India, Jan. 6 -- For decades, films have celebrated the image of the endlessly sacrificing mother, often at the cost of her own identity. Speaking against this trope, Entrepreneur and Shark Tank India judge Namita Thapar encouraged women to be "selfish moms" and criticised Bollywood for romanticising the 'Meena Kumari-style' portrayal of motherhood. (Also read: Malaika Arora swears by these 5 pranayama techniques to stay toned and fit in 50s: From Anulom vilom to bhramari )

Namita wrote in her January 4 Instagram post, "For too long Bollywood has glorified the Meena Kumari-style mom, sacrifices, silence, selflessness, tears. 'wah kya mahaan maa ho aap' (wow, what a great mother you are). crock of bull***," urging women to rethink the ide...