Will they ever make it?

It's a tough industry to survive for heroines. It always has been. Unlike European or American cinema, film stars don't move to TV in Bollywood. Sometimes a host of factors add up to ensure that they don't end up following up on hyped, high impact entries & promising films. Quite a few end up without work or decent work, despite so many films being churned out here.

Here's a look at six such high impact entrants to Hindi films whose careers are in limbo presently.

Chitrangada Singh

She is seen cavorting to a rather steamy (and somewhat crass) item number for Gabbar' these days. Apart from this though, her celluloid appearances are next to zero. Other than posing for photographs at various events & inaugurations, Chitrangada does not have a single film in her kitty (Babumoshai Bandookbaaz with Nawazuddin Siddiqui is off the table for now).

With her drop-dead gorgeus looks and a non-typical personality, Chitrangada made a high impact debut in 2003 with Sudhir Mishra's Hazaaron Khwahishen Aisi'. But ever since, it's been an uphill struggle for her to get good work. She is currently divorced from golfer ex husband Jyoti Randhawa, so that she could work in films. Unfortunately, as age isn't on her side, the plan hasn't quite worked. Despite having a host of endorsements, she hasn't been able to prove her acting chops either.

Nargis Fakhri

She looked stunning in the trailers of Rockstar' BUT the charm wore off the moment you heard her mouth a dialogue. In what was an emotional roller coaster ride (far from perfect but definitely engaging), with scope for displaying real acting potential, this New York based model could barely make any impact. Yet she did get a second chance with Madras Caf', and also worked in a mainstream comedy Main Tera Hero'. Since then, we haven't seen her take up a Hindi film. Her role in a Hollywood film Spy' isn't great shakes either.

While multiple endorsements and appearances keep the moolah coming, Nargis Fakhri certainly needs to ramp up her film work to stay in the reckoning. And yes, a couple of acting workshops are highly recommended.

Illeana D'Cruz

She made a stellar debut in Barfi!' looking luminous and also proving her ability to emote onscreen. Yet this petite beauty has simply not been able to capitalize on her films in Bollywood. She was seen in Main Tera Hero' and happy Ending' opposite Saif Ali Khan; apart from the forgettable Phata Poster Nikla Hero' with Shahid Kapoor. Each film is an A List, high value project. Yet roles & films have been sparse. What's the reason? We simply can't put our finger to it. But as she she confesses, she is choosy. Only how choosy can a struggling heroine get?

Vani Kapoor

She made a glamorous debut in a chic yet contemporary role with Shuddh Desi Romance'. While her acting definitely needed improvement, she looked dazzling. Yet so far, this young actor is yet to sign another Bollywood film, all the more surprising as she belongs to the Yashraj talent pool.

A colleague of Vani's, who also moved from Delhi to Mumbai and has made a name for her in South Indian films, had mentioned, that she simply wonders what is Vani doing with her career. Youth and an early start are big advantages for an actor- case in point being Kangana Ranaut. We wonder the same too.

Mughda Godse

She strutted her perfect figure in a bikini in Madhur Bhandarkar's Fashion', sharing screen space with Priyanka Chopra & Kangana Ranaut in a quirky, talkative part. Despite being part of a hit, and in a noticeable role, Mughda never went beyond the occasional minor role in multi starrers. Currently, she works in small budget films, none of which get noticed at all.

A bikini body and enthusiasm didn't work in her favor; a noticeable accent interfered. She also faced tons of competition from young actresses with filmy lineages & more glamorous looks.

Mahi Gill

She made her debut in 2003 in a Hindi film Hawaayein' but earned recognition in Punjabi films. Mahi was noticed for her feisty performance in Dev D'; and continued to get decent parts in Dabanng' & Paan Singh Tomar'. With acting abilities, decent looks and onscreen confidence on her side, she was expected to carve out her space in Hindi films. But age is not on her side; Mahi also falls in a category where quite a few erstwhile A List leading ladies are trying to find substantial roles. And they have recall value to their names.

Yami Gautam \

She was praised for her debut in Vicky Donor'; and has films in six languages (Malayalam, Tamil, Telegu, Hindi, Punjabi & Kannada) to her credit. This hard working heroine has made a successful transition from TV to films.

Yet her impact in Bollywood has been unimpressive. She had a noteworthy guest appearance in Badlapur' this year; and stared opposite Ajay Devgn in the disastrous Action Jackson'. Apart from a love story Sanam Re', Yami does not have a single Hindi film. Two factors seem to be at play here- first, her acting abilities leave much to be desired. She looks lovely, shows up doing so at events frequently enough; but does not make impact with her performances. Two, in her age group, quite a few talented performers have swished in with decent films under their belt recently. For Yami, a performance-backed role is a Must Do at this stage to remain relevant.

Shahana Goswami

She made her debut in Yun Hota To Kya Hota' and then delivered a cracking performance in Rock On' two years later; and was admired by critics and fans alike. Few know Shahana was talent spotted by Shanu Sharma, the casting in charge at Yashraj Studios now. She does not have typical good looks, but backed with solid acting and a strong onscreen persona; Shahana is a surprising miss from the current scene in Bollywood where urban, contemporary films have become frequent. She was last seen in Heroine' in 2012. The obvious happened- suitable work dried up for her. Last heard, this performance-oriented actor moved to France for some time and has lined up a few decent international indie films.

http://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainmenttags/chitrangda-singh/flash-pan-b-town-ladies-high-impact-films-low-impact-careers