Many actresses in Bollywood have played mothers roles, but some have played with such conviction that they became stereotyped and did the same repetitive mothers roles in umpteen films, yet it is tragic that the film buffs recognize them only by their ‘face’ and not by their ‘names.’ Thus, these actresses, despite playing successful mother roles, are ‘unsung’ or left unrecognized.
Empowering Portrayals: The New Age Mother
The actress who tops the list is Sulochana Latkar, famous as Sulochana. Before Nirupa Roy, she was the epitome of mother roles in Hindi films. In fact, she was a Marathi film lead actress but in the late 50’s she made a tryst with Bollywood doing strong character roles but her sterling role of a mother in Bimal Roy‘s Sujata (1959) and the sacrificing mother in Rajendra Kumar-starrer Talash (1969) made her one of Bollywood’s popular mother figures. In fact, she became a permanent mother to 60’s superstar Sunil Dutt.
She did many films like Ek Phool Char Kante, Meherbaan, Chirag, Bhai Bahen, Reshma Aur Shera, Umar Qaid, Muqabla, Jaani Dushman, Badle Ki Aag, etc. Similarly, in the ’70s, she did many roles for superstar Rajesh Khanna, like Kati Patang, Mere Jeevan Saathi, Prem Nagar, Aakraman, Bhola Bhala, Tyaag, Aashiq Hoon Baharaon KKa, etc. Likewise, she was the favorite mother of Dev Anand. The duo did many hit films like Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai, Pyar Mohabbat, Duniya, Johny Mera Naam, Amir Garib, Warrant, Joshila, etc. Her other hit films are Aaye Din Bahar Ke, Ayee Milan Ki Bela, Majboor, Gora Aur Kala, Devar, Kahani Kismat Ki, AAzaad, etc.
The Changing Face of Motherhood: New Perspectives
Achala Sachdev, this actress can be recognized as the beautiful lady in the film Waqt (1965), where actor Balraj Sahni sings the song in her praise—Aye Mere Zohra Jabeen… or the present generation can identify her as Kajol‘s grandmother in Shah Rukh Khan‘s hit film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). This talented actress was a staple in Yash Raj Films, starring in classics like Hamraaz (1967), Daag: A Poem of Love (1973), and Chandni (1989). Her collaborations also included iconic directors like Raj Kapoor in Sangam and Mera Naam Joker, and Dev Anand’s Navketan Banner films like Prem Pujari and Hare Rama Hare Krishna. Notably, she ventured into international cinema with Merchant Ivory’s English film The Householder (1963). Later, she charmed audiences as a loving grandmother in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).
Redefining Mothers : Strong, Independent, and Real
Dina Pathak is the real Mothers of two famous Bollywood actresses, Supriya Pathak and Ratna Pathak. She was a veteran of Gujarati Theatre but won stardom as Amol Palekar‘s mother in the comedy film Gol Maal (1979) and Rekha‘s law-abiding strict mother-in-law in Khubsoorat (1980). Her other hit films are Sacha Jhutha, Koshish, Mausam, Chitchor, Dream Girl, Umrao Jaan, Thodisi Bewafai, Prem Rog, Aankhen, Arth, Yaraana, etc.
Leela Mishra, the cute old lady of Indian cinema and famous as Mausi in Amitabh Bachchan‘s hit film Sholay, worked in 300 films in a career spanning 50 years, but alas she remained unsung. Though she played mother to Dilip Kumar in Ram Aur Shyam and did many films with Rajesh Khanna, like Palkon Ki Chhaon Mein, Aanchal, Mehbooba, Amar PPrem, etc., she remained an unknown identity. But after Sholay, she became immortal. Her other hit films are Geet Gaata Chal (1975), Nadiya Ke Paar (1982), and Baton Baton Mein (1979). She is perhaps the only actress to win an award at the age of 73 for her career’s best performance, which was in Naani Maa in 1981.
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