Your Favourite 90's Actors Are Coming Back!

It seems to be the comeback season for female actors on the big screen, who started their Bollywood journey in the late ’80s and ’90s. While actor Sridevi will be seen in a film titled MOM, where she plays the protagonist, actor Tabu has finished shooting for Rohit Shetty’s comedy Golmaal 4, that will release around Diwali this year.

Meanwhile, Raveena Tandon, who played a pivotal role in her last film Maatr, will be next seen in a film named Shab. After playing a lead role in Dear Maya, actor Manisha Koirala is now busy with the biopic on actor Sanjay Dutt starring actor Ranbir Kapoor. Manisha will reprise Dutt’s mother actor Nargis’ character.

Filmmaker Sunaina Bhatnagar, who directed Manisha in Dear Maya, feels that this is good time for female actors to dominate the screen, once again. “They are known for their films and the powerful performances they had delivered in the past. So, audiences do look forward to see them on screen again. Also, what’s important is the kind of roles they are offered now. Going by their age, earlier only roles of mother were offered to them but now they are also getting character driven parts,” she says.

Agreeing with Sunaina, actor Raveena Tandon says, “It’s a good time for women in Indian cinema. Unlike earlier times, women are getting equal opportunities like their male counterparts,” says Raveena, adding that, “I want to play characters that suit my age and personality.”

Film critic Komal Nahta opines that there is no doubt that the audience has a soft corner for actors who were popular a decade ago but the success of a film depends on the content and promotions. “There is obviously a level of interest for such actors given their popularity, but that doesn’t help the film to be successful. The content is kind. Also, how it is being promoted makes a lot of difference. So, films such as Manisha Koirala’s Dear Maya or Madhuri Dixit’s Dedh Ishqiya and Aaja Nachle didn’t do well. But Sridevi’s Mom may score well given the buzz created around the film,” he says.

Reportedly, Preity Zinta’s Bhaiyyaji Superhitt starring Sunny Deol might release towards end of the year. Even Juhi Chawla is in talks for her next Hindi film.

Filmmaker Onir, who had worked with both Juhi and Raveena, shares that Bollywood is a male dominated industry that often ignores potential for female actors. “I don’t understand why can’t they get equal importance like the heroes? Why won’t people be interested in seeing their work? I personally don’t like the attitude. They are good actors and can do anything. Also, a good film appeals to everyone irrespective of who all are part of it,” says Onir.

Sunaina, who is working on the script of her next, adds that given the opportunities these actors are getting now, it might open great avenues for them in coming times. “I guess filmmakers are keen on working with these actors because of their stature and screen presence. But box office success is [also] important. And I think, acceptance from mainstream audience is yet to reach the required mark,” she adds.