Nargis Dutt

Known for her role as Radha in the iconic 1957 film ‘Mother India,' Nargis portrayed a strong and resilient mother who fought against all odds to protect her family. Nargis’s portrayal of Radha in Mother India remains the most iconic mother role in Indian cinema. Her performance as a strong, self-sacrificing woman who chooses moral values over maternal instincts set a gold standard

Rakhee Gulzar

As the resilient and spiritually devoted mother in Karan Arjun, Rakhee immortalized the line, “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge.” Her intense performance, filled with pain, faith, and motherly courage, gave the otherwise masala entertainer a strong emotional core

Nirupa Roy

Often referred to as the 'Queen of on-screen mothers,' Nirupa Roy is remembered for her roles as a selfless and virtuous mother in films like 'Deewar' (1975) and 'Amar Akbar Anthony' (1977). Nirupa Roy practically became the default mom of Bollywood in the '70s and '80s. Whether pleading with gods or suffering family tragedies, her roles often depicted the archetype of the suffering, selfless mother.

Reema Lagoo

Reema Lagoo became synonymous with the role of a caring and understanding mother in Hindi cinema. Her performances in films like 'Maine Pyar Kiya' (1989) and 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' (1994) are still cherished by audiences. In Sooraj Barjatya’s blockbusters, she wasn’t just a mother but a friend and confidante

Dina Pathak

Dina Pathak delivered memorable performances as a mother in films like 'Gol Maal' (1979) and 'Khubsoorat' (1980). Her portrayal of strict yet lovable mothers earned her a special place in Bollywood.

Farida Jalal

Known for her versatile portrayals of mothers in Bollywood. Her roles in films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' (1995) and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998) endeared her to the audience. Farida mastered the art of playing the soft-spoken yet emotionally rich and supportive mother

Jaya Bachchan

She portrayed the role of a compassionate and doting mother in films like 'Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham' (2001) and 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' (2003), leaving a strong impact with her performances. Jaya Bachchan’s performance as the empathetic, graceful mother in Karan Johar’s family saga K3G brought immense emotional weight

Kirron Kher

Kirron Kher added sass and strength to the Bollywood mom image. Whether as the grieving mother in Rang De Basanti or the over-the-top Punjabi mom in Dostana, she infused each role with authenticity, comic timing, and cultural flair

Supriya Pathak

In Ram-Leela, Supriya Pathak played a mother unlike any other—a ruthless matriarch leading a violent clan. Her fierce performance as Dhankor Baa was chilling and commanding

Ratna Pathak Shah

Ratna Pathak Shah has often played progressive, educated, and strong-minded mothers. Whether it’s the skeptical mom in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na or the witty matriarch in Kapoor & Sons, she brings a refreshing realism to motherhood