The debate about equal opportunities for women in Bollywood has recently led to Kriti Sanon asking filmmakers to take bigger financial risks like they do for male-led projects. Pathan And Dhurandhar. Meanwhile, Manoj Vajpayee also shared his thoughts on the changing place of women in Hindi cinema.
He feels that female actors are slowly getting into lead roles, though the process has taken time. He cited Vidya Balan and Kajol as examples of heroines who have carried films on their shoulders.
talking with IANSManoj Vajpayee said, “The heroine has been coming as the hero for a long time. I remember many Vidya Balan films. I also remember Kajol’s films. It’s taking time, but it’s happening. It’s good that it’s happening. And it’s been happening for a long time, right?”
The actor also feels that OTT platforms have given more opportunities to female-led stories. Since these projects involve less money than larger theatrical films, producers find it easier to take a chance on them.
Manoj Vajpayee said that OTT platforms have helped many actors who did not get a proper opportunity in films. These platforms have given them more roles, much needed recognition and respect for their work. As a result, many actors are now able to earn a steady income, support their lifestyle and enjoy more comfort in their lives.
during the NDTV World Summit 2026Kriti Sanon said, “When we make a male-driven film, we make it look big. We’ve invested a lot of money in it. It looks larger than life. You want to go to theaters and see it. You want to see it. Pathan. You want to look big like them Dhurandhar. You want to see it.”
“We have to have the courage to back a story that we feel needs a bigger budget. Whether it’s a female actor or a male actor, put in the same amount. If you make a Pathan or Dhurandhar with a female actor and spend the same amount, the story is so good it will be good.”
Bajpai is currently seen in a Netflix thriller wonderful nightDirected by Ritesh Shah, the film also stars Divya Dutta, Akshay Oberoi, Saqib Saleem, Rajeev Gupta, Shraddha Das, Aditi Sandhya Sharma, Nushrat Bharucha and Kiku Sharda.
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