Nirupa Roy, born Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara, remains a legend—her tear-streaked face as the sacrificial mother in Deewaar still haunts me. From 1946 to 1999, she graced over 250 films, earning the “Queen of Misery” title with her heart-wrenching roles. I’ve watched her in Amar Akbar Anthony, awed by her ability to make audiences weep. Though she passed in 2004, her legacy endures—her sons’ legal battles still echo. This isn’t just a bio—it’s her soul, her sorrow.
Nirupa Roy wasn’t just an actress; she was an emotion. A Gujarati girl who became Bollywood’s quintessential mother, she won three Filmfare Awards and a Lifetime Achievement honor in 2004. Her life, though, was as tragic as her roles—family strife, dowry allegations, and property disputes marred her later years. Let’s journey through her cinematic reign, personal struggles, and the undying love she inspired in millions.
Early Life: A Gujarati Girl’s Big Dreams
Nirupa Roy was born Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara on January 4, 1931, in Kalwada, Valsad, Gujarat. Her father, Kishorechandra Bulsara, a businessman, and her mother, a homemaker, raised her in a traditional Gujarati-speaking family. An only child, Kokila was shy but loved drama—mimicking film stars in her room. “I’d dream of the silver screen,” she once shared in a rare interview, per BollywoodShaadis. Her father’s strict ways clashed with her ambitions.
At 15, she married Kamal Roy, a match her family arranged. Her father disapproved of her acting dreams, severing ties when she chose cinema. “It broke my heart,” she later said. The couple moved to Bombay, her destiny awaiting.
Nirupa Roy: Updated Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kokila Kishorechandra Bulsara (aka Nirupa Roy) |
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1931 |
| Date of Death | October 13, 2004 |
| Age at Death | 73 years |
| Birthplace | Kalwada, Valsad, Gujarat, India |
| Height | 5 ft 2 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 128 lbs (58 kg) |
| Hair Color | Black (later grey) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Marital Status | Married to Kamal Roy (1946–2004) |
| Family | Husband: Kamal Roy; Sons: Yogesh Roy, Kiran Roy |
| Net Worth at Death | Estimated ₹270 crore (USD 37 million, 2004) |
| Education | Not formally educated beyond basic schooling |
| Occupation | Actress (Hindi, Gujarati films) |
| Notable Achievements | 3 Filmfare Awards, Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2004) |
| Last Residence | Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai, India |
| Social Media | None (pre-digital era) |
Stepping into Stardom: The Gujarati Film Roots
1946—Nirupa Roy’s journey began with a leap of faith. She and Kamal responded to a Gujarati newspaper ad seeking actors. “We both applied, but only I was chosen,” she recalled, per IMDb. Her debut, Ranakdevi, a Gujarati film, showcased her as a lead. She followed with Amar Raj and Gunsundari in 1948, her natural flair shining. “I helped build the Gujarati film industry,” she later said.
Her early roles were bold—heroines, goddesses. Fans revered her divine portrayals, lining up for blessings, per BookMyShow. By the 1950s, Hindi cinema beckoned. Nirupa Roy, the name she adopted, was ready to conquer Bollywood.
Bollywood Breakthrough: From Heroine to Goddess
The 1950s saw Nirupa transition to Hindi films. Har Har Mahadev (1950) cast her as Goddess Parvati, her ethereal grace captivating audiences. “She was divine,” a fan wrote, per Amar Ujala. She played goddesses in over 20 films—Sita, Durga—her poise earning her a sacred aura. “People touched my feet,” she laughed in a 1980s interview.
Her lead roles in Bhakta Prahlad (1950) and Chakradhari (1954) showed versatility. But it was Munimji (1955) with Dev Anand that won her a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. “I felt seen,” she said. Nirupa was no longer just a Gujarati star—she was Bollywood’s gem.
The Motherly Turn: 1970s and Iconic Roles
The 1970s redefined Nirupa Roy. Deewaar (1975), alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor, cemented her as Bollywood’s ultimate mother. Her line, “Tu sign kar de, Vijay,” broke hearts. “I lived that pain,” she told Times of India. The film’s success made her a household name—fans thought she was Bachchan’s real mother, per BollywoodShaadis.
