Why do Bollywood's leading ladies have a tough time finding success as producers?

In an era where women in Indian cinema are commanding stronger roles on screen and fighting for equal pay and representation, stepping behind the camera as producers seemed like the next natural evolution. Several leading actresses have taken the plunge—backing scripts they believe in, nurturing talent, and investing in stories that often defy commercial norms. However, the results have been mixed. For many, the move into production has been more of a personal passion project than a sustained success story.While male actors like Shah Rukh Khan (Red Chillies Entertainment), Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar have built production houses with lasting legacies, their female counterparts haven’t enjoyed quite the same run barring a few names like Anushka Sharma.When Deepika Padukone turned producer with Chhapaak (2020), a sensitive film about an acid attack survivor, it was hailed as a bold, socially conscious move. However, despite critical acclaim and a heartfelt performance, the film underperformed at the box office. Her next production, 83 (2021), in which she played Romi Dev, was a larger-than-life retelling of India’s 1983 Cricket World Cup win. Co-produced under her KA Productions banner, the film was mounted on a massive scale and starred her husband Ranveer Singh—but it failed to hit the right notes theatrically. Despite noble intentions and solid material, Deepika’s stint as producer has yet to find its commercial sweet spot.Dia Mirza, an actress known for her grace and vocal environmentalism, co-founded Born Free Entertainment and backed films like Love Breakups Zindagi (2011) and Bobby Jasoos (2014). The latter starred Vidya Balan in a never-before-seen avatar as a female detective, but like many others, it received tepid response. Dia’s production house hasn’t delivered a defining hit that could establish her as a force behind the scenes.Chitrangda Singh, known for her sultry screen presence and acting chops, produced Soorma (2018), the biopic of hockey legend Sandeep Singh, starring Diljit Dosanjh. The film received decent reviews but didn’t create a significant impact commercially or culturally. That remains her sole credit as a producer.Twinkle Khanna, who has reinvented herself as a successful author and columnist, also made a brief appearance in the producer’s seat with PadMan (2018). The film, starring Akshay Kumar and based on the life of Arunachalam Muruganantham, tackled menstrual health—a bold subject for mainstream cinema. While PadMan did decently, Khanna did not pursue further film productions under her Mrs. Funnybones banner, perhaps choosing the pen over the camera.In 2018, Madhuri Dixit produced Bucket List, a Marathi film in which she also starred. It marked her debut in Marathi cinema and her first step as a producer. While the film had its moments and capitalized on her star power in Maharashtra, it didn’t lead to more projects from her banner, Dharmatic Entertainment. It was a one-off, not the beginning of a new chapter.Priyanka Chopra Jonas ventured into production with her company Purple Pebble Pictures, focusing heavily on regional cinema—a laudable move aimed at spotlighting overlooked narratives. The company backed Marathi film Ventilator (2016), which won accolades and awards, but subsequent ventures like Pahuna (Nepali), Firebrand (Marathi), and The Sky Is Pink (Hindi) did not fare well commercially. Her ambition to champion smaller stories and emerging voices is noteworthy, but her track record, barring Ventilator, hasn’t translated into consistent box office or streaming hits.Among her peers, Anushka Sharma stands out as the rare success story. Along with her brother Karnesh, she co-founded Clean Slate Filmz, which has managed to carve a distinct niche. Her debut production NH10 (2015) was a gritty thriller that performed well critically and commercially. This was followed by Phillauri (2017) and Pari (2018), both of which embraced offbeat storytelling and genre experimentation.More recently, Clean Slate found major success on streaming platforms. Paatal Lok (2020), a dark, brooding crime drama, was widely praised and became one of Amazon Prime Video’s standout Indian originals. Bulbbul (2020) and Qala (2022), both Netflix originals, showcased a unique visual language and feminist storytelling. Anushka’s production choices—risky, bold, and boundary-pushing—paid off, especially in the OTT space.Her decision to take a step back from Clean Slate in 2022 to focus on acting and motherhood was surprising but doesn’t take away from the robust legacy she’s built in a relatively short span.Alia Bhatt: A Promising StartAlia Bhatt is among the newest entrants into the producer’s club, and she seems to have chosen her first project wisely. Darlings (2022), co-produced under her Eternal Sunshine Productions and Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, was released on Netflix and became one of the most talked-about Indian streaming releases of the year. The dark comedy, which dealt with domestic violence through a subversive lens, was both a critical and commercial hit on the OTT platform.But her first theatrical release a producer was Jigra which was co-produced by Karan Johar’s production house. The film struggled at the box office from it’s first day. Other names have dabbled in production with limited visibility. Lara Dutta launched Bheegi Basanti but didn’t continue beyond one film. Pooja Bhatt was once a prolific producer-director with films like Jism (2003) and Holiday (2006), she gradually stepped away, only recently returning with acting roles. One of the key reasons could be that many of these actresses turn producers more for passion than business. Their films often deal with unconventional themes that are critically appreciated but don’t always attract mass audiences. Moreover, film production requires sustained commitment, risk appetite, and the right creative and commercial partners. Without an ecosystem or a strong business head, many of these efforts remain one-offs.Additionally, the Indian film industry still operates on deeply entrenched networks. Male producers often have easier access to financing, distribution, and star cast alignment. For female producers—especially those choosing to back unconventional scripts—this support can be harder to come by.If the next generation of actresses-turned-producers can marry their creative instincts with a sustainable business model, they may yet turn the tide. Until then, Anushka Sharma remains the gold standard that others can look to—and perhaps, build upon.