Let’s toast to talent: Why viewers and actresses are spoilt for choice today

There are a few unspoken rules in Bollywood when it comes to a married actress’ shelf life. While there have been stars like Sharmila Tagore and Shabana Azmi, who not only continued to act after tying the knot but also did some of their best work during this phase, others couldn’t follow the same route. Filmmakers would often cite that as viewers weren’t keen to watch a married woman on screen, they wouldn’t sign them up as leading ladies.

Today, thanks to content-driven films, the audience is no longer quick to judge an actress’ calibre on the basis of her marital status. Cases in point are Rani Mukerji (Hichki), Vidya Balan (Tumhari Sulu), and Anushka Sharma (Pari), who have impressed critics and audiences alike with their powerful performances.

THE PROBLEM WITH BIG BREAKS

Often, actresses want a breather post their shaadi to concentrate on their family lives. When they are ready to make a comeback, the roles that they are offered are unlike anything which they would get earlier. As is the law of nature, a new crop has taken their place. For the men, however, a long break is out of the question. They continue to work through the various changes in their lives and act with girls who are almost half their age.

WINDS OF CHANGE

The actress, who made a huge difference to the scenario, was Kajol. She tied the knot with Ajay Devgn, when she was at the peak of her career. After marriage, she was seen in films made by some of the biggest banners like Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films with Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham and Fanaa, respectively.

Kareena Kapoor Khan followed Kajol’s lead. Post her marriage to Saif Ali Khan in 2012, she showed no signs of slowing down. Talaash released the same year. She acted in blockbusters like Singham Returns (2014) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) opposite superstars like Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan. Her last release was Ki & Ka (2016). Now post-motherhood, she has a pivotal role in Veerey Di Wedding. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan proved to be as much-in-demand after marriage as she was before it. After tying the knot with Abhishek Bachchan, she was seen in Jodhaa Akbar (2008), Sarkar Raj (2008), The Pink Panther 2 (2000), Raavan (2010), Action Replayy (2010) and Robot (2010). She took a long break from work when she had her daughter Aaradhya. She got back to work without missing a beat with Jazbaa (2015), which was followed by Sarbjit (2016). She was last seen as the temptress in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016). Rani Mukerji, too, was seen in Mardaani (2014) after her nuptials. Now, with Hichki she has made her mark yet again.

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Despite her comeback vehicle, Aaja Nachle (2007), failing to create ripples at the box office, Madhuri Dixit-Nene was a popular choice as a judge on reality dance shows. Besides acting in movies like Gulaab Gang (2014) and Dedh Ishqiya (2014), the actress, who launched her own app, has now turned producer and also signed another project with Karan Johar besides Total Dhamaal. Sridevi returned to the big screen after a 15-year break with English Vinglish (2013) and was later seen in Mom (2017). Had it not been for her untimely death, the actress surely would have been part of many noteworthy movies.

WOMEN ON TOP

Anushka, who settled down with Virat Kohli in December 2017, didn’t break her march at the cinemas. Says Girish Johar, film and trade business analyst, “Budget is an important factor for the producers. If it’s a well-made film within a certain budget and the target audience likes it, then it will be profitable.”

Kajol, who was last seen in VIP 2 (2017), has green-lit Eela, which is directed by Pradeep Sarkar. Ash’s future projects include Fanne Khan alongside Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao. Anushka will produce three projects soon, and Vidya has taken on the challenge of playing Indira Gandhi in her next. Girish adds, “Earlier, most films were commercial and few were written keeping the female protagonist in mind. Now, with the onslaught of multiplexes, the filmmakers’ mindsets have changed to a certain degree. Just because an actress is married, it doesn’t mean she is suddenly less talented. Ash, Kareena, Kajol and Rani are icons. Even Vidya and Anushka have proved their mettle at the box office.”

While 2017 was noted to be a great year for content-driven films, the last six months have cemented this belief. Tumhari Sulu not only garnered critical acclaim and awards, but also did good business. This year, Pari had a decent run at the box office. But the baton was truly taken ahead by Rani with Hickhi. The March 28 release, which showcased the challenges faced by a teacher affected by Tourette Syndrome, had an encouraging beginning.

Over its release weekend, it witnessed a massive leap that took it beyond the pole position. Speaking about this change, Tanuj Garg, Managing Partner, Ellipsis Entertainment (which produced Tumhari Sulu), says, “The unqualified reality is that nothing works better than good content. Several long-running myths have been busted by the success of content-led small and mid-sized films in recent years. The new-age audience is eagerly embracing well-told narratives regardless of perception-laden paraphernalia like banner and director. These don’t matter beyond a point. That is a welcome change in the industry, and good news for companies like us, which are dabbling with relatively untested genres, forms and stories.”

These talented ladies have proved that an actress doesn’t need to be single, or look like a supermodel, or be seen on the big screen constantly. Tanuj adds, “Vidya was the first and only choice for the film. There would be no Sulu without her. She spoils you with her discipline, sincerity and professionalism.”

Girish adds, “Despite releasing during examination time, Hichki did fantastic business. Talent is all that matters today. The audience is knowledgeable enough to gauge which is a good film to watch.”