Several popular actresses are now taking on mother roles, adding depth to their filmographies and breaking traditional on-screen stereotypes.
In a notable shift in the Indian entertainment industry, several popular actresses are now taking on mother roles, adding depth to their filmographies and breaking traditional on-screen stereotypes. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, for instance, steps into her first maternal role in the Hindi web series Citadel: Honey Bunny. She joins Tamannaah, who portrayed a mother in her recent release Baak (titled Aranmanai 4 in Tamil). The trend continues with Anushka Shetty, who recently played a mother-to-be in Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, encouraging more actresses to explore mature roles.
Director Hemanth Madhukar believes these shifts reflect the actresses' versatility. “Tamannaah, known for her glamour in songs like Kaavaala and Aaj Ki Raat, took on the mother role in Aranmanai 4 because it fit her character in the sequel. Anushka Shetty, famed for diverse roles, also embraced a maternal character with conviction, showing that top actresses can handle these roles with grace and credibility,” he explained.
Producer Lagadapati Sridhar acknowledges that some actresses are hesitant about accepting mother roles, fearing it might alter their "lover girl" image and limit their opportunities for glam-centric or romantic roles. However, he sees positive changes driven largely by the expansion of OTT platforms, which have reshaped the boundaries of casting and storytelling. “Young actresses like Keerthy Suresh, Neha Shetty, and Shraddha Srinath have redefined these roles, showing that playing a mother can be just another powerful character. For instance, Shruti Haasan took on a maternal role in Krack, Keerthy Suresh delivered a remarkable performance in Mahanati, and Neha Shetty impressed audiences in Gangs of Godavari.”
Echoing this sentiment, actress Priyamani, who played a mother in The Family Man series, believes the stereotype is outdated. “Years ago, actresses were cautious about being typecast as on-screen mothers, but now filmmakers are creating layered, interesting roles that are too compelling to ignore,” she said. Priyamani added that, while she enjoyed her role in The Family Man, she will continue to choose roles that add to her growth as an artist.
Director Hemanth Madhukar provided further context, pointing out that even established male stars are open to father roles. “We’ve seen Chiranjeevi play a father in Daddy, Venkatesh in Saindhav, and Nani in Hi Nanna and Jersey. With heroes like Vishwak Sen embracing fatherhood in Gangs of Godavari, actresses like Shruti Haasan, Nayantara, and Neha Shetty are also showing they’re game for these kinds of roles,” he noted.
This new trend signals a refreshing shift in the industry, allowing actresses to broaden their roles and audiences to experience richer, more dynamic portrayals of family and relationships on screen.
Director Hemanth Madhukar believes these shifts reflect the actresses' versatility. “Tamannaah, known for her glamour in songs like Kaavaala and Aaj Ki Raat, took on the mother role in Aranmanai 4 because it fit her character in the sequel. Anushka Shetty, famed for diverse roles, also embraced a maternal character with conviction, showing that top actresses can handle these roles with grace and credibility,” he explained.
Producer Lagadapati Sridhar acknowledges that some actresses are hesitant about accepting mother roles, fearing it might alter their "lover girl" image and limit their opportunities for glam-centric or romantic roles. However, he sees positive changes driven largely by the expansion of OTT platforms, which have reshaped the boundaries of casting and storytelling. “Young actresses like Keerthy Suresh, Neha Shetty, and Shraddha Srinath have redefined these roles, showing that playing a mother can be just another powerful character. For instance, Shruti Haasan took on a maternal role in Krack, Keerthy Suresh delivered a remarkable performance in Mahanati, and Neha Shetty impressed audiences in Gangs of Godavari.”
Echoing this sentiment, actress Priyamani, who played a mother in The Family Man series, believes the stereotype is outdated. “Years ago, actresses were cautious about being typecast as on-screen mothers, but now filmmakers are creating layered, interesting roles that are too compelling to ignore,” she said. Priyamani added that, while she enjoyed her role in The Family Man, she will continue to choose roles that add to her growth as an artist.
Director Hemanth Madhukar provided further context, pointing out that even established male stars are open to father roles. “We’ve seen Chiranjeevi play a father in Daddy, Venkatesh in Saindhav, and Nani in Hi Nanna and Jersey. With heroes like Vishwak Sen embracing fatherhood in Gangs of Godavari, actresses like Shruti Haasan, Nayantara, and Neha Shetty are also showing they’re game for these kinds of roles,” he noted.
This new trend signals a refreshing shift in the industry, allowing actresses to broaden their roles and audiences to experience richer, more dynamic portrayals of family and relationships on screen.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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