Malaika Arora:  is thinking back on a time of transition, development, and continuous reinvention as the first quarter of the twenty-first century comes to an end. She continued by saying that Bollywood has had a significant and fascinating metamorphosis that has changed technology, narrative, and how people watch movies.

In comparison to the late 20th century, she believes Bollywood has changed in terms of narrative, technology, and audience participation over the first 25 years of the 21st century. “Bollywood has changed beautifully over the first 25 years of this century,” Malaika exclusively told IANS. Storytelling was far more formulaic and star-driven in the late 1990s. It’s more daring, nuanced, and truthful now.

She went on to say that technology has advanced beyond digital filmmaking to include VFX and over-the-top platforms.

Furthermore, the audience of today has also evolved. They are more perceptive, engaged, and receptive to other stories.

Which changes caught her off guard the most?

“What (at the moment) surprised me the most was how content-led cinema and unconventional stories found mainstream acceptance incrementally,” Malaika said.

“For me personally, it’s been a journey of reinvention, growing beyond glamour and dance into fitness, entrepreneurship, and now a published author,” Malaika said when discussing how it has been for you personally.

Malaika cited films like Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Queen, Gully Boy, and Andhadhun as turning points that changed the landscape of mainstream Hindi cinema while examining the performances and films that have characterized this age.

“As this chapter comes to an end, movies like Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Queen, Gully Boy, Andhadhun, and others have really shaped the time period.”

She also cited the films that have shaped Bollywood’s emotional and cultural environment over the years, including Shah Rukh Khan’s collection from Swades and Chak De! India to My Name Is Khan and, more recently, Pathaan.

“In addition to these, Shah Rukh Khan’s films, ranging from Swades and Chak De! India to My Name Is Khan and, more recently, Pathaan, have influenced Bollywood’s cultural and emotional pulse for generations.”

“The journey of actors like Kareena, Alia, and Kriti Sanon has also been iconic,” she said, adding that their roles in Jab We Met, Omkara, Gangubai, and Mimi demonstrate the development of strong, nuanced female characters.

Malaika believes that the next stage of Hindi cinema has been made possible by these movies, performances, and trends as well as the expansion of streaming services.

“Together, these films and performances, along with the emergence of female-led narratives and streaming platforms, have laid the foundation for a future where Bollywood confidently balances scale with substance, going global, while staying rooted,” Malaika said.