Quest for the next all-India female superstar?

Time of India

9 hours ago

Dhiraj Kumar is an author, writer and corporate professional based out of Mumbai. He writes articles on politics, entertainment, current affairs, climate change, science, technology, business, governance and economy. LESS ... MORE
Towards the end of the 1980s, Sridevi had transformed into India's first female superstar, dominating Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi film industries simultaneously with an iron hand- a milestone unmatched by any actor, regardless of gender, up to that point [still unbroken]. On her sixty-second birth anniversary, it is worth examining the possibilities of the emergence of the next all-India female superstar on the Indian cinema landscape.
Indian cinema, in its multifaceted glory stretching from Hindi cinema to regional industries, is witnessing a seismic shift. A new generation of female stars is emerging—market not just by charisma but by substance, adaptability, and authenticity. What is fuelling this next wave of stardom? Let us explore the trends shaping the future leading lady of Indian screens.
Audiences today are no longer content with one-dimensional characters. They want complexity—heroines who command attention through depth, moral nuance, and relatability. This dramatic shift in audience preference has led filmmakers to craft roles that are layered and impactful. As a result, women in cinema enjoy opportunities to portray characters with emotional range, agency, and compelling arcs. Critics and industry watchers increasingly celebrate actresses for their dramatic versatility—whether in comedic, thriller, period, or transformative genre films. This trend suggests that the next female superstar will likely be someone who can transition seamlessly across multiple cinematic styles and stories.
The boundaries between language barriers in Indian cinema are dissolving. Stars from regional industries—Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and beyond—are gaining pan-India recognition. The next female icon could very well draw strength from regional roots while captivating national (and even international) audiences. Though Aishwarya Rai, Deepika Padukone, Nayanthara, Vidya Balan, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, Mrunal Thakur have courageously attempted to foray outside their comfort zones [or languages] and been successful however neither have been consistent with hits or can carry a film on their shoulders alone [sans the hero] and guarantee box office returns in another language. A pan-India heroine who can lead the industry box office numbers in multiple languages on her personal star power, charisma, or acting talent is not looming on the horizon.
This cross-pollination has opened avenues for actresses to shine in multiple industries, acting in diverse linguistic and cultural contexts. Their expanding reach underscores an industry-wide gravitation toward inclusivity and a more expansive understanding of what 'star power' can mean—in past eras, lineage or background often paved the path into the limelight. Today, while star families continue to contribute talent, the industry is equally—and sometimes more—influenced by newcomers who rise through auditions, independent projects, or digital platforms.
Those with theatre backgrounds, modelling experience, or a strong digital presence are now commanding attention with sheer talent and screen presence. The next superstar may be someone with no cinematic pedigree but a remarkable ability to capture hearts through compelling performances across platforms. Streaming platforms and web series have risen to prominence, offering lesser-known actresses a space to experiment with roles and connect directly with audiences. The flexibility of these media allows performers to demonstrate range in shorter, high-impact projects before potentially breaking into mainstream cinema. Actresses gaining traction online are often seen as bold, innovative, and unafraid to explore fresh narratives, making them prime contenders for future cinematic stardom. Audiences today admire authenticity. Actresses who choose projects aligned with their values, or who use their platforms to advocate for deeper social narratives, are seen as more than entertainers—they become cultural influencers.
Moreover, the ability to navigate genres—from intense dramas to light-hearted rom-coms, socio-political stories to fantasy—is increasingly regarded as a hallmark of a rising star. Those who balance commercial appeal with artistic integrity are positioned to emerge as the next big names. Representation matters, and Indian cinema is beginning to embody that truth. Female characters are evolving from supporting roles to central figures who drive narratives and shape stories. This transformation is changing how actresses are perceived and celebrated.
An empowered female figure on screen—who brings vulnerability, strength, humour, and depth—is precisely the kind of icon today's audiences want to rally behind.
When asking, who will be the next female superstar of Indian cinema? —the answer lies not in specific names, but in a confluence of modern industry dynamics; Versatility in genre and medium; a wide cultural reach, bridging regional and national audiences; Digital-first visibility and bold storytelling; Authenticity and strong identity, made manifest through choice of roles; The ability to resonate with contemporary audiences, aligned with societal shifts This new star may emerge from non-traditional pathways, backed by raw talent and compelling presence. She may command a role in an indie film one moment, headline a pan-India blockbuster the next, and spark conversations through social causes and online engagement.
Indian cinema is ripe with potential, and female talent is at its forefront. As narratives broaden and platforms diversify, the conditions are perfect for the next female superstar to take centre stage—not by pedigree alone, but through charisma, adaptability, and the power to redefine what it means to be a leading lady. While southern heartthrob Sai Pallavi ups her stature with Ramayana I and II lined up for release until 2027 in Hindi; upcoming sensation Tripti Dimri is cast in Sprit in Telugu; Priyanka Chopra has signed a prominent film in Telugu; Sridevi's daughter Janhvi Kapoor who has delivered a success in Telugu with Devara, has several films lined up in Hindi, Telugu and potentially Tamil, with no dates to spare for a substantial period; the quest for the next all-India female superstar is wide open.
In this evolving landscape, the real story isn't just who will become the next all-India female superstar—it is how the industry's transformation is making that possibility more exciting and inclusive than ever before.
Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author's own.