Zarina Wahab: "Family Concept Dead in Hindi Films, Alive in South"

Veteran actress Zarina Wahab has become highly selective about working in Hindi cinema, citing a shift in content. She credits the South Indian film industry, particularly Telugu cinema, for continuing to produce family-oriented stories that audiences love. Wahab, who is fluent in Telugu, is now focusing on multiple projects in the South while expressing gratitude for her long career in Bollywood. Her upcoming film, 'The Raja Saab', is set for release in early 2026.

Key Points: Zarina Wahab on Why She Prefers South Indian Films

  • Selective about Hindi film roles
  • Credits Telugu industry for family films
  • Working on 2-3 new Telugu projects
  • Grateful to both Hindi and Telugu cinema
2 min read

Zarina Wahab reveals why she has become selective about working in Hindi cinema

Veteran actress Zarina Wahab explains her selective approach to Hindi cinema, crediting the South Indian film industry for preserving family-oriented stories.

Zarina Wahab reveals why she has become selective about working in Hindi cinema
"Hindi films main family mar gayi hai... Sirf South mai family abhi bhi zinda hai - Zarina Wahab"

Mumbai, Jan 5

Actress Zarina Wahab, who is awaiting the release of her upcoming film 'The Raja Saab', has shared why she has become very selective about working in Hindi cinema.

The actress attended a special event for the film in Mumbai on Monday, and opened up about moving down south for work.

She said, "I have been working in the industry for more than 40 years now. I am from Andhra, so I can speak good Telugu, much better than anybody else. Everybody kept asking me why I wasn't working in Telugu films. I've worked in a few, but this film is bringing me more fame".

She further mentioned, "People in Bombay ask me, why are you doing Telugu films? Hindi films main family mar gayi hai. There's no family. Sirf South mai family abhi bhi zinda hai (The concept of family has died in Hindi; it's only alive in the South). They produce such family-oriented films that people love to watch. I am currently working on 2-3 more Telugu movies".

However, she also credited Bollywood for her long career as she said, "I am very thankful to the Telugu industry now, and I was very, very thankful to the Hindi industry also".

Zarina Wahab has appeared in many films such as 'Agar', and 'Arth', 'Dil Dhadakane Do' and later transitioned into character roles across multiple languages. Zarina Wahab is married to actor Aditya Pancholi and is the mother of actors Sooraj Pancholi and Sana Pancholi.

Talking about 'The Raja Saab', the film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, Riddhi Kumar and Zarina Wahab.

In the film, a man searching for his missing grandfather finds himself in a mansion inhabited by a sinister presence.

The film is set to release on January 9, 2026.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone who grew up watching her in 'Arth', it's great to see her getting recognition in another industry. Talent has no language barrier. More power to her!
A
Aman W
I respect her opinion, but I don't fully agree. Bollywood also makes family dramas like 'Badhaai Ho' or '102 Not Out'. Maybe she isn't getting those offers? The industry can be ageist towards senior actresses.
S
Sarah B
It's interesting to hear this perspective from an insider. The pan-Indian film wave is real, and actors are finally getting opportunities based on skill, not just which industry they started in. Good for her!
K
Karthik V
Being from Andhra myself, I'm thrilled she's embracing her roots and language! Telugu cinema is on a roll with global stories that still have heart. Welcome home, Zarina garu! ❤️
N
Nikhil C
Her comment about "family" is so true. We watch movies with our parents and kids. We need clean, wholesome entertainment that everyone can enjoy together. Bollywood, please take note.

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