redefining Indian mother characters
Gender and Movies

7 Mothers Redefining the Motherhood Trope

They are the epitome of selflessness. They are these goddesses whose entire life is about their kids. They have no sense of individuality and are submissive caregivers- This is how Indian cinema represented mother characters for a very long time, but not anymore. Over the recent years, we have seen some terrific mother characters in Indian cinema that defy the conventional trope and redefine the idea of motherhood. Here’s looking at some mothers from Indian movies who have done this:

1.Ghazala Meer from Haider

Though inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Tabu’s Ghazala Meer is an unconventional mother character in Hindi Cinema. She is torn between her own desires and her responsibilities as a mother and a wife. Tabu as Ghazala Meer offers an unmatched performance.

2. Neena from Varane Avashyamund

Sobhana

Shobhana’s Neena was a refreshing representation of motherhood in Malayalam movies. Typically, mothers haven’t had much of a life of their own in movies. All they did was root for their children but Neena from Varane Avashyamund breaks the motherhood stereotype in many ways. She has a personality and a sense of individuality that makes her a person who is more than just a mother. She explores romantically, casually hops in to learn French, sings, and dances. Neena is full of life.

3. Kalpana from Bangalore Days

Kalpana’s mother character from Bangalore days has come a long way. From being ridiculed for waiving away from the ideal motherhood trope to being given a fair chance at being herself, she has come a long way. She suffered behind the four walls and had dreams of living in the city and having a certain lifestyle. But she could get none. Her only hope were her children and once her husband left, she went for the life she always wanted unapologetically. After all these years of incessant toiling, I think she deserved it.

4. Mimi from Mimi

Kriti Sanon in Mimi

Mimi had no idea how her future was about to change forever when she agreed to become a surrogate for an American couple. Though she has no blood relation with the baby, she raises him as her own. She makes us realize that a DNA match alone can not define a mother-child relationship.

Also Read: Loved Mimi? Here are other similar movies that explored surrogacy

5. Sasi from English Vinglish

Sridevi English Vinglish

Sasi played by Sridevi is a typical mother in every sense. She cooks, she cleans, she takes care of everyone and that’s why her family couldn’t show her the basic ounce of respect. But unlike other typical mothers, Sasi wasn’t going to just let that go. She stood up for herself and earned the respect of her family back. She showed them that she deserves to be treated like an equal.

6. Vidya from Paa

Vidya Balan Paa

Vidya Balan plays Dr. Vidya, a single mother, and gynecologist. Her son Auro (Amitabh Bachchan) was born to her out of wedlock and suffers a condition called progeria, where a 10-year-old kid looks like an old person. A single mother to a disabled son, nothing pulls back Vidya from being herself and showering love to her son.

7. Shobha Gupta from Doctor G

Sheeba Chaddha lately has been the poster girl of the mother characters recently. She plays Ayushmann’s mother, Shobha Gupta,  and has limited screen time. But for the brief time, she is on the screen, she lifts up the whole mood. She raised her son all by herself and set her entire youth for his upbringing. Now that he is out for higher education she decided to live her remaining life for herself. Her son questions her morals when she joins dating apps but she shuts him up. She goes out on dates and enjoys her life without any guilt.

Also Read: Doctor G- Did he really lose the male touch

Image Courtesy: YouTube

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