Amar Akbar Anthony (1977) followed—her role as the mother of three separated sons (Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Bachchan) was iconic. She won hearts again in Muqaddar Ka Sikandar (1978). “She was our maa,” Bachchan said at her funeral. Nirupa’s motherly roles—over 100—earned her the “Queen of Misery” tag.
Awards and Accolades: A Legacy Honored
Nirupa’s talent didn’t go unnoticed. She won the Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award for Munimji (1955), Chhaya (1961), and Shehnai (1964). “Each award felt like a hug,” she said, per CelebrityHow. The Bengal Film Journalists’ Association also honored her for Chhaya. In 2004, she received the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award—her crowning glory.
Her 250+ films spanned genres—mythology, drama, and action. She worked with legends: Dilip Kumar, Dev Anand, Dharmendra, even Sunny Deol as his mother in Betaab (1983). “She was timeless,” Sunny said, per Times of India. Nirupa’s accolades? A testament to her unparalleled craft.
1980s and 1990s: The Matriarch Reigns
The 1980s kept Nirupa Roy busy. Mard (1985) saw her as Amitabh Bachchan’s mother again, her emotional depth shining. “She made every scene real,” director Manmohan Desai said, per Times of India. Suhaag (1979) and Sarfarosh (1985) showcased her range—grief, resilience, love. She played Dharmendra’s mother in Kuchhe Dhaage (1973), a role that moved audiences.
By the 1990s, her roles grew smaller but impactful. Lal Baadshah (1999) with Bachchan was her last major film. “I’m tired but grateful,” she told BookMyShow. At 68, she retired, her legacy as Bollywood’s “mother of all times” secure.
Affairs and Relationships: A Life of Loyalty
Nirupa’s love life was simple—she married Kamal Roy at 15 and stayed devoted until her death. “He was my strength,” she said, per BollywoodShaadis. They met through family, tying the knot in 1946. Kamal supported her career, even acting briefly before stepping back. “We dreamed together,” she shared.
No affairs ever tainted her name. Rumors of closeness with co-stars like Dev Anand or Amitabh Bachchan were baseless—her onscreen chemistry with Bachchan was purely professional. “I’m a wife first,” she told Amar Ujala. Her heart belonged to Kamal and their sons, Yogesh and Kiran.
Controversies: A Painful Personal Life
Nirupa Roy’s onscreen misery mirrored her real life. In the 1990s, her daughter-in-law Una Roy, an NRI, accused her and Kamal of dowry harassment, per IMDb. Una, married to Yogesh, claimed they demanded money and held black money. The court dismissed the case for lack of evidence, but the scandal hurt Nirupa. “I was shattered,” a friend quoted her, per Times of India.
Her father’s rejection after she chose acting left a scar. “He never forgave me,” she said. The dowry case added to her woes—publicly, she stayed silent, but privately, the pain was immense.
Sons’ Emotional Abuse and Property Dispute
Post-2004, after Nirupa Roy’s death, darker truths emerged. Reports claimed her sons, Yogesh and Kiran, emotionally abused her over property, per the Times of India. The Nepean Sea Road apartment—3,000 sq ft, worth crores—became a battleground. “They fought over her bedroom,” a neighbor told the Indian Express. Her declining health was linked to this stress.
A second will surfaced in 2010, allegedly hidden by Kiran, claiming Yogesh as the sole owner, per the Times of India. The legal battle raged on—by 2025, it remained unresolved. “She deserved peace,” a fan tweeted, and 10K retweets echoing the sentiment.
Rumors: The Myth of Her Persona
Rumors often swirled around Nirupa. Her goddess roles led some to believe she had divine powers—fans sought her blessings, per BookMyShow. “I’m just an actress,” she’d laugh. Another rumor is that she was Amitabh Bachchan’s real mother, so their Deewaar bond was convincing. “We’re family on screen,” she clarified, per Amar Ujala.
Post-death, whispers of financial ruin surfaced—untrue, given her ₹270 crore net worth, per CelebrityHow. Her sons’ feud fueled gossip of her being destitute. “She lived modestly but well,” a relative told Times of India. Nirupa’s life? More tragic than any rumor.
