Mumbai, July 11 – Renowned actress Kajol has shared her thoughts on the evolving portrayal of mothers in Indian cinema, noting that this transformation mirrors society's changing perception of motherhood itself. In a candid conversation with the media, Kajol remarked that the image of the idealistic, sacrificial mother has given way to more layered, humanized portrayals.
Referring to iconic screen mothers like Nirupa Roy and Nargis, Kajol acknowledged their lasting impact but emphasized that today’s cinema embraces both the strengths and vulnerabilities of maternal characters. “Mothers in Bollywood have changed alongside society. The way we see our mothers in real life is now reflected on screen as well. Mothers have always been strong, even in the past, as seen in a film like Mother India,” she said.
According to Kajol, earlier depictions often placed mothers on a pedestal of moral perfection. Today, however, audiences are more accepting of mothers who make mistakes, who are not flawless, and who can be both soft and fierce. “She can be a superwoman, but also gentle and feminine. We once saw mothers as ideals; now we see them as people,” she added.
As per agency report, Kajol welcomed the idea that modern films allow for portrayals of mothers who may appear selfish, aggressive, or even emotionally fragile. But she noted that this shift can only happen when women begin to accept both their own flaws and those of other women.
“It all depends on how we look at each other. Can we forgive the small failings? Like missing a child’s school play because of work — is that a flaw, or just a part of being human?” Kajol asked, urging for a more realistic and compassionate lens in portraying mothers on screen.
She concluded by stating that there’s a growing need to make cinematic mothers more relatable and human, reflecting the real-life complexities of being a woman and a parent in today’s world.
