Mumbai: The elevated status of motherhood, its dignity with maternal love was all aptly captured by Nirupa Roy, the most famous mother on Indian screen.

Born as Kokila Kishorechandra Balsara in 1931 at Valsad in Gujarat, Roy began her innings in film world in Gujarati film Ranakdevi (1946). However, it was in film Gunasundari (1948) that she earned recognition.

Roy's innocent face, her soft voice and large limpid eyes made her the perfect image to play the role of Goddess in various mythological sagas. Her tryst with mythology was seen in films like 'Mira Bai', 'Satyawan Savitri' and 'Har Har Mahadeo'.

Her acting talent also came to the fore in films like 'Do Bigha Zamin' (1953).

She first played role of mother in Dev Anand starrer 'Munimji'. However, teaming up with superstar Amitabh Bachchan that made her as most remembered screen mothers in Indian cinema.

Playing role of Bachchan's mother in 'Amar Akbar Anthony', 'Khoon Pasina', 'Muquadar Ka Sikandar' and she slipped into a role of real mom, the perfect screen mother.

It was the famous tagline "mere pass ma hai" in blockbuster film Deewar that epitomised motherhood in all its colours and substance.

A mother sans Nirupa Roy in Indian cinema appeared to lack depth of character. Roy bagged Filmfare Best Supporting Actress award three times. Her numerous films include 'Bhai Bhai', 'Do Roti, Kangan', 'Gumrah', 'Mujhe Jeene Do', 'Ghar Ki Laj', 'Jal', 'Aan aur Shan', 'Anorodh' and 'Love you Hamesha'.