Bollywood A-list stars losing their shine
370)this.width=370">Showbiz is a crueller industry than most, and Bollywood flips fortunes every Friday. Here's a look at ten A-list stars who aren't quite as shiny anymore:
Rani Mukherji
The onetime queen of the industry has faded into complete mediocrity over the last few years, with ill-chosen films acting as major deterrents in what should be an inevitable comeback.
Her last four starring roles are turkeys like Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Dil Bole Hadippa. Her last hit was in 2006, with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Talk about a bad patch.
Sushmita Sen
370)this.width=370">Bipasha Basu
370)this.width=370">Out of sight is out of mind, and despite Bipasha finding 2008 success in Race and a 2009 hit in All The Best, both films were multistarrers and she didn't get enough of a spotlight.
Films like Pankh and Aa Dekhen Zara, where she starred solo, were completely ignored by audiences and the actress seems more of a sportswear model than a full-time heroine.
She needs big films, and fast, else she's in danger of being forgotten.
Govinda
370)this.width=370">He was Bollywood's most consistent star of the 90s, but Chi-Chi just can't seem to get his act together now.
Partner was a hit back in 2007, but ever since that Hitch remake, the actor's been seen in films like Money Hai To Honey Hai, Life Partner and Do Knot Disturb. A couple of big comedies would really help his case right about now.
Preity Zinta
370)this.width=370">Have the dimples ceased to be magical? Rani's last good year was 2006, when she had films like Krrish and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
Since then, she's seen big flops like Jaan-E-Mann and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and lesser seen art projects like The Last Lear and Heaven On Earth.
Right now, she needs a massive hit if she wants to come across as more than an enthused cricket watcher.
Abhishek Bachchan
370)this.width=370">Showbiz is a crueller industry than most, and Bollywood flips fortunes every Friday. Here's a look at ten A-list stars who aren't quite as shiny anymore:
Rani Mukherji
The onetime queen of the industry has faded into complete mediocrity over the last few years, with ill-chosen films acting as major deterrents in what should be an inevitable comeback.
Her last four starring roles are turkeys like Ta Ra Rum Pum, Laaga Chunari Mein Daag, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Dil Bole Hadippa. Her last hit was in 2006, with Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. Talk about a bad patch.
Image: Rani Mukherji
370)this.width=370">Image: Sushmita Sen
370)this.width=370">Out of sight is out of mind, and despite Bipasha finding 2008 success in Race and a 2009 hit in All The Best, both films were multistarrers and she didn't get enough of a spotlight.
Films like Pankh and Aa Dekhen Zara, where she starred solo, were completely ignored by audiences and the actress seems more of a sportswear model than a full-time heroine.
She needs big films, and fast, else she's in danger of being forgotten.
Image: Bipasha Basu
370)this.width=370">He was Bollywood's most consistent star of the 90s, but Chi-Chi just can't seem to get his act together now.
Partner was a hit back in 2007, but ever since that Hitch remake, the actor's been seen in films like Money Hai To Honey Hai, Life Partner and Do Knot Disturb. A couple of big comedies would really help his case right about now.
Image: Govinda
370)this.width=370">Have the dimples ceased to be magical? Rani's last good year was 2006, when she had films like Krrish and Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna.
Since then, she's seen big flops like Jaan-E-Mann and Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, and lesser seen art projects like The Last Lear and Heaven On Earth.
Right now, she needs a massive hit if she wants to come across as more than an enthused cricket watcher.
Image: Preity Zinta
370)this.width=370">And if she's a cricket watcher, he's Mr Adbreak. No actor in the country is better known for their product than Bachchan junior, who really has become better known for his Idea commercials than his films.
There are films of his that do well, like Dostana and Paa, but other co-stars steal his thunder consistently.
This man really, really needs his upcoming Raavan to do well.
Deepika Padukone
370)this.width=370">She had a dream Hindi film debut with the blockbuster Om Shanti Om, but since then Deepika's becoming increasingly less consequential.
Films like Chandni Chowk To China and Karthik Calling Karthik have been box office duds, while hits like Bachna Ae Haseeno and Housefull have not just been multistarrers, but multistarrers where she hasn't had much to do.
Add to that being routinely lambasted by critics for pure acting inability, and this is a girl craving a big solo smash.
Imran Khan
370)this.width=370">Imran's debut with uncle Aamir's production Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na was breezy enough, getting us all excited about a fresh new talent.
His two follow-ups, however, were disasters -- he tried playing a mature leading man in Kidnap and Luck, but both thrillers were critical and commercial disappointments.
Two bad films isn't enough to doom the guy, but this is Bollywood and the goodwill from his first success isn't going to last him much longer.
Shahid Kapoor
370)this.width=370">Jab We Met. Kaminey.
Shahid Kapoor, over the last couple of years, went firmly from wannabe to leading man. In fact, to an even rarer category, leading man who can act.
However, he seems to do too many films where he doesn't have to act much. This year has seen Chance Pe Dance, Paathshaala and Badmaash Company -- the audience, however, hasn't seen either.
The man needs to start getting selective, and fast.
Sanjay Dutt
370)this.width=370">His last real hit was the amazing Lage Raho Munnabhai. That was back in 2006.
Since then, he's tasted lukewarm success once with Shootout At Lokhandwala, but mostly been struggling with films like Woodstock Villa, Kidnap, EMI, Luck, Aladin, etc.
Even when All The Best worked last year, Sanju's stock didn't rise much. Right now, his most memorable avatar seems his red lobster outfit for a cola commercial. Not a good sign, no.
rediff.com
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