Veteran Bollywood actor Seema Pahwa, celebrated for her powerful performances in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Dream Girl 2, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, has expressed a strong possibility of stepping away from the film industry.
In a candid conversation with Bollywood Thikana, Seema opened up about her growing disillusionment with the changing dynamics of Bollywood. Despite repeated acclaim for her acting abilities, she lamented that she has never been offered lead roles. “People keep praising me, yet I’m never the central character,” she said. “Maybe I’m good, but not enough to carry a film — or so the industry thinks.”
She went on to say that she feels she has reached a point in her journey where a farewell may be near. “I’ve probably hit the peak of what this industry can give me. I think I’ll soon have to say ‘namaste’ to it,” she remarked, adding that creativity is being crushed under commercial agendas. “The film world is no longer led by artists — it’s being controlled by businessmen.”
Addressing the ageism and creative neglect faced by actors of her generation, Seema noted that experienced artists like her are being sidelined. “They call us purane log, saying our thinking is outdated. They believe films need glamour, not talent or meaningful stories,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Seema will next be seen playing Rajkummar Rao’s mother in Bhool Chuk Maaf, hitting theatres on May 9.
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