Director Hansal Mehta has continued to post his thoughts on X (@mehtahansal) about the fact that the Hindi film industry as a whole needs a reset. This time, he focuses on the actresses in the industry who stand out. He also brings forth the change he feels needs to be made for there to be more challenging and intriguing, full-of-depth roles for actresses. As he said, this is not a list (he hates lists). It is his thoughts on who should be celebrated. As he writes, “It’s about recognizing talent and demanding better.”
“Cinema Needs a Reset – Women Leading the Change
When I wrote my previous post (you can read it here) about emerging male actors, my intention was simple—to illustrate the need for bolder casting choices in Hindi cinema. But, as always, hyperactive voices found a different narrative to latch onto: “Where are the female actors?” That wasn’t the point. The conversation I wanted to start was about talent, investment, and faith in actors who bring depth to the screen—regardless of gender.
But I hear you. And I agree. Women in Hindi cinema deserve more recognition—and, more importantly, better roles. So, here’s a list. Not exhaustive, not definitive, but a small selection of female actors who, in recent years, have stood out through their work. This isn’t about box office numbers, social media engagement, or PR-driven stardom. This is about craft, presence, and the ability to break through a system that still prioritizes glamour over substance.
A disclaimer before the list: There will be omissions. There will be errors. This is just a starting point.
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Triptii Dimri
From an indie favorite to a mainstream sensation—Triptii Dimri has done it on her own terms. Bulbbul and Qala proved that she has the presence and gravitas to carry a film, while Animal showed that she can hold her own in a testosterone-fueled blockbuster. She has the potential to break out the way Kangana Ranaut did in her early films—an actor so compelling that she unsettles insecure male stars. What she needs now is opportunity and filmmakers who stand by her without succumbing to their male star dependence.
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Sharvari Wagh
Sharvari may not yet have the filmography of some of her contemporaries, but what she does have is effortless screen presence—a quality that can’t be manufactured. Whether it’s the quiet intensity she brought to Maharaj or the spark she showed in her debut, she feels like a big star in the making. Of course, the choices she makes from here will decide that.
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Medha Shankar
One of the most natural, lived-in performances of the year came from Medha Shankar in 12th Fail. In a film dominated by a male protagonist, she held her ground with a performance full of generosity, warmth, quiet strength, and resilience. I’m looking forward to what she does next.
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Pratibha Ranta
It takes immense skill to command the screen with minimal dialogue, and Pratibha Ranta did just that in Laapataa Ladies. Her performance was all about restraint, about what was left unsaid. She made audiences root for her character’s journey—not through dramatic monologues, but through presence. She deserves many more opportunities. She has the potential to be one of our most exciting actors, but will the industry let her be?
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Ananya Panday
Ananya Panday is evolving. With Kho Gaye Hum Kahaan and CTRL, she proved that she can shed the artifice and bring something honest to the screen. She has the tools to transition from a mainstream star to an actor of depth—if she is given the right scripts, and if she isn’t swallowed by the trappings of the world she’s grown up in. She is at a crossroads, and I hope she chooses risk over comfort.
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Preeti Panigrahi
With Girls Will Be Girls, Preeti Panigrahi proved that her talent goes beyond the conventional “glamour launch”. Her performance was raw, unaffected, and supremely charming. She brings an ease to the screen that makes you forget you’re watching an actor—a rare quality and one to watch.
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Kani Kusruti
Kani Kusruti isn’t a conventional Bollywood star—and that’s exactly why she’s so important. She thrives in roles that demand depth and intelligence, working in films that push boundaries rather than conform to them. If Hindi cinema wants to evolve, actors like her need to be at the forefront.
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The Larger Problem: Where Are the Female-Driven Stories?
While these women have delivered standout performances, the bigger issue remains—where are the stories that put women at the center? Even when women do get lead roles, the industry still questions their “box-office viability.” It’s outdated, lazy, and frankly insulting to an audience that has repeatedly shown up for well-made female-led films.
Some of the finest actors of our time—Tabu, Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji, Konkona Sen Sharma—continue to deliver performances that are nothing short of exceptional. Yet, they don’t get nearly as many compelling scripts as their male peers. Their filmographies should be overflowing with rich, complex characters, but instead, they are often called upon only when a film needs a strong female lead—while their male counterparts have entire narratives built around them.
On OTT, we have a handful of outliers—Shreya Dhanwanthary, Karishma Tanna, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Rajshri Deshpande, Tillotama Shome, Shefali Shah and many more—actors who have proved their mettle time and again, yet still find themselves waiting for that one breakout opportunity while their male counterparts, rightfully and deservingly, remain unstoppable. These women don’t need just one defining moment; they need a body of work that allows them to showcase their range, to push boundaries, and to truly own their space.
This has to change. And it’s on audiences, platforms, writers, and directors to drive this shift.
Again, my intention was never to make a “list.” I hate lists. But here we are, talking about just some of the incredible female talent we have today. The hope is that they—and so many others—finally get the kind of roles that don’t just acknowledge their talent but celebrate it.
Because Hindi cinema doesn’t just need new stars. It needs a new way of looking at women on screen.
Apologies in advance for any omissions or errors. This isn’t about a definitive list. It’s about recognizing talent and demanding better.
– HM”
Watch this space for more from the director on directors in Take Three.
