The landscape of Bollywood is witnessing a refreshing shift, with a new wave of actresses stepping into the spotlight and breathing fresh air into the romantic film genre. These new-age actresses are not only talented but also possess a unique charm and ability to connect with audiences, signaling a possible resurgence of feel-good love stories on the big screen.
One such actress making waves is Aneet Padda, who gained recognition for her role in Mohit Suri's romantic drama Saiyaara. Born in Amritsar, Punjab, in October 2002, Padda began her journey in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting. She made her debut with a small role in the drama Salaam Venky (2022), where she shared screen space with Kajol. Later, she starred in the Amazon Prime Video series Big Girls Don't Cry (2024), where her performance was positively received. Saiyaara (2025) marked Padda's breakthrough as a lead actress, earning her wider recognition and establishing her as a promising talent in Bollywood.
Another actress contributing to the revival of romantic films is Medha Shankr, who rose to prominence with her role in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 12th Fail. Shankr's journey to recognition spanned six years, during which she faced her share of challenges. Before 12th Fail, she debuted in the British series Beecham House (2019). According to Shankr, landing a role in 12th Fail felt like someone finally recognized her potential. She believes that the success of 12th Fail lies in its quality content, storytelling, and acting. In the film, she played the love interest of Manoj Kumar Sharma, portrayed by Vikrant Massey. Her performance resonated with audiences, who appreciated her portrayal of a supportive character with her own ambitions.
These actresses are not only bringing back the charm of romantic films but are also redefining the roles of women in Bollywood. They are portraying characters with depth, complexity, and agency, moving away from stereotypical portrayals of women in love stories. In 12th Fail, Medha Shankr's character is shown as supportive, battling her own emotions and having her own ambitions. Aneet Padda, in Saiyaara, is expected to deliver a heartfelt performance in what promises to be a quintessential love story.
The audience's preferences are also evolving, with a greater emphasis on quality content, storytelling, and acting. Medha Shankr believes that times have changed, and the audience now prioritizes these aspects over star power. This shift in audience preferences has paved the way for new-age actresses to shine, as they bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to delivering compelling performances.
Several other actresses are also contributing to the resurgence of romance in Bollywood. Triptii Dimri, with Dhadak 2, is exploring themes of love, identity, and casteism. Pooja Hegde, in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, is expected to bring a combination of romance, mischief, and emotions. Janhvi Kapoor is set to bring her charm and playful presence to the screens with Param Sundari. Ananya Panday is poised to deliver a refreshing rom-com with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri.
These actresses are not only talented and versatile but also relatable to the modern audience. They understand the nuances of contemporary relationships and are able to portray them authentically on screen. Their performances resonate with viewers, who see themselves reflected in the characters they play.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, these new-age actresses are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of romantic films. With their talent, charm, and ability to connect with audiences, they are bringing back the magic of love stories to the big screen and captivating hearts once again.
