History is remembered for comebacks, and actors are known to give powerful comebacks.
In the ever-changing world of entertainment, Bollywood’s fame may be short-lived, but the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has given seasoned actors a chance to shine once again. These digital streaming platforms not only allow them to reinvent themselves but also connect with a global audience. We explore the remarkable return of veteran Bollywood actors to the world of web series and streaming platforms.
1. Sushmita Sen: The Triumph of “Aarya”
Sushmita Sen, former Miss Universe, and Bollywood actress made a grand comeback with Disney Hotstar’s ‘Aarya’. In this gripping crime drama, Sen played Aarya, a mother who becomes a fierce protector when her family is drawn into a dangerous world of crime. “Aarya” received critical acclaim, resonating with audiences worldwide, and Sen’s recent role in “Taali” showcased her versatility.
2. Bobby Deol: Redemption in “Aashram”
Once a charmer in Bollywood, Bobby Deol faced a career lull until he made a grand comeback with MX Player’s ‘Aashram’. Deol’s performance as a corrupt and manipulative religious leader has been widely praised. The series became a success and showed his ability to adapt to the changing world of entertainment.
3. Abhishek Bachchan: A Breath of Fresh Talent in “Breathe”
Although Abhishek Bachchan hailed from Bollywood royalty, he faced challenges in his career. But Amazon Prime Video’s “Breathe” marked his revival. In this thrilling thriller, Bachchan is a cop willing to do anything to save his son’s life and re-establish himself as a powerhouse in content streaming.
4. Kajol: Complexity in “Tribhanga”
Kajol, the famous actress of the 1990s, made a convincing comeback in the Netflix series ‘Tribhanga’. Dealing with a complex and flawed female character, Kajol’s performance was praised for its depth and authenticity. Her recent role in “The Trial” further demonstrated her enduring talent.
5. Raveena Tandon: A Resurgence in “Aranyak”
After staying away from the limelight, Raveena Tandon made a powerful comeback with Netflix’s ‘Aranyak’. As a determined cop investigating murders in a remote Himalayan village, Tandon’s performance was critically acclaimed, establishing his presence in the industry.
6. Lara Dutta: Bringing Humor and Mystery
Lara Dutta marked her digital debut with the comedy series “Hundred.” As a witty cop who solves crimes with humor, Dutta has consistently charmed the audience. Her upcoming role in Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Charlie Chopra‘ adds to her impressive comeback.
7. Aamir Bashir: A Sacred Return
Known for his roles in ‘A Wednesday’, Aamir Bashir returned to the small screen with notable performances in ‘Inside Edge Season 2,’ ‘Sacred Games.’ More recently he was seen in ‘School of Lies,’ where he played a complex character to perfection.
8. Juhi Chawla: A Return to Grace
Juhi Chawla, famous for her work alongside Shah Rukh Khan, mesmerized audiences with the Prime Video web series Hush Hush, which explored the lives of five women in unexpected ways.
9. Madhuri Dixit Nene: The Fame Game
The iconic ‘dhak-dhak’ star of the 1980s, Madhuri Dixit Nene, entered the streaming world with “The Fame Game,” which delved into themes of domestic violence and family conflict. Her recent role in Maja Ma dealt with the complexities of being queer and being married to a man.
10. Arun Govil: From “Ramayana” to “Jubilee”
Renowned for his role as Lord Ram in “Ramayana,” Arun Govil returned with the OTT drama “Jubilee”, navigating the consequences of Partition.
11. Tejaswini Kolhapure: Stirring up Trouble in “Scoop”
Tejaswini Kolhapure, known for films like “Paanch” and “Ugly,” made an impact with “Scoop,” playing the role of Chhaya Gadha, who wreaks havoc on the lead character in jail.
12. Amol Palekar: A Farzi Performance
Veteran actor Amol Palekar made an impression with the Prime Video series ‘Farzi,’ where he played Shahid Kapoor’s grandfather exploring issues of income inequality in India.
13. Harman Baweja: A Stellar Return in “Scoop”
Harman Baweja, known for “Love Story 2050,” surprised audiences with his performance as Joint Commissioner of Police Harshvardhan Shroff in “Scoop.” The series received rave reviews.
14. Pooja Bhatt: Impactful Return with “Bombay Begums”
Pooja Bhatt returned with “Bombay Begums,” a women-centric series that explored complex characters and their responsibilities as family and bank CEOs.
15. Esha Deol: Debuting with “Rudra: The Edge of Darkness”
Esha Deol made her digital debut in Disney+ Hotstar’s “Rudra: The Edge of Darkness.” She stars opposite Ajay Devgn and plays a character helping uncover the psyche of criminals.
In conclusion, the digital revolution has breathed new life into Bollywood veterans and they can connect with their audience and showcase their talent on OTT platforms. These remarkable comebacks not only demonstrate their resilience but also reaffirm their enduring presence in the entertainment industry. As Bollywood continues to evolve, the anticipation for the upcoming projects of these seasoned actors is palpable. They are back, and they are here to stay, delighting audiences in the digital age.
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