Bollywood’s A-list Actresses Are Waiting For Roles
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, Vidya Balan, Katrina Kaif, Tabu, Shraddha Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Preity Zinta — these glamorous actresses have one surprising thing in common: They’re currently without film projects
According to a leading trade expert who wishes to remain anonymous, only a handful of top-tier actresses are actively working. “These include Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kiara Advani. The rest of the so-called A-listers are either on an enforced sabbatical or simply not being cast. The primary reason is that many major male stars prefer to be paired with much younger actresses to maintain the illusion of youth.”
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recalls an incident with Sanjay Dutt during the casting of their film Department. Varma suggested Raveena Tandon — a frequent co-star of Dutt’s in the past. Dutt reportedly dismissed the idea with a casual, “Get someone younger, yaar.”
In the case of powerhouses like Vidya Balan and Tabu, the issue runs deeper. Their acting prowess can be seen as a threat to male leads. Vidya’s last theatrical release as a leading lady was Do Aur Do Pyaar over a year ago, where she delivered a phenomenal performance as a woman navigating an extramarital affair. Despite critical acclaim, the film didn’t make waves at the box office — and Vidya now finds her schedule empty.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who continues to take on substantial roles, explains, “Both Vidya and Tabu are exceptional talents. They can’t be reduced to playing someone’s sister or aunt. It would be an insult to their capabilities.”
Taapsee Pannu believes the way through a dry spell is to create your own chances. “That’s why I turned producer — to back projects I believe in. I get plenty of offers, but most don’t excite me. I’m sure many actresses on pause feel the same.”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, praised for her Hindi debut in The Family Man 2, is still awaiting the right Bollywood project. Her Telugu production Shubam with newcomers flopped at the box office. Even icons aren’t immune to the industry’s fickleness — Rekha hasn’t led a film since Super Nani (2014). Filmmakers often label her “difficult,” shorthand for uncompromising. Sanjay Leela Bhansali reportedly considered her for Heeramandi before choosing Manisha Koirala. Rekha maintains she’s available. “It’s not me who is inaccessible — it’s the filmmakers who are hesitant.”
Manisha Koirala, meanwhile, acknowledges the shrinking opportunities. “I’ve worked with all the Khans — Shah Rukh in Dil Se, Aamir in Mann, Salman in Khamoshi. But they’ve moved on to younger heroines. I’m not interested in playing their mother, like Waheedaji did for Jeetendraji in Maqsad, even though they were contemporaries.”
Manisha Koirala acknowledges the shrinking opportunities. “I’ve worked with all the Khans — Shah Rukh in Dil Se, Aamir in Mann, Salman in Khamoshi. But they’ve moved on to younger heroines. I’m not interested in playing their mother, like Waheedaji did for Jeetendraji in Maqsad, even though they were contemporaries.”
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, whose Hindi debut in The Family Man Season 2 was widely praised, is still waiting for the right Bollywood project. In the meantime, she produced a Telugu film Shubam with newcomers, which unfortunately failed at the box office.
Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, explains, “Both Vidya and Tabu are exceptional talents. They can’t be reduced to playing someone’s sister or aunt. It would be an insult to their capabilities.”
