In an era where streaming platforms and fresh storytelling are expanding boundaries, young actresses like Samantha Ruth Prabhu are embracing complex, mature roles that reflect real-life women in all their strength and complexity. Samantha, who plays a mother in the upcoming Hindi web series Citadel: Honey Bunny, is the latest star to step into a character that goes beyond traditional glam-centric roles. This trend of actresses taking on mature roles is fast becoming a defining moment in Indian entertainment.
At a recent event, Samantha shared her thoughts on the responsibility she feels as an actor. “I feel very responsible while picking roles, and I feel it needs to have a fair representation of women in society today,” she said. “There is a false representation of women in films, as they’re often defined by male characters and relationships rather than by their own journeys. I’ve made a conscious decision to pick roles that represent women authentically, just as I choose brands that align with this vision.”
Other actresses have also shown a willingness to take on roles that reflect the complex experiences of women. Tamannaah Bhatia recently portrayed a mother of two in Baak, while Anushka Shetty played a mother-to-be in Miss Shetty, Mr. Polishetty. Director Hemanth Madhukar lauds this new direction, pointing out that even stars known for glam roles, like Tamannaah, are drawn to these parts if they offer well-rounded characters. Similarly, Anushka’s portrayal in Miss Shetty, Mr. Polishetty showcased her talent in a deeply relatable role.
More actresses are breaking traditional stereotypes by stepping into mature roles, and Priyamani exemplifies this with her role as a mother in The Family Man series, proving that such roles can coexist with a variety of projects. “My role as a mother in Family Man was well-etched, and I enjoyed playing it,” Priyamani shared, adding, “That doesn’t mean I’ll be focusing solely on these roles—I’ll choose roles that enhance my learning curve.”
Veteran producer Lagadapati Sridhar notes the change, explaining how OTT has opened doors to nuanced characters. He acknowledges that while some actresses may still avoid these roles to maintain a “glam image,” OTT platforms are breaking down such perceptions and stereotypes.
With talented stars like Samantha, Tamannaah, and Anushka leading the charge, and actresses like Shruti Haasan, Keerthy Suresh, and Meenakshi Chaudhury bringing fresh perspectives, audiences are witnessing a shift toward portraying strong, real, and diverse women. It’s a refreshing evolution in storytelling, and viewers can expect more authentic characters that resonate with real-life experiences.
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