Kajol on Bollywood Mothers: ‘They Were Always Strong, Just Not Shown That Way’

Actress Kajol, known for portraying powerful female roles, recently shared her perspective on the evolving portrayal of mothers in Bollywood. Speaking in the context of her new film Maa, a mythological horror, Kajol emphasized that the image of the “Bollywood Maa” has undergone a significant transformation.

Reflecting on iconic maternal figures played by stars like Nirupa Roy and Nargis, Kajol said, “The mothers were always strong. But earlier, we only saw them as sacrificial or saint-like figures. Now, we’re allowing them to be real — strong yet vulnerable, loving yet flawed.” She pointed out that society has begun to accept complexity in maternal roles, both on and off screen.

Kajol stressed that this evolution mirrors how women now view themselves and others. She posed a thought-provoking question: “Does missing a child’s school play for work make a woman flawed? Or is she just balancing priorities?” She believes that only when women forgive themselves and each other for imperfections will the world follow suit.

According to Kajol, Maa explores these layered emotions — showing a mother who is heroic but human. She hopes this trend continues and more such nuanced female characters are portrayed in Indian cinema. Kajol’s remarks have resonated with many, adding depth to the ongoing conversation about gender representation in films.