over the years, several movies have broken the typecast around the role of a mother and changed the character definition of motherhood. As strong and powerful women take lead in various fields around the world, let us take a look at the way the onscreen mothers have evolved in Bollywood.
Mother India in 1957
Directed by Mehboob Khan, this 1957 movie broke barriers at a time when women were seldom cast as a protagonist in the movie. Starring Nargis, Sunil Dutt, Rajendra Kumar, and Raaj Kumar, the movie highlights the plight of a woman, who faces extreme difficulties after losing her husband. However, it is the climax scene when Nargis sheds the role of a mother and decides to shoot her son after he kidnaps a girl.
Jaane Tu Yaa Jaane Na in 2008
In the 2008 hit 'Jaane Tu...Ya Jaane Na' Ratna Pathak plays the role of a widowed mother. However, the movie has depicted her as a strong character and the force behind her son Jay’s ambition. Unlike the usual portrayal of mothers' and their involvement in their son's love life, Ratna is shown as an open mind easy going mother, who only advises her son when required.
Paa in 2009
Even though we are in the year 2022, the concept of a woman giving birth out of wedlock is not something openly accepted in the society. However, the role of a single mother played by Vidya Balan in the movie Paa started the discussion around the topic and beautifully highlighted the struggles and triumphs of a single parent.
We Are Family in 2010
The portrayal of step mothers in movies have often been in negative light, where they tend to mistreat the children. However, many movies including "We Are Family" redefined the role. In the movie, Kareen Kapoor Khan plays the role of Shreya Arora, who loves and cares about the three children Aaliya, Ankush and Anjali just like any mother would do.
English Vinglish in 2012
The expected role of a "typical mother" in a middle class family were beautifully yet aptly shown in Sridevi’s 2012 movie 'English Vinglish'. However, the movie earned plaudits for gradually but realistically questioning the stereotypes and the common obstacles that often come in the way of a mother when she decides to put herself first.
Nil Battey Sannata in 2016
Nil Battey Sannata features Swara Bhaskar as Chanda Sahay, who is a high-school drop-out and works as a household maid to make ends meet. However, the movie changes course when her daughter Apeksha begins losing interest in studies. To motivate her, the mother too becomes a student along with her daughter to make her realize the importance of education.
Secret Superstar in 2017
Secret Superstar plays the unexpected plans of a girl, who gains fandom for her music. However, the movie also brings out the beautiful bond shared between the protagonist and her mother, who, despite being from a conservative background, goes out of her way to make the dreams of her child come true.
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Bollywood
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