Veteran actor Bhagyashree, who rose to fame opposite Salman Khan in Maine Pyaar Kiya, recently reflected on the evolution of Hindi cinema. In an interview with Variety India, she shared her views on changing storytelling trends, particularly the portrayal of intimacy in contemporary films.
“Cinema Reflects Society”
Speaking about what she appreciates and questions in today’s filmmaking landscape, Bhagyashree noted that cinema mirrors social shifts.
“In the 90s, films were the primary source of family entertainment. Going to the theatre was a collective outing,” she explained. She added that today’s audiences are more segmented, with nuclear families and multiple digital platforms offering varied content choices.
According to her, the diversification of genres — from mainstream to indie and art-house cinema — has made it challenging to cater to every demographic simultaneously.
On Intimacy and Realism
While acknowledging that realism has become a dominant trend in modern storytelling, Bhagyashree expressed discomfort with certain portrayals.
“I genuinely feel that while realism is the new market, it is not necessary to show intimacy that makes you squirm while sitting with your parents or children. Stories can be bold, diverse and interesting without being defiant towards society,” she said.
Her remarks highlight an ongoing debate in the industry — whether visual explicitness is essential for authenticity, or whether emotional depth alone can convey complexity.
Changing Roles for Women
Bhagyashree also reflected on how women’s roles have evolved since the 1990s. She observed that earlier narratives were often driven by patriarchal perspectives, limiting opportunities for married actresses to continue their careers.
She pointed out that society’s perception of working women has gradually transformed, especially as education and professional aspirations among women have grown. She also acknowledged the role of supportive partners in encouraging women to pursue careers after marriage.
Bhagyashree’s Career Journey
After her debut in Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989), Bhagyashree became an overnight sensation. She later appeared in films such as Paayal, Ghar Aaya Mera Pardesi, and Omkaram before stepping away from mainstream cinema to focus on her personal life.
She returned to films with Maa Santoshi Maa and later featured in projects including Thalaivii, Radhe Shyam, and Chatrapathi. In 2023, she earned praise for her negative role in Sajini Shinde Ka Viral Video.
What’s Next
Bhagyashree is set to appear in Raja Shivaji, directed by and starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role. The film also features Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, Mahesh Manjrekar, Sachin Khedekar, Fardeen Khan, Jitendra Joshi, Amole Gupte, and Genelia Deshmukh in key roles.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on May 1.
