Last updated on March 11th, 2025 at 10:41 am
Fatima Sana Shaikh is no stranger to the spotlight, but recently, she opened up about a subject that often gets overlooked in the film industry. The actress discussed why female actors, including herself, don’t get as many opportunities to work with the same directors over and over again. Her thoughts shed light on the industry’s tough reality when it comes to casting and the money-making aspect of films.
Speaking to reporters, Fatima, who is currently working on a new love story with actor R Madhavan titled Aap Jaisa Koi, explained why it’s common for male actors to be cast repeatedly in Bollywood films. She said the main reason behind this is simple: money. Male stars like Shah Rukh Khan have a massive fan following. This guarantees a larger audience for the film, which in turn helps to bring in more money. Directors, in her view, often think about these financial factors when they choose who to cast.
Fatima pointed out that there are only a handful of female actors who are considered “bankable” by the industry. She mentioned names like Kangana Ranaut, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, but she made it clear that these actresses are few and far between. She noted that if more female actors could bring in the same level of audience or revenue, they would likely get repeated by directors just as much as their male counterparts. But, as it stands, the numbers just don’t match up.
As for her own career, Fatima shared her excitement about working with R Madhavan in Aap Jaisa Koi. She admitted that she has been a huge fan of Madhavan for years, even confessing that she has a major crush on him. Fatima described how Madhavan is not only incredibly talented but also very down-to-earth. She spoke about how he brings new gadgets to the set, excitedly sharing them with everyone. “He is such a child,” Fatima laughed, praising his enthusiasm and respectful attitude.
In addition to her film with Madhavan, Fatima has also wrapped up work on Metro… In Dino, a film directed by Anurag Basu. This project marks her second collaboration with Basu after Ludo, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. “I have told Anurag Basu that whichever film you make, give me the smallest role, and I will do it,” Fatima joked. She also expressed her understanding of the delays in the film’s production, explaining that sometimes, things take time in order to make a good movie. She also acknowledged that managing an ensemble cast with different schedules is no easy feat.
Fatima’s comments on the gender divide in Bollywood highlight a broader issue in the industry: women are still fighting for the same level of recognition and opportunities as their male peers. Directors tend to cast the same male actors in multiple films because they know these stars will draw large crowds. As Fatima said, female actors don’t always get the same chances, and their appeal isn’t always seen as profitable in the same way.
Her words reflect an industry that still has a long way to go in terms of equal opportunities for female talent. But Fatima remains hopeful and optimistic, continuing to challenge norms and prove her worth with each role she takes on. Let’s hope her message inspires change in the future, leading to more female actors being given the chance to shine again and again.
