Nirupa Roy, fondly remembered as the quintessential on-screen mother of Indian cinema, left an everlasting mark on the film industry with her stunning performances.
Born as Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara in Valsad, Gujarat, she married at the age of 15 and moved to Bombay with her husband, Kamal Roy. Her journey into films was a bold choice that came at a personal cost, her father disapproved of her career in acting and severed ties with her, a wound she carried throughout her life.
Nirupa Roy’s career spanned five decades, with over 250 films to her credit. Known as the “Queen of Misery,” she portrayed emotionally complex characters that resonated deeply with audiences. From ‘Do Bigha Zameen’ to ‘Amar Akbar Anthony’ and ‘Muqaddar Ka Sikandar’, her portrayal of sacrificial and loving mothers became iconic. Her frequent collaborations with Amitabh Bachchan as his on-screen mother led many to mistake her for his real mother, marking her status as Bollywood’s ultimate maternal figure.
Her impact extended beyond motherly roles. During the 1940s and 1950s, she became synonymous with divinity, earning the title “Goddess of the Indian Screen” for her portrayals of Hindu deities, particularly her role as Goddess Parvati in ‘Har Har Mahadev’ (1950).
However, her personal life was marred by sorrow and controversy. In her later years, her daughter-in-law accused her and her husband of dowry harassment and possessing black money. These allegations were dismissed by the court for lack of evidence, but they added turmoil to her life.
The tragedy deepened after her death on October 13, 2004, due to a cardiac arrest at the age of 73. Reports surfaced that her sons, Yogesh and Kiran Roy, subjected her to emotional abuse over property disputes. This distress reportedly contributed to her declining health. Despite her difficult personal life, Nirupa Roy’s dedication to her craft and her ability to evoke emotions on screen remain unparalleled.
