Bollywood movies are often known for romance, drama, action, but at the same time, none can deny the fact that Bollywood movies have never failed to amaze us with the vivid representation of strong mothers on the screen. Along with having an amazing storyline, they continue to focus on portraying the side of a mother that is courageous, and emphasize the relationship of a mother with her loved ones, fighting against all the odds when it comes to saving her pride, integrity, and family.
On this Mother's Day, let's walk through some of the most iconic on-screen mothers who stole the show with their powerful presence on the screen and remarkable acting skills and taught us some good life lessons.
1. Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)
Aarti, portrayed by Rekha
Aarti, a widow with two children is deceived by her newly wedded husband, Kabir, and best friend, Nandini. She decides to avenge herself and her family. The movie focuses on the massive transformation of Aarti who is separated from her children by Kabir and Nandini. It shows how a mother can transform herself from an insecure woman to vengeful, for the sake of her children and loved ones.
2. Karan Arjun (1995)
Durga, portrayed by Rakhee Gulzar
The story highlights the hidden strength that lies in the prayers of a mother whose life is completely destroyed after the death of her husband and sons. Durga, oblivious to the truth that her sons are still alive worships Goddess Kali to bring them back. Miraculously, her prayers are heard and the family reunites to take revenge against Durjan, the killer. "Mere Karan-Arjun aayenge" isn't merely a dialogue, but a testimony of a mother clinging onto hope that her sons will come back to her, sooner or later.
3. Kya Kehna (2000)
Priya, portrayed by Priety Zinta
The character of Priya Bakshi shows the difficulties that a single and strong mother has to face when she decides to raise her child on her own. Her character teaches us that the love of a mother for her children is unquestionable and doesn’t require any acceptance from the world where being a single mother is viewed as taboo.
4. Shakti - The Power (2002)
Nandini, portrayed by Karishma Kapoor
None can forget the role of a young mother, Nandini, who gets trapped in her husband's village after his death with her five-year-old son. The story revolves around the efforts made by Nandini to set herself and her son free from the feudal gang wars and village rivalry. After all the struggles, she finally escapes patriarchy and saves herself and her son from the gang wars.
5. English Vinglish (2012)
Shashi, portrayed by Sridevi
The story of Shashi Godbole teaches all of us that it’s never too late if you have the zeal to learn something new. Shashi, a typical conservative homemaker was mocked by her children because of her inability to speak English, which became the reason why she decided to take up an English speaking course. The journey of Shashi is a rollercoaster of emotions and her story inspires us to learn and grow, at any age in life.
6. Kahaani (2012)
Vidya, portrayed by Vidya Balan
Vidya Bagchi seems to be one of the strongest mothers in the history of Bollywood as her story begins with a lie to avenge the death of her husband and unborn child. Vidya pretends to be heavily pregnant on her mission to search for her missing husband. But, the moment she reveals out that she was not pregnant all this while, and was faking her pregnancy to avenge the death of her husband and the unborn child is breathtaking.
7. Jazbaa (2015)
Anuradha, portrayed by Aishwarya Rai Bachhan
The fight of Anuradha to save her only daughter by freeing the convicted murderer from being a lawyer is extraordinary. Her character symbolizes how a single mother thrives to balance emotions with injustice just to save her only daughter who gets kidnapped, doing whatever it takes to protect her child.
8. Mom (2017)
Devki, portrayed by Sridevi
The character of Devki, stepmother of Arya beautifully depicts the efforts and failed attempts it takes to mend the lost ways between a mother and daughter. Despite Arya remaining cold and distant, rebuffing her attempts to build a relationship with Devki, Devki going to the extent to attain justice for her daughter is remarkable and cannot be put in a few words.
By Adity Sinha