Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Actresses who made it big in Bollywood without having a filmy family background

From the past few years, there’s a debate going on that in Bollywood star kids get into movies easily and make it big in the industry because of their family name. It is true that a star kid might easily get his first film, however, we cannot ignore that the industry has supported talented actors and actresses as well.

Today, let’s look at the list of actresses who have made it big in Bollywood without having a filmy family background.


Vidya Balan

Not many would know that Vidya Balan started her career with the small screen in the TV serial Hum Paanch. She was then going to star in a Malayalam film with Mohanlal, but eventually, it was shelved. Vidya was then going to star in a couple of films down South but was replaced by other actresses. She then made her acting debut with a Bengali film titled Bhalo Theko and finally, she made her Bollywood debut with Pradeep Sarkar’s Parineeta. Today, Vidya is one of the most talented and credible actors of Bollywood.

Kangana Ranaut  

Do we have to say why we have Kangana in the list? With her first film, Gangster, Kangana proved her mettle as an actress and then went on to star in some other remarkable movies. She has won three National Awards and we won’t be surprised she wins more in the future. Kangana also made a successful directorial debut this year with the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi.

Katrina Kaif

A lot of people would feel that Katrina Kaif is a star because of Salman Khan. Maybe, the actor supported her initial in her career, but we cannot ignore the hard work Katrina has done to reach where she is right now. From an actress who couldn’t speak Hindi properly to an actress who is nowadays giving some fantastic performances.

Anushka Sharma

From being a model to an actress to a film producer, Anushka Sharma’s journey is surely inspiring. She made a confident debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and then there was no looking back for her. In her career spanning of more than a decade, Anushka has given some fantastic performances in movies like Band Baaja Baaraat, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, NH10, Sultan, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Pari, etc.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone entered the glamour industry as a calendar model. She then featured in many advertisements and a couple of music videos. It was in 2007 when she made her Bollywood debut with Om Shanti Om. Deepika has proved her mettle as an actress and just like Anushka, she will also be turning a producer with her upcoming film Chhapaak.

Taapsee Pannu

Taapsee Pannu made her Bollywood debut with Chashme Baddoor in 2013. Well, after that movie no one thought Taapsee will be seen in a Bollywood film again. But it was in 2015 when Taapsee made a mark with just an extended cameo in Baby and then there was no looking back. She went on to star in some amazing films like PINK, Naam Shabana, Mulk, Badla and more.

More For You

Riz Ahmed’s 'Hamlet' trailer drops murder suspicion into a South Asian business dynasty

Riz Ahmed’s Hamlet trailer exposes a South Asian family empire in crisis

Youtube Screengrabs/Universal Pictures UK

Riz Ahmed’s 'Hamlet' trailer drops murder suspicion into a South Asian business dynasty

Highlights:

  • Hamlet trailer lands with Riz Ahmed in the lead role
  • Film sets Shakespeare inside a wealthy British South Asian family
  • Directed by Aneil Karia and in cinemas 6 February 2025
  • Cast includes Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Sheeba Chadha and Art Malik

Riz Ahmed has entered Hamlet in a way British cinema has not quite seen. The new Hamlet trailer has been released by Universal, giving the first proper look at Aneil Karia’s modern take on Shakespeare and placing the story inside a British South Asian business empire. It is due in cinemas on 6 February, and the footage shows a tense, controlled Ahmed moving through grief, suspicion and family power.

The film teams Ahmed and Karia again after The Long Goodbye, which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short. That success informs this production. This is the first time a major UK studio release has grounded Hamlet within a South Asian household for a wide audience.

Keep ReadingShow less