being the longest-running Indian film, and in that iconic movie, Farida Jalal portrayed the role of Simran’s mother. While she has played motherly figures in movies like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Judaai, Dil to Pagal Hai, and numerous other blockbusters, it was her portrayal of “Simran ki maa” or Lajo that defined her illustrious career. Even in television, she is admired for her motherly characters, resonating with the comforting feeling of “everything will be fine,” just like our own mothers provide. This alignment of her characters with that cherished sentiment is a key factor behind her immense popularity.
Take a trip down memory lane with the classic movies of the 90s, and you’ll come across this familiar face in many of them. Films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and more hold a special place in our hearts and are often enjoyed with a comforting Sunday lunch, occasionally accompanied by hidden tears shed alongside her. Her gentle demeanour, sweet smile, and silent tears continue to hold a special significance, adding to the nostalgia of the 90s era.
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