Why actress Zarina Wahab Thinks Bollywood Has Forgotten Its Roots
In the golden era of Indian cinema, the “family” wasn’t just a subplot; it was the heartbeat of the film. We grew up watching stories where three generations lived under one roof, where conflicts were resolved over dinner tables, and where the emotional core was rooted in shared values. However, veteran actress Zarina Wahab recently voiced a sentiment that many of us have been feeling: the traditional family-oriented movie is dying a quiet death in Bollywood.
Wahab, known for her soulful performances in classics like Chitchor and Gharaonda, points to a significant cultural shift. Modern Bollywood seems to have traded the warmth of the “joint family” for the sleek, often isolated lives of urban individuals.
While cinema should evolve, Wahab argues that in our race to be “global” and “edgy,” we’ve lost the relatability that made Indian movies a household staple. Today’s scripts often prioritize. Individualistic struggles over collective family dynamics.
High-octane action and spectacle over quiet, emotional conversations. Westernized lifestyles that feel a world away from the average Indian household.
The death of family-oriented cinema isn’t just about losing a genre; it’s about losing a shared experience. There was a time when a Friday release meant the whole neighborhood—from grandparents to toddlers—could sit in a darkened theater together.
Zarina Wahab’s critique isn’t just nostalgia; it’s an observation of a disconnection. When movies stop reflecting the complexities of Indian family life—the sacrifices, the bickering, the unconditional support—they lose the “X-factor” that once made Bollywood unique on the world stage.
“There was a certain purity in the stories we used to tell,” many veterans echo. “The audience didn’t just watch the characters; they saw their own parents, siblings, and neighbors on screen.”
The industry is currently obsessed with “Pan-India” blockbusters and gritty crime thrillers. While these have their place, the vacuum left by the absence of simple, heart-tugging family dramas is palpable. To know such such latest latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!

