‘Indian mom’s quirks, affectionate nagging have become a treasure trove of content’
Films in the ’60s and ’70s established a unique trope of on-screen moms – think the sari-clad, melodramatic Nirupa Roy. Over the years, the on-screen depiction of mothers has become rather realistic. From Sridevi in English Vinglish to Neena Gupta in Badhaai Ho, on-screen mothers are portrayed as cool and relatable while also being, at times, dramatic. Content based on mothers on social media is a version of that idea of the desi mom.
Reelmakers share that one of the reasons viewers binge on such content is because they are relatable. “Indian moms have a unique way of expressing love and that’s not always straightforward. Their quirks, affectionate nagging have become a treasure trove of content for memes. It’s their relatable and heartfelt way of showing care that resonates with many. No matter where you go, people connect with these experiences because they’ve shared similar moments with their own moms. It’s this universal relatability that makes Indian moms the perfect inspiration for content,” says Saloni Gaur, content creator.
When I started creating content around her (my mother), she was surprised but ultimately supportive, and she even gained her own fan following as she began appearing in the content
Saloni Gaur
Zarna Garg says she “started talking about life as a mom because it’s relatable”
An Indian mom is a tadka on motherhood. We add a little spice to everything we say. As a mother, I am a little extra, a little loud, but it is also fun. I started talking about my life as a mom because it’s relatable
Zarna Garg, Indian-American stand-up comedian, screenwriter and content creator
‘Moms in reels make content wholesome’
One of the most effective ways of creating content about moms on social media is by featuring one’s own mother in reels. Ravish Shetty, a digital content creator and actor, says, “When they (moms) act in the video, they add that natural touch to it. The content looks genuine and the video is more wholesome. My mom initially didn’t understand content creation; she had lots of doubts, like why anyone would watch our content. Gradually, when videos gained good reach, she understood what I was doing. Now, she likes when people compliment her.”
Divya Gupta with her mom Seema Gupta
‘Everyone loves watching a version of their mom’
Content creators say that be it moms’ desperation to get their kids married, obsession for cleanliness, sarcasm or taunts, everyone loves watching a version of their mother in reels. “We have so many languages and dialects and the way a mother scolds or shows her affection comes across differently (as per the dialect), people love watching that,” says content creator Neel Salekar. “I also feel that no matter your age or gender, we have all faced similar situations with moms, and that’s why this content is always the bestseller among all age groups,” adds Divya Gupta, a digital content creator.
Ravish Shetty often features his mom Sarojini Shetty in his reels
I started making videos with my mom during the lockdown. Initially, I included her for smaller parts. Later, I started creating videos based on her, keeping her as the main character. She got interested when the videos went viral
Neel Salekar