“But where are the credible actresses?”
That’s the core discussion point in Bollywood corridors when it comes to green lighting films with strong female characters.
Remember the time when a number of female centric films were being made? Bipasha Basu had the Raaz franchise and then several other horror/supernatural films to her name. Vidya Balan had The Dirty Picture as her true calling card. Kareena Kapoor did Heroine with excellence. Priyanka Kapoor was the ultimate Fashion diva. And then there was Kangana Ranaut who was the forever Queen. Think more radically and there was even Sunny Leone for a while with Jism 2 and Ragini MMS 2.
These are the immediate names that come to mind. I am sure there were few more who in their own way were making a huge impression while carrying a film. It wasn’t just about a leading lady being the central protagonist. There were so many more who were equal partners with their leading men in major films. Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma – They all worked with the top superstars like Khans and Akshay Kumar and made sure that they were seen and heard and recognised and appreciated.
However the scene is so bleak today as many of these leading ladies have either retired completely or are in semi-retirement phase or just being way too selective. Barring Kangana Ranaut, everyone is married, and many of them have kids. They have taken over familial responsibilities and are doing films far and few. Of course, their talent and their presence is missed.
In this scenario, only a few credible names are in circulation, be it for female centric roles or even quintessential hero-heroine affairs. Rani Mukerji is still carrying forward Mardaani franchise: Shraddha Kapoor is doing good but is seen far and few in Stree franchise. Alia Bhatt is of course the darling of all filmmakers and one expects more bravura performances from her after Gangubai Kathiawadi. Kriti Sanon showed what she is made of after Mimi and now she should be signing bright in Tere Ishq Mein after Do Patti. Yami Gautam is of course the most prolific of them all and recently she impressed again in Haq which has unfortunately not done well in theatres. Rakul Preet Singh is making her presence felt with De De Pyaar De 2. Nushrat Bharucha is best experienced in a Luv Ranjan production. Ananya Panday is rising up the ladder and will hopefully impress in Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.
However this is where the search is ending for Bollywood heroines. There are not even 10 major sellable names that one can count on the fingertips. What’s required is new talent to bloom and shine. Aneet Padda has made a good first impression but still these are early days. A few others (Tara Sutaria, Alaya, Manushi Chillar) have come but are yet to make a mark.
What remains to be seen is whether 2026 gives rise to a new breed of leading ladies and whether Bollywood films will become richer and better with their entry into the fold.
Fingers crossed.
