Strong family values and emotional tales have long defined Bollywood. Among the many issues covered, parenting is especially dear to Indian viewers. Parenthood-themed Bollywood movies brilliantly reflect the pleasures, hardships, sacrifices, and unconditional love that parents feel while raising their children. These films amuse and teach us essential lessons about relationships, respect, and the significance of Family. This page will cover each of the finest parenthood-themed Bollywood films of all time, highlighting a different facet of the parent-child relationship.
Masoom: Definition of Real Parenting
Masoom, produced in 1983, is a moving tale about acceptance and forgiveness. The film is on Devendra Kumar, portrayed by Naseeruddin Shah, who takes home his illegitimate son Rahul following his mother’s death. The primary emphasis is on Indu, Devendra’s wife, represented by Shabana Azmi, who struggles to accept Rahul owing to her husband’s adultery. Over time, Indu’s heart softens, and she comes to love Rahul as her kid. Masoom reminds us that motherhood is not simply about giving birth but about caring, understanding, and embracing a child, no matter the circumstances. It illustrates that love and compassion can heal even the darkest scars in a family.
Baghban: The agony of underprivileged parents
Baghban is one of the most famous movies when it comes to motherhood. Released in 2003, this film stars Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini as elderly parents who have spent their whole lives rearing their children. However, their offspring ignore them and refuse to look after them when they become elderly. The film emphasises the suffering and loneliness many parents experience as their children become occupied with their own lives and overlook their parents’ sacrifices. For thousands of Indian parents dealing with similar circumstances, Baghban became their voice. It reminds us that parents’ love and support should never be taken for granted and teaches us to value and look after our parents, particularly in their later years.
Paa: Unconditional Love and Single Motherhood
Paa is a fascinating and touching film that highlights the problems experienced by a single mother. Vidya Balan is the mother of Auro, a youngster suffering from a rare genetic ailment called Progeria, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The film highlights the challenges of Vidya as she juggles her work with the responsibilities of parenting a sick kid alone. Despite all hardships, she never gives up and continues to provide her kid a joyful life. The movie also depicts the father-son connection when Auro’s father, portrayed by Abhishek Bachchan, enters their life. Paa is a touching tale of sacrifice, endurance, and the power of a mother’s love.
Piku: A Modern Father-Daughter Relationship
Piku, published in 2015, is a refreshing perspective on the father-daughter bond. The film stars Deepika Padukone as Piku and Amitabh Bachchan as her quirky, hypochondriac father. The plot concentrates on their ordinary existence, filled with tiny conflicts, caring, and profound love. Piku passionately protects her father, and their relationship is genuine and endearing. The movie emphasises motherhood is about raising children and understanding and adapting to aging parents. It shows the shifting dynamics of contemporary Indian households and the significance of patience and understanding.
Taare Zameen Par: Parenting a Special Child
Taare Zameen Par is a pioneering film that transformed how people view parenting and education in India. The movie portrays the narrative of Ishaan, a young child who battles with dyslexia. His parents and instructors misinterpret him, believing he is lethargic and thoughtless. But when a new art instructor, portrayed by Aamir Khan, enters his life, he sees Ishaan’s unique skills and helps him overcome his challenges. The video underlines parents’ need to understand their children’s difficulties and help them instead of pressuring them to conform to society’s expectations. Taare Zameen Par tells us that every kid is unique and needs love, support, and acceptance.
We Are Family: Embracing Non-Biological Parenthood
We Are Family is a heartwarming video about mixed families and the importance of genuine parenting. Kajol portrays a mother of three children, while Arjun Rampal is her ex-husband. When Arjun’s new companion, portrayed by Kareena Kapoor, joins their life, the Family encounters several obstacles. The movie eloquently depicts how love and compassion can emerge from individuals not connected by blood. It teaches us motherhood is about dedication, understanding, and placing the children’s pleasure above anything else. We Are Family urges us to accept new connections and provide a caring atmosphere for children, no matter how families are created.
Secret Superstar: A Mother’s Sacrifice for Her Child’s Dreams
Secret Superstar is an uplifting tale of a little girl, Insia, who dreams of becoming a singer. Her mother, portrayed by Meher Vij, supports her goals while experiencing spousal violence and financial hardships. The video illustrates moms’ sacrifices to offer their children a brighter future. It displays the strength of a mother’s love and commitment to defend her child’s happiness at any cost. Secret Superstar is an homage to all moms who strive secretly for their children’s ambitions and well-being.
Dangal: A Father’s Determination to Empower Daughters
Dangal is based on the real-life tale of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who teaches his daughters Geeta and Babita to become world-class wrestlers. The video tackles assumptions about gender roles in Indian culture and proves that girls are equally competent as boys. Mahavir’s tough but caring parenting approach enables his daughters to realise their ambitions despite numerous challenges. Dangal is a moving narrative about a father’s conviction in his children and commitment to providing them a better life. It empowers parents to support their children’s dreams, regardless of society’s standards.
Helicopter Eela: Letting Go as a Parent
Helicopter Eela is about a single mother, portrayed by Kajol, who is overprotective of her kid. She dedicates her whole life to him, even going back to college to keep an eye on him. The movie highlights the issues parents confront as their children grow up and seek independence. It emphasises that although it is necessary to care for children, parents must also learn to let go and allow them to make their own choices. Helicopter Eela is a reminder that fatherhood is about guiding children, not directing their lives.
Mimi: Surrogacy and the Bond Beyond Blood
Mimi is a lovely film about surrogacy and the emotional journey of a lady who agrees to become a surrogate mother. Kriti Sanon portrays Mimi, who forms a profound attachment with the child she carries, even after the original parents back out. The movie illustrates that the link between a parent and a kid is genetics, love, care, and duty. Mimi uniquely demonstrates the hardships and pleasures of parenting, making it a must-watch for everyone interested in tales about parenthood.
Conclusion
Bollywood has given us numerous great movies highlighting the beauty and complexities. From the sacrifices of mothers and dads to the hardships of parenting children with special needs, these films touch our hearts and teach us crucial lessons. They remind us that motherhood is about giving birth and caring, understanding, and sticking by our children and parents through thick and thin. Whether it is the anguish of being ignored like in Baghban, the acceptance exhibited in Masoom, or the resolve shown in Dangal, each movie presents a distinct perspective on what it means to be a parent. Watching these movies with our families may improve our ties and help us realise the love and work that goes into having a family.
Also Read: 1983: Bollywood Cinematic Revolution, Near-Death Drama, and the Dawn of Inclusive Storytelling
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