Jaya Bachchan

Jaya Bachchan is one of Bollywood’s favourite moms – both on-screen and off-screen. She comes across as one of the sweetest people in the industry, caring and always looking out for everyone. Arshad Warsi calls her his fairy godmother while Vishal Dadlani believes she’s one of the more genuine people in Bollywood. I love this lady – and love her even more in her motherly roles. Check out some of my favourites!

1. Nishatbi Ikramullah, Fiza

Jaya Bachchan plays Nishatbi Ikramullah in this film, a mother who lives in constant hope of her son’s homecoming post his disappearance during the Bombay riots. She echos hope, desperation and grief all in one role.

2. Nandini Raichand, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

Funnily enough, as Nandini Raichand, Jaya Bachchan once again plays the role of a mother in wait of her son’s return – except in this case, the circumstances are quite different. Anyway, in a film where it’s all about loving your parents, of course Jaya Bachchan fits right in – from quietly waiting around, to turning whenever she senses her son’s presence, to fighting with her husband for the first time over her sons… this role was made for her!

3. Jennifer Kapur, Kal Ho Naa Ho

Jaya Bachchan takes on a more modern look in this film, where she plays Jennifer Kapur, a single mother in New York City. She plays a mother who has faced crushing disappointment, but still manages to raise three children (one who isn’t even hers), take care of a perpetually grumbling mother-in-law, and manage a failing restaurant. In short, she’s super-mom – quite like real life, I’m sure!

Happy birthday, Jaya Bachchan, from Team MissMalini!