When it comes to Indian television, the mother-in-law character often becomes the mastermind behind household drama. While Komolika from Kasautii Zindagii Kay set the bar for villainy, these five TV saas characters went several steps ahead — so cruel, manipulative, and dangerous that even she would seem innocent in comparison.
Here are the 5 most feared mother-in-laws on Indian TV who redefined toxic power plays:
1. Dadisa – Balika Vadhu (Played by Surekha Sikri)Cruelty Score: 10/10
No one ruled the household like Dadisa. In Balika Vadhu, she wasn’t just a matriarch — she was a dictator. Her iron-fisted control over her family, especially her daughters-in-law, made her feared and obeyed. Her sharp words, traditional mindset, and unshakable dominance made her one of the most unforgettable mother-in-laws in TV history.
2. Ammaji – Na Aana Is Des Laado (Played by Meghna Malik)Cruelty Score: 9.5/10
Ammaji wasn’t just feared in her home — she ruled an entire village. Her regressive beliefs, including treating daughters as curses, and her brutal enforcement of twisted traditions made her a tyrant in the true sense. Viewers loved to hate her, and her chilling screen presence left a lasting impact.
3. Baa – Anupamaa (Played by Alpana Buch)Cruelty Score: 8.5/10
Baa may look like a sweet grandmother, but don’t be fooled — her character is cunningly two-faced. She switches between concern and cruelty depending on her convenience. Despite all the sacrifices Anupama makes, Baa is quick to belittle, manipulate, and shame her. Her constant interference has made her one of the most irritating and toxic saas figures in recent times.
4. Nandini – Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2Cruelty Score: 9/10
Ram’s stepmother Nandini redefined cold-heartedness. She plotted to separate Ram and Priya, manipulated emotions, and even went as far as orchestrating deadly attacks for the sake of property. With her polished looks and poisoned heart, Nandini was the embodiment of a classy but dangerous villain.
5. Seema – Naagin 6 (Played by Sudha Chandran)Cruelty Score: 10/10
Seema wasn’t just a controlling mother-in-law; she was downright lethal. In Naagin 6, she made repeated attempts to kill her daughter-in-law and betrayed even her own son in pursuit of the Naagmani. Her ruthlessness and dark magic made her one of the most terrifying saas villains ever seen on screen.
Bonus: Ketaki – Yeh Hai ChahateinCruelty Score: 8/10
Whether it was destroying her son’s marriage or sabotaging her daughter-in-law's life, Ketaki didn’t hesitate to stoop low. With her twisted intentions and relentless plotting, she became a constant thorn in the lives of Prisha and Nayantara.
