In the male-dominated world of Bollywood, heroines are now facing an unexpected challenge—finding male co-stars willing to play supporting roles in women-centric films. Despite the evolving landscape where strong female-led narratives are gaining popularity, big-name actors remain hesitant to take on roles that place them in the shadows of their female counterparts.
The Struggle for Equal Support
Taapsee Pannu, a well-known actress recognized for her powerful performances in films like Mulk, Thappad, and Rashmi Rocket, has been vocal about this issue. According to Taapsee, top male actors often shy away from her projects because they are heroine-centric. She attributes this reluctance to either insecurity or a fear that their star power might diminish if they play a secondary role to a strong female lead. This trend isn’t just limited to her films; it’s a widespread issue across the industry.
Male Actors and Their Insecurities
Taapsee’s observations are echoed by actor Gulshan Devaiah, who has worked alongside her in the film Blur and was recently seen in Janhvi Kapoor’s lead film Uljh. Gulshan acknowledges that insecurities among male actors do exist, often stemming from the fear of being overshadowed by a female lead. He admits that he too once struggled with these insecurities but has since chosen to focus on roles that genuinely interest him, regardless of whether he shares the screen with a male or female lead.
“I’ve decided to overcome these insecurities,” says Gulshan. “Now, I only take on projects that I find interesting, without worrying about who the hero is or whether I’ll get a chance to shine.”
The Reality of Bollywood’s Gender Dynamics
The reluctance of male actors to support female-led films is deeply rooted in Bollywood’s long-standing tradition of hero-centric narratives. For decades, actresses have played secondary roles—often limited to being the hero’s love interest or adding glamour to the film. This dynamic is evident in films like Thugs of Hindostan, where Katrina Kaif had minimal screen time, or Bajrangi Bhaijaan, where Kareena Kapoor Khan’s role was secondary to Salman Khan’s.
When the roles are reversed, with actresses taking the lead, finding a male co-star becomes a daunting task. For instance, while Alia Bhatt was the girlfriend in Ranveer Singh’s Gully Boy, her solo projects like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Jigra featured relatively unknown actors like Shantanu Maheshwari and Vedang Raina. Similarly, Huma Qureshi starred opposite Akshay Kumar in Bell Bottom, but in her lead film Tarala, her co-star was the less prominent Sharib Hashmi.
Changing Perspectives: Signs of Progress?
Despite the challenges, there are signs that the tide might be turning. In the upcoming film Veda, Sharvari Wagh plays the lead, while John Abraham—an established star—proudly calls himself her “charioteer.” Although John’s role is significant, his willingness to embrace a supporting role in a female-led film indicates a potential shift in mindset.
South Indian actor Roshan Mathew, who has appeared in Hindi films like Choked, Darlings, and Uljh, all of which are female-centric, shares a similar sentiment. “I didn’t even think about the fact that these films were female-led when I signed them,” Roshan says. “Maybe it’s because of my theater background, but these things don’t really cross my mind.”
The Need for a Broader Change
Kanika Dhillon, writer and co-producer of the upcoming sequel Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba, also highlights the need for change in the industry. She believes that the script should justify the role for the actor, regardless of gender. “In Manmarziyan, both Abhishek Bachchan and Vicky Kaushal had important roles alongside Taapsee. But in Rashmi Rocket, the focus was on the female lead. If a male actor feels that there’s nothing left for him to do, it’s understandable. The same goes for female artists—they too consider if there’s enough for them in a role.”
As Bollywood slowly begins to embrace more diverse narratives, the hope is that male actors will start to see the value in supporting strong female leads. While the change is gradual, the willingness of actors like Gulshan Devaiah, Roshan Mathew, and John Abraham to step into these roles is a positive sign. For actresses like Taapsee Pannu, the struggle for better co-stars in heroine-centric films continues, but the industry is inching closer to a time when gender won’t dictate the importance of a role.
