In a recent interview, Bollywood actress Aahana Kumra shared her reflections on the cinematic landscape of 2023, expressing her concern about the prevalent theme of darkness, anger, and edginess in Hindi films. Hailing from Chandigarh, Kumra, known for her role in “Lipstick Under My Burkha,” hopes for a shift towards levity and entertainment in Bollywood for the year 2024.
During her visit to Amritsar for her “annual darshan to the Golden Temple,” Kumra highlighted her preference for fresh vegetables in the city, leading her to abstain from non-vegetarian food during her stay. She mentioned her tradition of bringing back raw and cooked veggies, including mooli, sarson saag, mattar, gajjar, shalgam, and gobi ka achar, for her father in Mumbai. Airport officials, recognizing her, often express curiosity at the diverse assortment she packs in her luggage.
Expressing her views on the state of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, Kumra noted a decline in the quality of scripts offered to her over the past two years. Despite the initial excitement surrounding OTT platforms, she observed a shift towards commonplace content and intense competition among creators.
Kumra, who is set to star in a new English play with Kunal Roy Kapur in February, emphasized her quest for interesting and compelling roles. In contrast, she expressed her disappointment in the lack of humorous content, stating that Indian audiences seem more inclined towards dramatic and sad narratives rather than comedy.
The actress revealed her lineup for 2024, which includes three films, including one in the comedy genre. She noted her appreciation for being offered a comedy role, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities in the current cinematic landscape. Kumra voiced her concern about the prevailing trend of grotesque and violent films, attributing it to the audience’s preference for darker themes.
Expressing her dismay at the diminishing presence of multi-starrers in Bollywood, Kumra criticized the dominance of individual heroes on screen. She highlighted the industry’s shift away from ensemble casts and lamented the lack of films featuring a collaborative and diverse set of actors.
In conclusion, Kumra shared her positive experience ushering in the New Year with her family at a resort in Bikaner, emphasizing the importance of embracing joy and fun in the face of the prevailing dark and edgy trends in cinema.