We Indians feel a lot for our mothers. For us, they are nothing less than a goddess whom we worship. So it isn't astounding to see the range of Cine-maa presented on the big screen over the years. They are at times adorable, caring, forgiving, righteous and playful but they are also cunning, clever, unrepentant, unforgivable, cruel and annoying at few instances. All these together make for our precious Cine-Maa. So here are some of the different shades of mothers than we have seen, loved or abhorred in our films!
The sacrificing mother
Mother India is one film that proved if you cross your limits, you are a goner; doesn't matter if you are her son. A virtuous mother!
The righteous mother
Deewar made Nirupa Roy the mother of the nation with the words, "Mere Paas Maa Hain" which is bigger than any riches of the world. And why wouldn't Shashi Kapoor be proud of his possession? She decided to turn her back on her unruly son Amitabh Bachchan even though he had bangla, gaadi and others!
The hypochondriac mother
Pearl Padamsee played this anxious mother of two in Basu Chatterjee's Baton Baton Mein who is hyper about her daughter's marriage and son's career. She mirrors the fears and frustration of every mother since eternity.
The highly sweet and active mother
Dina Pathak from Hrishikesh Mukherjee's Gol Maal is is perhaps every boy's dream mom. How often do you see a mother who tries to cover up your lies again and again without reproaching you for it? The cool mother who can easily be your friend!
The wounded mother
Reema Lagoo is perhaps the one woman who has always done what she's told to do as a mother and wife in films. From letting her son lose his love for a while due to her husband's ego to banish her stepson to secure the future her own kids, she's done everything dutifully as was directed. Yet we love her! There is so much warmth in her eyes!
The Evil Mother
Lalita Pawar and Bindu have proved time and again that in the end, we all are humans. Even mothers can turn dark and sinister. Lalita Pawar's twitching eye and frowning face are enough to give you the scare while Bindu's vile nature can make you cringe.
The Purposeful mother
Calm, cold and calculating Aruna Irani in Beta can be any kid's worst nightmare, especially when you worship her like Anil Kapoor in this film. But motherly instincts cannot be suppressed for too long!
The spirit-ed mother
They say a mother never stops watching over her kids even if she is dead. The makers of Maa took it to heart in a big way and we got our very own Ghost mom. Jaya Prada makes sure her family is protected from all evils and her supernatural existence aids her!
The Be-Positive mother
'Mere Karan Arjun ayenge', bellowed Rakhee in Karan Arjun and such was her conviction that her sons return to avenge their father's and their own deaths! Sounds creepy? Oh come on...it's called Karma!!!
The melodramatic mother
Kirron Kher as the loud Punjabi mother in Dostana was over-melodramatic. But then how do you expect an already in tears mother to react when she discovers her son is gay?
The I-am-always-right mother
Ratna Pathak Shah as Imran Khan's independent and aggressive mom in Jaane Tu Yaa...Jaane Naa is perhaps someone we all would love to have. Even though she loves to impose her thoughts on you, she is cool when the need arises.
So who is your favourite filmi mother?
