Bhagyashree, in a recent interview, questioned the intimacy in today’s cinema, saying stories can be bold and diverse without making audiences squirm or defying social values.
The 1990s is still remembered for wholesome family entertainers like Hum Aapke Hain Koun or Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In that era, films weren’t just stories; they were outings, rituals, and shared experiences. Meanwhile, the cinema in today’s times, embraces intimacy and realism to mirror the society’s evolving values.
While many celebrate this realism for its honesty and depth, actress Bhagyashree feels the boldness doesn’t have to mean discomfort. In a recent interview, she addressed the contrast between the 90s and today’s cinema.
Bhagyashree explained, “Cinema reflects society. In the 90s, it was the only entertainment, the only outing that gave a family the chance to spend time together. Today, families have become nuclear, people are more individualistic and mediums of creative art have become multifold. The choices, therefore, are many too. However, it has become impossible to please every type of audience. Films have split into cliques, genres, indie, art films, etc.”
She added, “I genuinely feel that while realism is the new market, it is not necessary to show intimacy that will make you squirm while sitting with your parents or children. Stories can be bold, diverse and interesting without being defiant to society.”
Bhagyashree made her Hindi film debut opposite Salman Khan in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyaar Kiya, a role that catapulted her to overnight fame. Despite the massive success, she chose to appear in only a handful of films before stepping away from the industry to focus on her personal life. However, later she returned to the screen, marking a much‑anticipated comeback.
Bhagyashree will next be seen in Riteish Deshmukh starrer Raja Shivaji. The actress will be essaying the role of Jija Bai in this film.
