Mother’s Day special: Celebrating Indian cinema's iconic mothers

Indian cinema has a special place for mothers, with iconic characters etched in the hearts of audiences across generations. From the compassionate and selfless to the resilient and nurturing, these on-screen mothers have captivated the audiences. As the world celebrates Mother’s Day, let’s delve into the timeless portrayals of maternal love in Indian cinema.

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Nirupa Roy, renowned for her memorable performances, captivated audiences with her portrayal of maternal strength and sacrifice. From her memorable roles in classics like ‘Deewar’ to her endearing presence in numerous Bollywood films, Nirupa Roy remains an emblem of maternal love and resilience.

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With her infectious energy and warmth, actress Farida Jalal brought a new dimension to the role of mothers in Indian cinema. Her iconic performances, including the beloved mother in ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,’ continue to connect with audiences, earning her a special place in the hearts of moviegoers.

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In Malayalam cinema, Kaviyoor Ponnamma's portrayal of maternal figures stands as an example to her versatility and talent. From her early roles opposite legendary actors Mammootty, Mohanlal, Jayaram, Suresh Gopi, and many others to contemporary stars like Prithviraj Sukumaran, Kunchacko Boban, etc, Kaviyoor Ponnamma's portrayal of mothers remains unparalleled in its depth and authenticity.

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K.P.A.C Lalitha's contribution to southern cinema is celebrated through her compelling portrayals of mothers on both the small and big screens. With her remarkable performances in iconic films, KPAC Lalitha has left an everlasting mark on audiences, showcasing the complexities and nuances of maternal love with grace and conviction. One can never forget her mother's roles in the movies ‘Spadikam’, ‘Thalayana Manthram’, ‘Vietnam Colony’ and many others.

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Waheeda Rehman's transition from leading lady to maternal roles in several superhit films showcases her versatility and depth as an actor. Through her nuanced performances in films like ‘Mashaal’ and ‘Rang De Basanti,’ Waheeda Rehman continues to captivate audiences with her portrayal of the timeless bond between mother and child.

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Coming to Tamil cinema, the actress Saranya Ponvannan's portrayals of maternal characters have soared to audiences across languages. With her empathetic and relatable performances in films like the Dhanush starrer ‘VIP’, ‘Ram,’ and other superhit films, the actress brings warmth and authenticity to the portrayal of motherhood on the silver screen. Saranya Ponvannan can be termed as someone who has played the most relatable mother characters on-screen.All thanks to her realistic acting.

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Manorama underwent a transformation throughout the 1980s, transitioning from the reigning comedy queen to the go-to actress for emotional, sappy mother roles. Her heart-tugging performances, such as in ‘Annamalai,’ continue to connect emotionally with audiences, showcasing her versatility as an actor.

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The late Malayalam actress Srividhya, despite not having children of her own, portrayed maternal devotion on screen with genuine authenticity. Her roles in films like the critically acclaimed ‘Adaminte Variyellu’ and ‘Daivathinte Vikrithikal’ showcase her ability to evoke empathy and emotion, leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

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