On June 21, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Reema Lagoo, the actress whose very presence brought comfort, grace, and emotional gravitas to every film she touched.
Often cast as the quintessential “Bollywood mom,” Reema Lagoo redefined what it meant to be a supporting character—her roles weren’t just side stories, they were the emotional core of some of the biggest blockbusters in Hindi cinema.
Though she passed away in 2017, her legacy continues to live on—not just in reruns and memes, but in the feeling she left behind. Generations grew up watching her on screen and quietly saw their own mothers in her eyes, tone, and tender strength.
Here’s a look at some of her most iconic roles—and why she remains a timeless favourite.
1. Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994)
Role: Rajesh’s mother
Why it’s iconic:
Even in a film filled with grand family dynamics, Reema Lagoo stood out for her serene presence. She played the mother-in-law every daughter-in-law dreams of—understanding, wise, and quietly powerful.
Why audiences loved her: She wasn't melodramatic; she was human.
Quote that stayed: “Yeh ghar, yeh parivaar... ek kahani hai.”
2. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
Role: Prem’s mother
Why it’s iconic:
She was Bollywood’s first “modern mom”—friendly, trusting, and surprisingly progressive for the 80s. Her chemistry with Salman Khan added emotional warmth to this youthful love story.
Why audiences loved her: She didn't just parent, she understood.
Legacy: Set the tone for all Sooraj Barjatya films that followed.
3. Vaastav (1999)
Role: Shanta, Raghu’s mother
Why it’s iconic:
A complete departure from her usual soft roles, Reema Lagoo delivered a gut-wrenching performance as a mother forced to kill her own son (played by Sanjay Dutt) in the film’s tragic climax.
Why audiences respected her: She balanced fierce maternal love with unimaginable courage.
Impact: Cemented her range as not just a mother figure—but a powerhouse performer.
4. Shrimaan Shrimati (TV, 1994–1999)
Role: Kokila Kulkarni
Why it’s iconic:
Her comedic timing in this cult TV show proved she could do more than just emotional cinema. As a nosy yet lovable neighbour, she brought laughs and relatability in equal measure.
Why audiences adored her: She could switch from drama to comedy without missing a beat.
Legacy: Became a household name in every 90s Indian home.
5. Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Role: Jennifer Kapur, Naina’s mother
Why it’s iconic:
In a film filled with emotional highs, Reema Lagoo’s portrayal of a compassionate and emotionally resilient single mother felt fresh and heartfelt. She stood tall in a multi-star ensemble.
Why audiences connected with her: Her character reminded us that mothers are also women with their own pain and strength.
Underrated fact: She blended traditional values with quiet rebellion effortlessly.
Why She Was—and Still Is—an Audience Favourite
She never overacted. In a cinematic era that often demanded loud mothers, Reema Lagoo whispered, held, and felt.
She wasn’t just a “mom” stereotype. She played flawed, funny, firm, and fiercely loving women.
She made space for silence. Some of her best moments were non-verbal—the gentle placing of a hand, a silent look, a held back tear.
Her roles felt lived-in. Whether in middle-class kitchens or grand palaces, she brought a lived authenticity that reminded audiences of home.
In a career that spanned over three decades, Reema Lagoo did more than act—she reflected the evolving Indian mother on screen. She wasn’t just “ma”—she was emotion, empathy, and elegance personified.
This June 21, we don’t just remember the actor—we remember the comfort her voice gave, the calm her eyes held, and the generations she made feel seen, supported, and safe.