Style and Substance: Nirupa’s Screen Magic
Nirupa Roy’s 5’2” frame carried a giant presence. Her black hair, later grey, and brown eyes held oceans of emotion. “I felt every tear,” she said of her roles, per FilmiBeat. Her simple, often white sarees became her signature, symbolizing maternal sacrifice. “She was authenticity,” Shashi Kapoor said.
Her acting? Unmatched. Deewaar’s anguish, Amar Akbar Anthony’s hope—she made audiences feel. “She taught me emotion,” Sunny Deol said, per Times of India. Nirupa’s voice, soft yet piercing, delivered lines that echoed for decades. Her style? It was her heart, bared on screen.
Physical Stats: The Woman Behind the Roles
At 5’2” and 128 lbs, Nirupa Roy was petite but commanding. Her measurements—34-30-36—fit the 1950s heroine mold, per CelebrityHow. She never smoked or drank, her hobbies reading and music. “I loved Lataji’s songs,” she said, per FilmiBeat. Her fair skin and expressive eyes were her trademarks.
She aged gracefully, her grey hair adding gravitas to her mother roles. “I’m a simple woman,” she told Amar Ujala. Her health declined in 2004, with cardiac issues worsened by stress. Nirupa’s body carried her through 250 films, each role a testament to her enduring spirit.
Personal Life: A Mother’s Heart
Nirupa lived for her family. She and Kamal raised Yogesh and Kiran in Mumbai’s Nepean Sea Road apartment. “My boys are my world,” she said, per BollywoodShaadis. She loved cooking Gujarati meals—dhokla, thepla—for them. “I’m happiest at home,” she shared.
Her net worth at death—₹270 crore—came from films and investments, per CelebrityHow. She lived modestly, her wealth tied to property. Her hobbies—reading, music—kept her grounded. “I’m a Gujarati at heart,” she told Amar Ujala. But her sons’ disputes cast a shadow over her final years.
Final Days and Legacy
October 13, 2004—Nirupa suffered a cardiac arrest at 73. “She was in pain,” a friend said, per Times of India. The stress from her sons’ feud likely contributed. Her funeral saw Bollywood’s elite—Bachchan, Dharmendra—paying respects. “She was our mother,” Bachchan said.
Her legacy? Immortal. Deewaar’s dialogues are quoted even in 2025—her 94th birth anniversary saw tributes on X, 50K posts. “She’s Bollywood’s soul,” a fan wrote. Nirupa’s 250 films, three Filmfare Awards, and Lifetime Achievement honor cement her as the eternal “mother of Indian cinema.”
FAQs About Nirupa Roy
1. What’s the latest on Nirupa Roy’s property dispute?
Her sons’ legal battle over the Nepean Sea Road apartment continues in 2025, per Times of India.
2. How many films did she act in?
Over 250, spanning 1946–1999, per BookMyShow.
3. Did she win any awards?
Yes—three Filmfare Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, per CelebrityHow.
4. Was she really Amitabh Bachchan’s mother?
No—a rumor from their Deewaar chemistry, debunked by Nirupa, per Amar Ujala.
5. What caused her death?
Cardiac arrest in 2004, likely worsened by family stress, per Times of India.
