Happy Mother's Day: From Araja Banerjee playing a transgender mother to Ditipriya Roy as ‘Rani Ma’: Bengali actresses who ruled hearts as reel moms

Life doesn’t have any meaning without her lullabies or her affectionate touch on a sleepless night. No, there cannot be a single day dedicated to our mothers who brought us into the world, held our hands when we took the first step, and helped us get back on our feet if we stumble even as an adult. Indian literature, art, films as well as television shows have made their attempt to paint the picture of a loving mother who doesn't need fraction of a second to transform from a calm and quiet lady into a fearless woman who can make the world upside down when it comes to protecting her child. Bengali viewers have seen on-screen characters, too, sometimes as Pratima in ‘Maa, Tomay Chara Ghum Asena’, Lakshmi in ‘Phirki’ or Rani Maa in ‘Rani Rashmoni’. And the actresses brought life to these characters. On Mother’s Day, let’s take a look at the actresses who stole the hearts of Bengali audience by portraying a mom on-screen… (Photo: Facebook)

No! Lakshmi, who was seen begging at the traffic signals along with the friends from the transgender community, wasn’t Phirki’s biological mom. In fact, she doesn’t ‘fit’ the ‘criteria’ set by the orthodox society. Yet she faced all kinds of humiliations and ruthless words, crossed several oceans to protect her baby girl Phirki. Bengali television, which is mostly dominated by saas-bahu sagas and mythological shows these days, has hardly seen a character like Lakshmi, a transgender mom. And actress Araja Banerjee put her heart and soul while essaying the role. Right from modulating her voice into a masculine one to Lakshmi’s body language, Aarja was absolutely marvelous. Though the TV serial couldn't its magic on the TRP charts, Bengali audience will surely remember Araja as Lakshmi. (Photo: Facebook)

The eternal bond between mother and daughter was beautifully portrayed in ‘Maa Tomay Chara Ghum Asena’. And Mahua Halder as mom Pratima, was every bit convincing. The actress cemented her place in the hearts of numerous viewers by playing a mom who was in search of her baby girl. Hit daily soap ‘Maa Tomay Chara Ghum Asena’ not only ruled the television sets of Bengali households but also the mobile phone ringtones of many fans. The title track of the show was hummable and many viewers used it as their ringtones. No wonder Jhilik (played by Tithi Bose) and Pratima’s story was an instant hit. (Photo: Facebook)

Bengali television has seen many crooked moms-in-law who make their bahurani’s life miserable. But at the same time, the viewers have also seen characters like Shailaja Lahiri from the show ‘Ogo Bodhu Sundari’, who protected her daughter-in-law like a doting mom. Shailaja poured her affection on spoiled brat Lolita, who lost her mom long back. She performed all the duties of a mom and helped Lolita become a responsible individual. Actress Tulika Basu has played versatile roles in many television shows but her performance as Shailaja Lahiri in ‘Ogo Bodhu Sundari’ is worth a mention. Actress Ritabhari Chakraborty made her debut with this show.

Bengali viewers can never forget Bhutu. Little Bhutu in an oversized shirt instantly stole a million hearts. Besides, Arshiya Mukherjee's cuteness, hummable songs, a crisp narrative and a strong cast, the show had yet another reason which made it unforgettable is Bhutu's relationship with Madhabi. Little Bhutu found her mom in Madhabi. A helpless Madhabi found her solace in Bhutu. Anindita as Madhabi is worth mentioning. (Photo: Facebook)

Teenager Ditipriya, playing the lead role in ‘Rani Rashmoni’, is certainly ruling the small screen. The actress is quite convincing as Rashmoni and playing the character, that is double her age, with complete ease. Rashmoni was not only a mother to her children but also to the native people. She was loving, caring at the same time fearless who didn’t think twice before protesting against the British rulers. The show has been showing its magic on the TRP charts. No wonder, Ditipriya is fondly called ‘Rani Ma’ off-screen just like her reel character. (Photo: Facebook)

Indrani, who is known for her acting mettle, left the viewers impressed yet again; this time, as protagonist Sreemoyee. The daily soap narrating the journey of housewife Sreemoyee has become quite a trendsetter inspiring several other regional languages to remake the show. Along with Sreemoyee’s remarkable yet relatable journey as an individual, the show beautifully shows her as a mom. Sreemoyee sacrificed everything for the sake of her family and children yet left with an empty nest. What’s worth mention is, Sreemoyee can go to any extent to save her children and at the same time, she doesn’t shy away from criticising her children when they are wrong. She also doesn’t hesitate to suggest her bahurani Ankita choose the right path even if it means going against her selfish son Jumbo. A responsible and kind-hearted Sreemoyee is equally attentive towards June’s son Bukan though she (June) destroyed her life. Indrani has brought life to the reel character with her magical touch.