Tweet

With Janvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan’s impending debut, let’s look at what’s a better launch — a new actress with a new hero or an established star.

Two star-daughters — Sara Ali Khan and Janvi Kapoor — are ready to step foot in Bollywood. They are being backed by big names. Janvi’s debut is being launched by Karan Johar, while Ekta Kapoor is putting her might behind Sara’s movie. The marked difference between the two debuts is that while Janvi will make her debut opposite a rank newcomer — Ishaan Khatter, Sara is being launched opposite Sushant Singh Rajput.

Does the co-star matter?

Meanwhile, it is being debated which of these star daughters is getting a better launch. How much does it really help when a debutante makes her debut opposite an established star with a fan following (and a Rs 100 crore hit behind him)? Truth is, it makes no difference in the long run. What matters is talent. Alia Bhatt made her debut with two newcomers. And Deepika Padukone debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan.

Instant stardom

While a film with two newcomers may or may not be on audiences’ radar, a star’s film is always awaited. Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma both debuted opposite SRK. Says trade expert Akshaye Rathi, “If you are going to make your debut opposite someone like Shah Rukh Khan, it puts you in the A-league from day one. They will notice your talent and appreciate your work.”

The ‘Hit’ difference

Akshaye further adds, “Being launched opposite someone who is established and has a fan-following comes with the promise of box office success. But in the long run, it’s about your talent and the movies you choose.” He points to Alia’s successful run and says, “Alia made her debut with Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra, who were newcomers, but it’s her acting talent, her consistent performances and her pull at the box office that has made her the star that she is.”

Slow and steady

Interestingly, many of the top actresses today had humble beginnings. Alia, Katrina Kaif, Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra did not start their careers romancing established names on screen. Says Amul Mohan, Editor, Super Cinema, “What genuinely keeps them in the game and builds their reputation as a performer, an actor and later as a star, is their talent. You have seen many actresses who have debuted with big stars, but have not been able to capitalise on it.” Case in point being Daisy Shah and Gracy Singh, who started out with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, respectively. Also, Sayesha, who was first seen opposite Ajay Devgn in Shivaay, is yet to sign another project.

Numbers speak

The two newbies of last year were in the same boat as Janvi and Sara. While one — Pooja Hegde — was launched opposite Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro, Saiyami Kher wooed another newcomer — Harshvardhan Kapoor — in Mirzya. They are both pretty much in the same boat. Amul says, “Anyone can get a good opportunity, but what matters is how you take that forward.

You have to keep up the momentum and build on it. Many girls have had a slow start, but they find a foothold with time. Look at Sonam Kapoor. She was not really appreciated for her first film Saawariya, but today, she has found her niche. She has a Neerja and a Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.”

Stars Ahead

The thing is, it is easier to work with superstars if you have already done a film with one of them. Anushka went on to do films with Aamir Khan and Salman Khan. But even the ones who began with newcomers get the same opportunities. Jacqueline Fernandez, who started off with Riteish Deshmukh, as her co-star will be seen with Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra this year. Bhumi Pednekar made her debut opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, and her next release is Toilet: Ek Prem Katha opposite Akshay Kumar. Radhika Apte, who was first noticed in Shor In The City with Tusshar Kapoor will be seen as Akshay Kumar’s wife in Padman. So whether or not you start your career with a star, there would always be stardom waiting in the wings.

 

SOURCE: DNA India

Check out more news on your fav b-town stars at fusia.ca