Mother's Day Special: Best onscreen mothers played by Bollywood actresses

The character of the mother has always been celebrated in many Bollywood movies. There have been movies in which mother has been the central character of the film and there have been songs dedicated to mother’s greatness and motherhood. On Mother’s Day today, let us overview some of the most iconic characters of a mother played by Bollywood actresses.

Reema Lagoo

This Marathi actress was one of the most loved Bollywood onscreen mothers during the 90s. From Aashiqui, Maine Pyar Kiya to Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Reemaji simply rocked as a calm, soothing but determined mother. However, her performance escalated in Rajshri films like Hum Aapke Hai Kaun and Hum Saath Saath Hain.

Rakhee

One of the most famous superstars of the 70s and 80s, Rakhee later on started playing the role of mother. And her second innings in this character was also equally successful. Incidentally, Rakhee always played a very strong mother in most of her movies and had a central and well-defined role that was parallel with the leading ladies and heroes. From Ram Lakhan, Baazigar to Border and Khalnayak, she was noticed and appreciated and gave dignity to mothers on the screen. Her most remembered character of the mother is from Karan Arjun and her dialogue, “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge” is an all-time hit.

She even played mother to 40-year-old Amitabh Bachchan in Shakti at the age of just 35 years.

Nargis

Mother India was the first Indian movie to reach the Oscars. Nargis played the role of a village mother who brought up her children after her husband leaves her. Fighting all the odds from drought situation, and financial crisis to rape attempts, she single-handedly raises her children. Nargis was just outstanding as Mother India and to date, it is considered one of the best roles ever played by any actress on celluloid.

Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan returned to the big screen after a long gap with Karan Johar-helmed Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and gave a mind-blowing performance. Her chemistry with her onscreen son Shah Rukh Khan still makes many hearts mushy. She also played Mom to Preity Zinta in Kal Ho Naa Ho and gave a dynamite performance.

Kirron Kher

Known for playing all types of roles, Kirron Kher however was loved the most as a mother in movies like Rang De Basanti, Dostana, Veer Zaara, Fanaa, and Devdas. From portraying a serious and determined mother in Devdas to delivering hilarious dialogues with perfect comic timing in Dostana, Kirron Kher has an impressive catalog of motherly characters in her kitty.