Shabana Azmi in Dabba Cartel
Her character Sheila's quiet strength and enigmatic presence anchor the narrative. Azmi's nuanced performance brings depth to Sheila, showcasing her as a formidable figure navigating the complexities of the criminal underworld while maintaining the facade of a traditional matriarch
Supriya Pathak
She will adore her child but when it comes to discipline and following rules, she will go to any extent to enforce it. She played the fierce, no-nonsense mother to Deepika Padukone's character in Ramleela
Jaya Bachchan
The actress is known for her restrained yet emotionally impactful portrayals of modern and conservative mothers in several films. In one of her latest films, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani, she played a tough matriarch who was not easy to please
Shefali Shah in Darlings
Shefali Shah delivers a standout performance as Shamshunissa Ansari, affectionately known as Shamshu, the mother of Alia Bhatt's character. She is portrayed as a strong, independent single mother who refuses to conform to traditional expectations. Unlike stereotypical maternal figures who might advise their daughters to endure marital hardships, Shamshu encourages Badru to take control of her life and stand up against her abusive husband
Dimple Kapadia in Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo
Dimple Kapadia delivers a commanding performance as Savitri, also known as Rani Ba. This role marks a significant departure from traditional portrayals of matriarchs in Indian television, as Rani Ba is depicted as the formidable leader of a covert drug cartel operating under the guise of a herbal and doll-making enterprise in the fictional Runjh Pradesh
Sushmita Sen in Aarya
Sushmita Sen's performance as Aarya has been widely acclaimed, marking her return to acting after a decade-long hiatus. Her portrayal of a woman navigating the complexities of crime and motherhood earned her the Best Actress – Female award at the Filmfare OTT Awards.
Waheeda Rehman in Om Jai Jagdish
She portrayed Saraswati Batra, a widowed mother raising her three sons—Om (Anil Kapoor), Jai (Fardeen Khan), and Jagadish (Abhishek Bachchan). Her character embodies the traditional Indian matriarch, providing emotional strength and moral guidance to her family.
Nargis in Mother India
Nargis delivers a landmark performance as Radha, a resilient village woman who becomes the embodiment of strength, sacrifice, and moral integrity. Despite being only 26 years old at the time, Nargis convincingly portrays Radha across several decades—from a young bride to an aged matriarch—capturing the emotional and physical toll of her character’s journey
Ramya Krishnan in Baahubali
Ramya Krishnan portrays Rajmata Sivagami Devi, the queen mother of the Mahishmati kingdom. Her character is central to the narrative, serving as the de facto ruler and making critical decisions that shape the kingdom's future. Sivagami is depicted as a powerful and authoritative figure, embodying wisdom, strength, and unwavering commitment to justice
Nargis in Mother India
Nargis delivers a landmark performance as Radha, a resilient village woman who becomes the embodiment of strength, sacrifice, and moral integrity. Despite being only 26 years old at the time, Nargis convincingly portrays Radha across several decades—from a young bride to an aged matriarch—capturing the emotional and physical toll of her character’s journey
Aishwarya Rai in Jazbaa
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