Mothers Day: 10 relatable moms Bollywood gave us

It's no secret that Indians are highly sensitive and touchy, especially when it comes to our mothers. Just say the word "Maa" and there comes the waterworks. Well, you can't really blame us, that's just the way we've been brought up. No, I'm not saying that other countries aren't as attached sentimental about their mothers, I'm just saying that we are a little more.  

Also, the whole concept of doing your own thing and moving out of your moms home once you hit a certain age doesn't really apply here. We're more of a closer knit land, where sometimes, we're still living with (or off) our parents, until we're old and grey and they're older and greyer. Fortunately, I've been raised with the belief that that's not necessarily a bad thing and there's no shame in admitting that I'm a ''mummy's girl" even though I'm a grown adult. There's not a day I can go without my mother and God forbid she doesn't answer my calls, I'm wired to over react and transit into a dramatic queen. 

Growing up, Bollywood has played a major role in shaping most of our lives and similarly, the quintessential "mother" onscreen, has also impacted our real life moms. Almost every Bollywood film has a mother, whose character is as important as any lead. Some are super hilarious, some are always grumpy, some are understanding beyond compare - but there's one thing in common - all are heroes. 

Today, on the occassion of Mother's day, I decided to list down 10 iconic onscreen B-Town moms, who at some point, did remind you of your own mom in some way or the other. 

Let's break it down -

1. Kiron Kher in Khoobsurat  

Probably the saving grace of the film, Kiron Kher as Sonam Kapoor's mother in Khoobsurat is the super cool Punjabi mom. With the wittiest of one liners and punches, the hysterically overbearing nature of hers came through and resonated with a whole bunch of us. 

2. Jaya Bachchan in Kal Ho Na Ho  

Jaya Bachchan as Jennifer in Kal Ho Na Ho is truly unforgettable. Playing Preity Zinta aka Naina's mom, Jaya displayed qualities of endearing love, sacrifice and strength. 

3. Vidya Balan in Paa 

Vidya Balan played a rather tough role as Amitabh Bachchan's mom in the film Paa. The story shows Amitabh suffering from Progeria, a rare disease that speeds up physical aging to a huge extent. Though her 'son' was diagnosed with this, Vidya was strong and firm, making her son believe that there was nothing wrong with him.

4. Shabana Azmi in Neerja 

We've all watched and loved the story of Neerja. Today, when I look at the film with my focus on Shabana's character, more than the antagonists', I relaise what a wonderful and tough job that was. After the passing away of Neerja in the film (and reality), her mother obviously displayed sorrow but with that, came grace and pride. The grace to accept the fateful event and the pride she had in her daughter's courageous act. 

5. Sridevi in English Vinglish 

English Vinglish is a heart warming story and if you haven't watched it yet, rent a dvd and have a watch today. Sridevi might have aged a bit, but her acting chops are still absolutely on point. The way she bravely takes on challenges, while maintaining a beautiful relationship with her kids, despite her facing her own mental turmoil, is a trait we all see in our mothers. 

6. Kajol in My Name is Khan 

Kajol's character in My Name is Khan is transitional. The events in the plot take her from being a funny, fun loving mom to a headstrong, feisty one. With a never-say-never attitude and her undying love for her son, she makes it to the list of moms we can totally relate to. 

7. Rekha in Koi Mil Gaya 

Koi Mil Gaya has Rekha as Hrithik's mom. The way she nurtures her  mentally underdeveloped son and looks out for him and defends him, is truly touching. 

8. Ratna Pathak Shah in Kapoor and Sons 

Ratna Pathak Shah in Kapoor and Sons is a reflection of mothers all around the world. Her burning efforts to keep the family together no matter what, her knowing her husband's wrongdoings but choosing to stick it out and her not letting her personal mental breakdowns effect her family - she's done it all and so have our mothers.

9. Farida Jalal in Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge  

An epic movie and something that most Indian's are never getting over - DDLJ is in our bloodstream. Remember when Farida Jalal tells a love-struck Kajol that she couldn't run free, but she wants her to?! That's it! Don't you see our moms doing the same? Letting us do things that they couldn't do, giving us things that they couldn't have...

10. Rakhee Gulzar in Karan Arjun 

How could we list Bollywood moms and not mention Rakhee, the mom who made "Mere Karan Arjun aayenge" so famous! As the dialogue implies, her eternal belief in her two boys and her unshaken faith in the Lord above is something that only a mother can have. 

Who is your favourite Bollywood mom? Let us know in the comments below...