Mere Paas Maa Hai: A Single Mother’s Narrative From Hindi Cine-Maa
The feeble mother donning a white saree, roped and helpless but sanguine about her virtuous son’s impending arrival to the ruffian’s lair was the first impression of a single mother that gave the classic name to this character as Cine-Maa. A single mother in old Hindi films has been mostly shown as a weakling, bereft of material desire, someone who has pinned all her hopes on her children to save her from her misery. But as everything comes with a shelf life, so does the archaic portrayal of a single mother’s oppression. So the subservient character retired to give birth to one who was complete in herself, capable of providing not only her kids but herself with hopes and dreams. Let’s leaf through the Bollywood book of single mothers that betrays the metamorphosis of a character’s archetype from being the bait to become the inspiration.
MOTHER INDIA (1957)
Once written as an answer to Katherine Mayo’s polemical book of the same name, this movie became a classic of Hindi cinema. Nargis Dutt’s lead character Radha is a metonymic representation of a Hindu woman with high morals whilst simultaneously defying the rulebook of patriarchy that looks down upon women as the breadwinner for the family. Nargis’ character goes through extreme hardships from burgeoning debt, husband’s demise, atrocities of a greedy money-lender to her son’s gambles with the dark side of the law. She bears it all by not losing even a thread of her sanity and virtues.
Many have analogized the lead character with Dharti-Mata (Mother Earth), who germinates possibility and prosperity in a barren land of hopelessness, and also with Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer) who doesn’t budge for a second when she has to kill her son to put an end to his monstrosity. The film points out all the struggles that a single mother faces, shielding herself and her children from the vultures of the society waiting for her to break and gnaw at her self-respect, knowing little about the strength and power a mother can hold.
KAL HO NA HO (2003)
This movie is an absolute tear-jerker for sure. Still, aside from the painful conclusion to a love-triangle between the lead actors, it is the story of Jaya Bachan’s character Jennifer Kapur that proves to be the true pillar of strength. The story progressively uncovers many layers of her character. From braving her mother-in-law’s constant taunts to being her children’s support, she does it all so effortlessly. She doesn’t let her husband’s infidelity stop her from accepting and loving his loved child as her own, and she never bared her pain to anyone until she absolutely had to.
Even though the film demands melodrama to the extreme, Jennifer stays away from it as much as possible and is the only plausible and reasonable character. She is a protective mother who will haul anyone over the coals if it needs to be when it comes to her kids. She is no frail woman who needs a man to be complete.
RANG DE BASANTI (2006)
This movie is a stage for rebellion against corruption and injustice spearheaded by the mother (played by Waheeda Rehman) of Late Flight Lieutenant Rathod who brought him up independently after her husband was martyred. A song sequence ‘Luka Chuppi’ partially masquerades her pain, however, it is enough to well-up every viewer’s eyes. She does not stop being a mother after her son’s untimely death caused due to orchestrated wrongdoings of corrupt government officials. Unearthing this knowledge, she starts a silent fight to clear her son of false allegations. Even in a comatose state, she becomes a strength for other characters to finish her fight.
Apart from Mrs. Rathod’s struggle and resilience, Kirron Kher’s character as a single-mother of DJ (played by Aamir Khan) peppers her motherly love and fuss over all the youngsters and veils her sufferings and worries with her patience and strength.
JAANE TU……. YA JAANE NA (2008)
The plot is basically a best friends-turned-lovers story, but Ratna Pathak Shah’s character as the male lead’s mother shines the brightest throughout the film. She performs a very unconventional role of a single mother in Hindi cinema. Far from being the feeble widow, she exudes her individuality as a strong, independent woman who is fearless and self-aware. She shares the responsibility of cooking with her son; alternatively, she is not afraid to stand up to a nefarious police officer, although she is a non-believer of violence.
Ratna Pathak Shah’s sassy remarks and catchphrases which are a part of her own self, make their way into the film, making it worthwhile to watch. She is her son’s friend and mentor and does not lose herself in this role completely, demarking her responsibility as both a mother and an individual being of her own self. Clash of her principles with that of her late husband’s adarsh’ speaks volumes of how she is no submissive wife who owes anyone anything.
PAA (2009)
The film’s title literally means ‘father,’ whereas, ironically, Vidya Balan’s character of a single mother of a kid with progeria stole many hearts (cliched, but true). Unlike circumstantial situations as seen above, Vidya takes the conscious decision to be a single mother, not letting anyone else (even the father) decide for her. With the added challenge of her son Auro’s fragile physical condition, she sails easily with her equanimity, perseverance, and acumen. Vidya’s mother, who sailed in the same boat as her, stood by her through thick and thin and became a strong model for Vidya to influence from. Balan’s character answers all the questions raised against the atypical matrilineal family norms that flow against society’s current.
Mother is Kunti, Sita, Yashoda, Parvati, Durga, Laxmibai, Indira, and many others missing in this list. She is complete in herself and can nurture, provide for, protect and raise her kids. Hindi film industry misdirected a mother’s character umpteen times, propagating the wrong message that she dwells in misery. Getting the facts straight and bringing bold characters to screen who radiated power and strength marred the damage done earlier, and for that, we are nothing short of grateful. This piece celebrates and appreciates every strong woman for paving the way for others to follow.
Featured Graphic Designer: Itti Mahajan
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1 thought on “Mere Paas Maa Hai: A Single Mother’s Narrative From Hindi Cine-Maa”
very well written.. ????