Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen mother-in-law lives a quiet life away from films—The story of Maya Alagh

In the sparkling world of Bollywood, where stars rise and fall over time, some names keep on shining even after stepping away from the light. One of these actresses is Maya Alagh, who has graced both the silver screen and the small screen with her poise and versatility.

The career that spanned 25 years is an indictment of her abilities, and the fact that she surprised audiences by exiting the industry makes it all the more fascinating.

Maya Alagh’s Bollywood journey

Maya appeared in over 25 films and 10 television serials, leaving behind a strong body of work. She shared screen space with some of the industry’s biggest names—In 'Tipu Sultan', she was part of Shahbaz Khan’s ensemble cast.In 'Andaz', she acted alongside Anil Kapoor and Juhi Chawla.In 'Jai Hanuman', she featured in the popular mythological series.In 'Noorjahan', she worked with Seema Kelkar and Pankaj Dheer.In 'Yeh Dillagi' (1994), she played a family role opposite Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, and Kajol.On the big screen, she is fondly remembered for portraying Shah Rukh Khan’s mother-in-law in Guddu and Aishwarya Rai’s mother in Umrao Jaan (2006)—the film that turned out to be her final Bollywood appearance.

Why Did Maya Alagh leave films?While the actress was popular, she decided to pull away from acting. As time went on, she sensed that she was getting stuck in roles that were repetitive and unchanging, and she was becoming creatively frustrated. By the early 2000s, she started to step away from films, eventually exiting the film world entirely after Umrao Jaan, reports India.comLife beyond the cameraOutside the spotlight of showbiz, Maya was happy in her personal life. She married Sunil Alagh, former MD & CEO of Britannia Industries, and they have two daughters, Anjori and Sawari.Today, Maya enjoys a tranquil life at their farmhouse far away from the noise of the industry, embracing the simple pleasures of family and nature.From glamorous roles to graceful retirement, Maya Alagh’s journey reflects the story of an actress who valued both her craft and her peace of mind.

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