Nirupa Roy Filmography: Complete Details (1946–1999)
| Film Title | Release Year | Role | Director | Genre | Language | Co-Stars | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranakdevi | 1946 | Lead | V.M. Vyas | Historical Drama | Gujarati | Not Available | Nirupa’s debut film; a Gujarati production. |
| Amar Raj | 1948 | Lead | Not Available | Drama | Gujarati | Not Available | Early Gujarati role, showcasing her as a heroine. |
| Gunsundari | 1948 | Lead | Ratibhai Punatar | Drama | Gujarati | Not Available | A hit in Gujarati cinema; Nirupa’s early success. |
| Har Har Mahadev | 1950 | Goddess Parvati | Jayant Desai | Mythological | Hindi | Trilok Kapoor | Her Hindi debut; played Parvati, earning her a divine image. |
| Bhakta Prahlad | 1950 | Lead | Not Available | Mythological | Hindi | Not Available | One of her many goddess roles in the 1950s. |
| Chakradhari | 1954 | Lead | Raman B. Desai | Mythological | Hindi | Not Available | Played a divine role, further cementing her sacred aura. |
| Munimji | 1955 | Supporting Role | Subodh Mukherjee | Romantic Drama | Hindi | Dev Anand, Nalini Jaywant | Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. |
| Kavi | 1955 | Supporting Role | Debaki Bose | Drama | Hindi | Bharat Bhushan | A critically acclaimed role in a literary drama. |
| Do Bigha Zamin | 1953 | Parvati (Paro) | Bimal Roy | Drama | Hindi | Balraj Sahni | Iconic role as a struggling wife; a landmark film. |
| Chhaya | 1961 | Supporting Role | Hrishikesh Mukherjee | Drama | Hindi | Sunil Dutt, Asha Parekh | Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. |
| Shehnai | 1964 | Supporting Role | S.D. Narang | Drama | Hindi | Biswajeet, Rehman | Won Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. |
| Khandan | 1965 | Supporting Role | A. Bhimsingh | Family Drama | Hindi | Sunil Dutt, Nutan | Played a motherly role, a precursor to her 1970s archetype. |
| Kuchhe Dhaage | 1973 | Supporting Role | Raj Khosla | Action Drama | Hindi | Dharmendra, Hema Malini | Emotional role as Dharmendra’s mother. |
| Deewaar | 1975 | Sumitra Devi (Mother) | Yash Chopra | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor | Iconic mother role; “Tu sign kar de, Vijay” became legendary. |
| Amar Akbar Anthony | 1977 | Bharati (Mother) | Manmohan Desai | Comedy Drama | Hindi | Vinod Khanna, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan | Played the mother of three separated sons; a massive hit. |
| Muqaddar Ka Sikandar | 1978 | Supporting Role | Prakash Mehra | Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha | Emotional mother role in a blockbuster. |
| Suhaag | 1979 | Supporting Role | Manmohan Desai | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor | Another hit as Bachchan’s mother. |
| Khoon Pasina | 1977 | Supporting Role | Rakesh Kumar | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha | Played a pivotal motherly role in a multi-starrer. |
| Betaab | 1983 | Supporting Role | Rahul Rawail | Romantic Drama | Hindi | Sunny Deol, Amrita Singh | Played Sunny Deol’s mother in his debut film. |
| Sarfarosh | 1985 | Supporting Role | Dasari Narayana Rao | Action Drama | Hindi | Jeetendra, Sridevi | Emotional role as a mother in a patriotic drama. |
| Mard | 1985 | Supporting Role | Manmohan Desai | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Amrita Singh | Played Bachchan’s mother in a blockbuster. |
| Geraftaar | 1985 | Supporting Role | Prayag Raj | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan | Another mother role in a Ascetic, multi-starrer action film. |
| Jai Hind | 1999 | Supporting Role | Not Available | Action Drama | Hindi | Not Available | One of her last roles; a patriotic film. |
| Lal Baadshah | 1999 | Supporting Role | K.C. Bokadia | Action Drama | Hindi | Amitabh Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty | Her final major film role before retirement. |
Reflections on Nirupa Roy’s Cinematic Legacy
Nirupa Roy’s filmography spans over 250 films, a staggering feat from 1946 to 1999. She began as a Gujarati heroine in Ranakdevi, evolved into a goddess in Har Har Mahadev, and became Bollywood’s ultimate mother in Deewaar and Amar Akbar Anthony. Her roles in Do Bigha Zamin and Muqaddar Ka Sikandar showcased her emotional depth, while Mard and Betaab kept her relevant across generations. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve teared up watching her in Deewaar—her “Queen of Misery” title is well-earned. This table, though not exhaustive due to her vast career, captures her most iconic works, sourced from IMDb and BookMyShow.
Final Thoughts: Nirupa’s Timeless Echo
Nirupa Roy’s no fading star—she’s a constellation. From Valsad to Mumbai, she gave Bollywood 250+ films, three Filmfares, and a motherly legacy. Her 2025 echo—sons’ disputes, fan tributes—proves her impact. I’ve wept to her Deewaar scenes, felt her pain through headlines. She’s not just an actress; she’s a feeling—grief, love, sacrifice. Her next chapter? In our hearts, forever. At 94, had she lived, she’d still be our “maa.”