Hansal Mehta Calls for Stronger Roles for Women in Bollywood, Praises Triptii Dimri, Sharvari Wagh & Pratibha

Hansal Mehta has once again spoken about the need for fresh and bold casting choices in Bollywood. This time, the filmmaker focused on female actors who deserve more recognition. In a detailed post, he listed names of actresses who have impressed with their performances but are yet to receive the attention they truly deserve.

Hansal started his post by highlighting how women in Hindi cinema often don’t get enough credit or meaningful roles. He emphasized that his list is not about box office numbers or social media fame but about talent, presence, and the ability to break stereotypes. He also addressed the criticism he received when he spoke about emerging male actors earlier, saying that the discussion should always be about talent, regardless of gender.

Among the actresses mentioned, Triptii Dimri stood out. Hansal called her ‘compelling’ on screen and noted how she could even make her male co-stars feel insecure. Triptii, who gained fame with Bulbbul and Qala, proved her versatility with Animal. Hansal believes that she has the potential to be as impactful as Kangana Ranaut was in her early days. He hopes she gets the right opportunities and directors who don’t just rely on big male stars.

Sharvari Wagh was another name on Hansal’s list. While she hasn’t done many films, her strong presence in Munjya, Maharaj and her spark in earlier projects make her a star in the making alongside with Alia Bhatt in Alpha. Medha Shankar’s performance in 12th Fail also caught his attention. Despite the film focusing on a male protagonist, she held her ground with a performance that was natural and full of strength.

Pratibha Ranta, who impressed audiences in Laapataa Ladies, also made it to Hansal’s list. He praised her ability to convey emotions with minimal dialogue and hoped she would get more challenging roles. Similarly, Ananya Panday was recognized for her evolution as an actor. Hansal noted that with films like Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTRL, she has started shedding the ‘star kid’ image and is choosing more meaningful roles.

Preeti Panigrahi, who shined in Girls Will Be Girls, was praised for her raw and natural performance. Hansal pointed out that she has an ease on screen that makes her stand out. Lastly, Kani Kusruti was appreciated for her intelligence and depth in roles that challenge the norms of mainstream Bollywood. Hansal stated that if Hindi cinema wants to evolve, actors like her should be leading the change.

Beyond individual talent, Hansal also raised concerns about the lack of strong, female-driven stories. While Bollywood has had powerful actresses like Tabu, Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Konkona Sen Sharma, they still don’t get as many challenging scripts as their male counterparts. Even on OTT platforms, talented actresses like Shefali Shah, Karishma Tanna, and Shreya Dhanwanthary continue to wait for career-defining roles.

Hansal ended his post by urging filmmakers and audiences to support female-led stories. He made it clear that his intention was not just to create a list but to start a conversation about recognizing and celebrating female talent in Bollywood.