On 12 May, Mother's Day is being celebrated to honour mothers worldwide for their profound influence on their children's lives.
On the eve of Mother's day, an online poll was conducted among women by matrimonial website Shaadi.com to find out who they consider as the most-popular mother. Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai topped the list with 52.38 percent votes. Madhuri Dixit Nene came second with 29.27 percent and versatile actress Sridevi took the third spot with 18.35 percent.
The poll also revealed that 82.26 percent of women believe that actress Neetu Singh and her actor-son Ranbir Kapoor share India's most popular mother-son relationship. About 60.48 percent women feel that Tanuja and Kajol share the most popular mother-daughter relationship.
With respect to women who strike a balance between career and motherhood, the participants voted for Malaika Arora Khan who won 40.1 percent votes. Boxer Mary Kom took the second spot in the same category with 30.37 percent votes. Congress President Sonia Gandhi came third with 29.53 percent votes.
"The poll showcases some of the most successful Indian women whose love and dedication also makes them popular mothers. This suggests the people are looking at celebrities as real people with real relationships," Gourav Rakshit, COO of Shaadi.com, told Indo-Asian News Service.
"The poll is part of the consistent research that we do to gauge the preferences of today's youth," he said.
Here is our list of Bollywood's most-popular mothers
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
The former Miss World and popular actress gave birth to Aaradhya in 2011. Ever since her daughter's birth, the paparazzi had been curious to get a glimpse of the most-celebrated child of Bollywood. However, Aaradhya's protective family members have shielded her away from the media.
The first pictures of the little bundle of joy surfaced when she was at her grandfather Big B's birthday bash last year. Aishwarya, who was heavily criticized for not losing her post-pregnancy weight, prefers to spend more time with her daughter instead of getting back into shape quickly or making a comeback in films.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Actress Shilpa Shetty gave birth to her son Viaan last year. Unlike Aishwarya who took time to shed her weight post pregnancy, Shilpa had regained her pre-baby body in no time. Shilpa got back her shape in less than a year after giving birth to her son.
The bollywood actress, who is also the co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals' team, brought her son to watch his first IPL match on 10 April. The mother-son duo also made their first appearance together on the cover of Hello! Magazine.
Kajol
Popular actress Kajol was last seen doing a cameo in Karan Johar's "Student of the Year". She is a mother of two - Nayasa (2003) and Yug (2010).
After marrying Ajay Devgn in 1999, Kajol did not quit films but cut down on her work. Even after having two kids, the versatile actress managed to strike a balance between her career and personal life.
"Your career is part of your life, your family is part of your life, and your whole life - your personality - is made of every part put together. It's upto you to strike the right balance," the actress once told a leading daily. "I learned from example. My own mother (the actress Tanuja) always put her family first. Even when she was working, we were her top priority, she gave us quality time - when she was there, she was with us 120 per cent. I'm lucky to have had her. And I hope to be like her..."
Madhuri Dixit Nene
One of the most charismatic actresses of Bollywood, Madhuri Dixit, married her husband Sriram Nene in 1999. She left films and settled in marital bliss in the US. She gave birth to two children - Arin (in 2003) and Raayan (born in 2005).
In 2011, the actress shifted base to Mumbai with her family. While she is pursuing her acting and television career, she is also looking after her children ensuring that they adjust to the lifestyle in India.
Sridevi
Versatile actress Sridevi took a break from acting to focus on personal life - family and motherhood. Now that her daughters - Jhanvi and Kushi - have grown up, the actress made a successful comeback in "English Vinglish".
Lara Dutta
Actress Lara Dutta, who is married to tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, gave birth to their baby girl in 2012. The actress, who is spending more time with her kid, was last seen doing a small role in Bejoy Nambiar's "David".
Juhi Chawla
After giving birth to two children - Jahanvi and Arjun - Juhi did not quit films or even take a sabbatical. The actress has managed to continue her work in films, look after her business (she is the co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders) as well as bringing up her children.
Twinkle Khanna
Twinkle Khanna, who has married popular actor Akshay Kumar, is the mother of Aarav and Nitara. The former actress is doing a commendable job in taking care of her children as well as working on her interior designing skills.
Karisma Kapoor
Karishma Kapoor has two children - Kiaan and Samaira. The actress who made a comeback of sorts with "Dangerous Ishq" is taking up selective projects and spending more time with her children.
