Who Is Suhasini Mulay? Aamir Khan’s Mother In ‘Lagaan’ Who Found Love At 60 And Married Within 75 Days

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As 'Lagaan' marks 25 years, audiences are revisiting the film and the people who helped make it one of Indian cinema's most beloved classics. While much of the attention naturally goes to the lead Aamir Khan, another cast member has been drawing interest for a very different reason.

Suhasini Mulay, who played Bhuvan's mother Yashodamai in 'Lagaan', who has lived a life that could easily fill a film script of its own. She has been an actress, documentary filmmaker, producer, director and National Award winner. Yet one chapter of her personal life continues to resonate with people years later: finding love and getting married at the age of 60.

Who Is Suhasini Mulay?

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Suhasini Mulay was born into a Marathi-speaking family in Patna. Her father passed away when she was just three years old. She was raised by her mother, Vijaya Mulay, a highly respected documentary filmmaker, film historian, and educationist.

From Bhuvan Shome To Lagaan: A Full-Circle Journey

Suhasini Mulay's connection with cinema began long before 'Lagaan'.

She made her acting debut in 'Bhuvan Shome' (1969), the acclaimed film directed by Mrinal Sen that is widely regarded as a landmark of India's parallel cinema movement.

Decades later, she found herself playing the mother of another Bhuvan in 'Lagaan'. It is one of those rare coincidences that stands out when looking back at her career.

During recent interviews marking Lagaan's 25th anniversary, Mulay revealed that director Ashutosh Gowariker was eager to cast her after seeing her performance in 'Hu Tu Tu'. In fact, he reportedly had to make considerable efforts to track her down before offering her the role of Yashodamai.

Suhasini Mulay Chose Education And Filmmaking Over Conventional Stardom

Unlike many actors who spend their early years building a film career, Mulay followed a different route.

She studied Agricultural Technology with a specialisation in soil chemistry and microbiology at McGill University. She later pursued Mass Communication, expanding her knowledge of film, television, journalism and media.

Instead of immediately chasing acting opportunities, she spent years working behind the camera. She assisted notable filmmakers and gradually built a respected career in documentary filmmaking.

Over the years, she produced and directed more than 60 documentaries, earning several National Film Awards for her work.

A National Award Winner On Both Sides Of The Camera

What makes Suhasini Mulay's career particularly unique is that she earned recognition both as a filmmaker and as an actor.

Her documentaries received multiple National Awards, and after returning to mainstream acting, she won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'Hu Tu Tu'.

She later appeared in films such as Dil Chahta Hai, Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar, Jodhaa Akbar, Mohenjo Daro and Hamari Adhuri Kahani, becoming a familiar and respected presence on screen.

The Unexpected Love Story That Began Online

While her professional achievements are impressive, it is her personal story that often sparks curiosity.

After the end of a long-term relationship around 1990, Mulay remained single for many years. She focused on her work and built a fulfilling life on her own.
Then, in 2010, something unexpected happened.

After joining Facebook, she connected with particle physicist Professor Atul Gurtu. Their conversations began online and gradually developed into a close friendship.

Interestingly, science played an important role in bringing them together. Curious about his work, Mulay asked questions about the Large Hadron Collider and particle physics. Those discussions soon turned into regular conversations that neither wanted to end.

Finding Love At 60

On January 16, 2011, Suhasini Mulay married Professor Atul Gurtu in an Arya Samaj ceremony.

She was 60 years old. The marriage attracted widespread attention because it challenged a belief many people quietly carry-that there is a "right" age for love, companionship or marriage.

Mulay's story offered a different perspective. It showed that meaningful relationships can begin at any stage of life, even when people least expect them.

Reports over the years have also noted that the couple married within a relatively short period of 75 days after meeting in person, confident in the connection they had already built through their conversations.

Suhasini Mulay's Life Beyond Lagaan

As Lagaan celebrates 25 years, Suhasini Mulay is once again in the spotlight. For some, she will always be Yashodamai, the caring mother who stood by Bhuvan. For others, she represents something equally memorable: the possibility of new beginnings, regardless of age.

Her story shows that life's most important chapters can unfold at any age. Careers can change direction, passions can evolve, and sometimes love arrives long after people have stopped looking for it.