Acting is not a cakewalk. While becoming a star may require some pre-requisites like social media following and a strong PR, cracking it as a credible artist is way more difficult.?These hardworking actors may star in innumerable shows and movies yet never receive the awards, recognition, or roles they deserve.?
These actors are the underrated ones, the ones who made us cry, brought laughter to our lips, and delivered remarkable performances by embracing their characters wholeheartedly.?
Here's a closer look at female actors who deserve better screentime, bigger roles, and more love from the Hindi Film Industry.??
Notable Roles: Thappad, Sonu, Unpaused
In 2018, Geetika made her debut with Soni, but it took some years for Netflix to acquire the rights and stream it. In Soni, she played a police officer combating crimes against women in Delhi. She gained popularity in mainstream Bollywood and turned heads in Thappad (2020). Even with a screentime way less than what Taapsee got, Geetika left a memorable impression in the audience's mind.She also won a Critics' Choice Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Soni.
Notable Roles: Qissa, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, Lust Stories, Hamid, Manto, Lootcase?
Rasika Dugal needs no introduction. When she made her debut with a fleeting appearance in Anwar in 2007, no one had a clue what she was bringing to the table. However, after minor roles in movies,?she starred in the critically acclaimed film?Qissa?in the role of Neeli in 2015. The graph has only been uphill for Dugal. With performances in movies like Tu Mera Sunday, Manto, Lootcase, and Hamid, filmmakers realized the kind of potential she has. But can we please see her leading a film??
Notable Roles: Hunter, Love Sonia, Mimi
An established face in the Marathi movie industry, Sai played Kriti Sanon's best friend in Mimi. Even in a brief role, Sai's portrayal of Shama won hearts. If you want to get a masterclass in acting from Sai, watch Hunterr. If we can see star kids with several flops getting back-to-back chances, why not Sai, a refined artist.?
Notable Roles: Ek Chaalis Ki Last Local, Kedarnath, Stree, Bala, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Gullak
Sunita Rajwar is a powerhouse of talent. Another NSD alumni who have made every performance memorable and proved she has only gotten more refined with age. Be it Gullak or Bala, Rajwar is an actor who deserves way better in Bollywood.?
Notable Roles: Selection Day, Gullak, Photograph, Taj Mahal 1989, Aarya (Season 2), Unpaused
Kulkarni needs to introduction. Thanks to web shows and a wave of opportunities gave actors like Geetanjali to reinvent and present themselves to the world. From Gullak to Aarya, she has mastered every role offered to her, proving she is here to stay.??
Notable Roles: Rock On!!, Firaaq, Heroine, Tu Hai Mera Sunday, The Last Hour, Bombay Begums?
Shahana Goswami is also a popular name in the theatre circuit. After giving memorable performances in movies like?Rock On!!, Ra. One, Heroine, Break Ke Baad, is gearing up for a bigger challenge as she will share the screen space with Comedy King Kapil Sharma in Nandita Das' next. It couldn't have gone better, isn't it??
Notable Roles: Monsoon Shootout, Liar's Dice, Trapped, Sacred Games
Geetanjali won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Liar's Dice, but that in no way made her Bollywood journey easier. Surviving a few roadblocks and stumbling a bit, Thapa made it big after starting?her career from modeling. She made her debut in 2010 with the film 'Tina Ki Chaabi.' It was her performance in her second film, I.D. that won her many accolades, including the Best Actress awards at Los Angeles Film Festival and the Madrid Film Festival.?
Notable Roles: Zubeidaa, Gadar, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Monsoon Wedding, The Lunchbox
Classy, divine, and an artist who knows how to paint the screen with the right kind of emotions. Be it a cameo in Baghban as Amitabh's helpful friend or Sweetu's sister in Kal Ho Na Ho, Dubey is an actor par excellence. While she has done countless memorable roles, we still wish she had received opportunities that would match the kind of potential! Well, here's us, hoping we see more of Lillete.?
Notable Roles: Margarita With A Straw, Parched, Fan, Baar Baar Dekho, Jolly LLB 2, Jagga Jasoos, Article 15, Axome, Pagglait
Article 15 is just one of the many spectacular performances that Sayani has delivered. She has proved that she is someone who always understood the assignment. We wish Bollywood tapped her potential and gave her opportunities where we could get a chance to see what wonders she could do.?
Notable Roles: Delhi-6, Rockstar, Wazir, Padmaavat, Ajeeb Daastaans
With 'Geeli Puchchi,' Aditi Rao Hydari proved she is much more than a pretty face. Aditi has played supporting roles in movies like Padmavat and Rockstar, but her true potential remains untapped. She has always made an honest attempt to take the challenges that came her way, proving she's ready for more considerable challenges and, of course, better roles!?
Notable Roles: Permanent Roommates, Pitchers, Apaharan, Zindagi In Short, MOM (Mission of Mars), Brij Mohan Amar Rahe
Nidhi Singh became the web's favorite girl next door after her web series 'Permanent Roommates'. Her performances have always been so believable and intriguing that she managed to add life to every character she has ever played. Be it Apharan or Brij Mohan Amar Rahe. How wonderful it would be for us to see Nidhi get a substantial tole in a mainstream Hindi film.?
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