As the first quarter of the 21st century concludes, Bollywood star Malaika Arora has taken a moment to look back on a period defined by profound change, personal growth, and continuous reinvention, both for herself and the Indian film industry. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, the diva shared her perspective on how Hindi cinema has transformed in terms of narrative, technological adoption, and its relationship with viewers.
From Star-Driven Formulas to Brave, Layered Stories
Malaika Arora highlighted a significant shift in the core of filmmaking. She pointed out that in the late 1990s, Bollywood storytelling was largely formulaic and heavily reliant on star power. Contrasting that with the present day, she observed that contemporary cinema is notably braver, more nuanced, and embraces honesty. "Looking back at the first 25 years of this century, Bollywood has evolved beautifully," Malaika stated.
She expressed particular surprise at the most welcome change: the mainstream acceptance of content-driven cinema and unconventional narratives. "What surprised me most was how content-led cinema and unconventional stories found mainstream acceptance gradually," she revealed, marking this as a pivotal shift in the industry's creative direction.
Technology and Audience: A Dual Revolution
The transformation, according to Arora, is not limited to scripts. She emphasized that technological advancements have been revolutionary, spanning digital filmmaking, sophisticated visual effects (VFX), and the disruptive rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming platforms.
This technological leap has been matched by an evolution in the audience. Malaika noted that today's viewers are sharper, more involved, and remarkably open to diverse and experimental narratives. This mature viewership has, in turn, encouraged filmmakers to take creative risks, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation.
Milestone Films and Iconic Performances
Reflecting on the movies that have shaped this era, Malaika Arora listed several landmark titles. She named Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Queen, Gully Boy, and Andhadhun as definitive works that reshaped mainstream Hindi cinema's boundaries.
She also reserved special praise for the enduring impact of superstar Shah Rukh Khan. His filmography, from thought-provoking dramas like 'Swades' and 'Chak De! India' to 'My Name Is Khan' and the recent blockbuster 'Pathaan', has consistently shaped the emotional and cultural pulse of Bollywood across generations.
The journey of leading actresses also captured her attention. Malaika highlighted the iconic paths of actors like Kareena Kapoor Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Kriti Sanon. She cited their powerful performances in films such as Jab We Met, Omkara, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and Mimi as reflections of the evolution towards stronger, more complex female characters on screen.
A Personal Journey of Reinvention
Parallel to the industry's change has been Malaika's own personal evolution. She described her path as one of constant reinvention, successfully transcending her initial identity associated with glamour and dance. She has grown into a recognized fitness entrepreneur and, most recently, a published author, showcasing a multifaceted career that mirrors the industry's own expansion into new domains.
Looking ahead, Malaika Arora is optimistic. She believes that the powerful combination of groundbreaking films, the rise of female-led narratives, and the expansion of streaming platforms has set a solid foundation for Bollywood's future. This foundation will allow the industry to confidently balance large-scale entertainment with substantive content, achieve global reach, and yet remain firmly rooted in its unique cultural identity.
