Acclaim doesn’t always translate into opportunity. There are many actresses still waiting for a good role, despite having proved their talent
It is highly unlikely that you remembered seeing Sapna Pabbi before Bobby Deol’s Bandar. The 37-year-old British-born actor and model won an appreciative nod for her portrayal of the complex Gayatri, a woman who accuses Bobby’s character of taking advantage of her without her consent. However, Anurag Kashyap’s dark take on the film industry is not Sapna’s first outing. She made her debut in Hindi films opposite Ali Fazal in Khamoshiyan, followed by stints in Tholi Prema (Telugu), Sardaarji 3 (Punjabi) and web series such as 24, Breathe and Inside Edge.
Another British model, Banita Sandhu, made her film debut in 2018 opposite Varun Dhawan in October. She was seen in the Tamil film Adithya Varma and Sardar Udham opposite Vicky Kaushal. Despite her talent, her outing in Indian films has been start-stop at best, with her famous co-stars overshadowing her presence. “I was very young and naive when I started. I was left to fend for myself. I have learnt a lot from my mistakes and more about the industry and how to navigate it, not so much as an actor but as a person. I have built resilience,” says Banita, who made headlines after she was cast in Bridgerton Season 2 and later became one of the most sought-after names on the fashion circuit, putting her film career more or less on the back burner.
Medha Shankar, who starred in the 2024 hit 12th Fail, has not been able to capitalise on the limelight unlike her co-star Vikrant Massey. Her last release Ginny Weds Sunny did nothing for her career or showcased her talent.
Commercial success matters
Film Writer Yasser Usman says “sustaining success depends on a much wider system. Unfortunately, in Bollywood, a strong performance in a critically appreciated film doesn’t always lead to mainstream momentum if the film doesn’t become a major commercial success (like Animal in Triptii’s case). October was widely praised, but it was a quiet, introspective film rather than a mass-market launchpad for Banita. The same goes for Bandar.”
If anyone has managed to navigate the system, it is Triptii Dimrii. But she too is not immune to its limitations. Her performance in the recent dark comedy Maa Bahen once again proved her flair for intense performances. Critics applauded her ability to showcase female rage like none other; but her recent outings in mainstream Bollywood barely display her talent. “There is also the issue of typecasting. Triptii has often been offered more sexualised roles after Animal, which can be quite limiting! Even after strong performances in films like Bulbbul and Qala (and now Maa Bahen), the massive commercial success of Animal has largely overshadowed her earlier, more nuanced work,” says Usman.
“When as an artiste you are given that freedom, you are open to experimenting. I think that really helped me a lot, because you’re not second-guessing yourself, you are being spontaneous and acting on instinct. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and there is scope for improvement. But the freedom to perform was liberating” says Triptii on Maa Bahen, as she shoots for Sandeep Vanga Reddy’s Spirit.
Striking the best balance
Film Critic Joginder Tuteja says navigating the film industry is a lot about strategy. “You need to have a mix of talent, glamour, right opportunities at the right time and quintessential commercial films to get more opportunities. You can do an offbeat and niche film or take the OTT route once in a while.”
Building up the case, he continues, “Pooja Hegde has not had a single hit post Housefull. But she has been doing films consistently because she is picking glamorous roles. She did Deva with Shahid Kapoor which was deglam, but that was a one-off! Mrunal Thakur did niche films but post that she has done films like Son of Sardar and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, because that was required for her to be relevant. Wamiqa Gabbi has been here for a decade; now that she has chosen the glam avatar and is doing commercial films, she is being noticed a lot more.”
Until Bollywood builds a system that nurtures talent beyond the big break, many of its most gifted lady actors will continue to shine briefly and then quietly disappear from the marquee!
