The article reflects on the enduring legacy of an actress, born Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara in 1931, who became synonymous with maternal grief in Indian cinema. Initially portraying goddesses in early black-and-white films, she later became typecast as the archetypal 'Maa' (mother), a role cemented by the iconic dialogue 'Mere paas maa hai' from 'Deewaar'. Her career, marked by personal sacrifices and societal disapproval, found a unique immortality through these powerful maternal portrayals.