Mother’s Day is just around the corner and my life will feel incomplete if I don’t pay a little tribute to some of the most loveable mother characters on Indian television. You know how much I love television, don’t you?
Most mothers are an epitome of love, sacrifice, values – the list could go on! But some mother characters on TV have gone a step ahead and set an example on how to get parenting right. Some may have gone a little too far and shot their own children to death (looking at you, Tulsi Virani), but then they have their reasons, which seem valid (at least to me) most times. So here’s my list of 6 iconic moms on Indian TV:
1. Savita – Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
One female character other than Tulsi and Baa that stayed on the show for eight long years is Savita Virani. She was a very strong woman, who not only was a support to her family and son, Mihir, but even stood by Tulsi like a rock. She was her guiding light and her mother more than a mother-in-law. How often do you see such characters on TV? Honestly, it’s been a while!
2. Bhabho – Diya Aur Baati Hum
Had it not been for our Bhabho a.k.a Neelu Vaghela, Sandhya and Sooraj wouldn’t have been together and still staying with the family. She comes a close second on the list of most kickass mothers on TV after Savita Virani. She has been a source of constant support for her son, daughter-in-law and the entire family. Hats off!
3. Maya Sarabhai – Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai
Just read any of Rosesh’s poems about his dear ‘Momma’ to know why she deserves to be on this list this Mother’s Day! She may have been a bit of a control freak, but everything she did was for the betterment of her children.
But what about her hatred for Monisha, you ask! How will you feel about your bahu if you son married a girl you think completely unsuitable for him? It all makes sense now, doesn’t it?
4. Sarla – Kumkum Bhagya
Before I comment on her mothering skills, I’d just like to say that Supriya Shukla is one of the cutest looking mothers on TV. She loves her daughters more than anyone else, so much so, she can set record straight even for her son-in-law, Abhi, if she thinks he’s ill-treating Pragya. Kudos to that because most people just choose to ignore what is happening to their daughter once she married. You know because, ‘Log kya kahenge’! Duh…
5. Soniya Ray – Remix
If I ever have to be a single mother, I’d want to be like Soniya Ray! She is the reason our favorite character of all times, Anvesha, turned out to be so cool. Soniya gave her the freedom to make mistakes, learn from them and take independent decisions. She may come across as carefree, but never negligent of how her daughter felt. She stood up for her and never shied away from showing the world what her daughter meant to her. #YouGoSoniya
6. Ishita Raman Bhalla – Yeh Hai Mohabbatein
How can a television list be complete without having a mention of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein on it? Ishita or rather, Ruhi’s Ishima is the perfect example of a modern day mother. Although she is her step-mother, she is far from behaving like one. Ruhi means the world to Ishita and she is doing a great job of raising her! Thankfully for us, Adi is now following suit and accepting Ishita, which only means he will also be as well-mannered and sensible as Ruhi is.
Another mother that deserves a special mention here is Priya Ram Kapoor from Bade Acche Lagte Hain! She raised her daughter alone when her husband left her (or she left him?) and did a great job at it! You remember the young Pihu, don’t you? A child is a reflection of her parents and I am sure looking at Pihu, Priya would have been rather proud.
Any other mother that should have been on the list? Let me know!