Zarina Wahab Says ‘Family Films Have Disappeared in Bollywood’, Praises Telugu Cinema’s Storytelling
Hyderabad: Veteran actor Zarina Wahab has sparked a conversation on the changing nature of Indian cinema after stating that family-oriented films are no longer being made in Bollywood. Speaking to the media on Monday while promoting her upcoming Telugu film The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, the actor highlighted why she feels the South Indian film industry continues to resonate strongly with audiences.
Zarina Wahab, who has spent over four decades in the film industry, revealed that she is often questioned in Mumbai about her growing association with Telugu cinema. Responding to such remarks, she said that the emotional and family-centric storytelling once common in Hindi cinema has largely faded.
“People in Bombay ask me why I am doing Telugu films. I tell them that the concept of family has died in Hindi cinema. It is only in the South that family-oriented films are still alive. They make films that people enjoy watching together,” she said.
Roots in Andhra Pradesh, Strong Connect with Telugu Cinema
During the interaction, Zarina also shared a lesser-known fact about her background. She revealed that she hails from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and speaks fluent Telugu.
“I’ve been working in the industry for more than 40 years, but many people don’t know that I’m from Andhra. I can speak Telugu much better than most people expect. Everyone asks why I didn’t do more Telugu films earlier. I have done a few, but this film has brought me more recognition,” she said.
She added that she is currently working on two to three more Telugu projects, signalling a renewed phase in her career in the South.
Balanced View on Bollywood
Despite her remarks, Zarina Wahab was careful to acknowledge the role Bollywood played in shaping her career. She credited the Hindi film industry for the longevity she has enjoyed as an actor.
“I am very thankful to the Telugu industry now, but I am equally grateful to the Hindi film industry. It gave me my foundation and supported my journey for decades,” she said.
Return to South Cinema
Zarina Wahab has appeared in numerous Hindi and Malayalam films and has periodically worked in Telugu cinema. She made a notable return to Telugu films with Virata Parvam (2020), starring Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi, followed by a role in Devara: Part 1 (2024), featuring Jr NTR.
She will next be seen in The Raja Saab, set for a Sankranthi release on January 9. The film boasts a strong ensemble cast including Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar.
Our Thoughts
Zarina Wahab’s remarks reflect a growing sentiment within the industry and among audiences — that regional cinema, particularly from the South, has retained emotional depth and family values that once defined mainstream Hindi films. As storytelling preferences evolve, her comments underline a broader shift in audience expectations rather than a simple regional divide.
