Wake up, now!

Sushmita, Rani, Manisha and Urmila are actresses who have enough talent and looks to stay in the B’wood race. But now they are increasingly away from the spotlight. Why? Is it a lack of good roles? Or are they making wrong career moves? Masala! finds out…

Sushmita Sen

When was the last time you saw this lady? Be it films, high-profile parties or premieres, Sush has been absent from it all! The last time she was photographed was at the DVD launch of the film Samsara in February. She claims that homework for her directorial debut Jhansi Ki Rani keeps her busy.

However, we’ve been told, airport authorities in Mumbai recently failed to recognise her because she’s put on so much weight! Is that the reason for her vanishing act? Interesting to note that Sushmita hasn’t worked in a film after RGV Ki Aag (2007). But we hear that her Dulha Mil Gaya (she’s opposite SRK) may finally release early next year. That should bring her some deserved attention.

Last heard: Sush is going to be on a reality show with Wasim Akram. But will she be able to pull off a Salman or SRK? We’re waiting…

Rani Mukherji

It is said after the zenith comes the nadir, but no one imagined a talented actress like Rani would touch her nadir so soon. Her die-hard fans believe she will rise like the phoenix from the ashes of Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic. But how? The last semi-hits she had were Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna and Babul – in 2006!

Socially, she has been the princess who comes down from her ivory tower only for film promotions. We feel she still has a few more productive years left in the industry. But Rani needs to focus now if she wants to stay in the race.

Last heard: Rani is signing a film with Shahid Kapoor. She also shot with Salman for the grand finale of Dus Ka Dum. For a change, she wasn’t promoting a new film! Maybe a few more such appearances would help remind directors and producers that she exists … Any director reading this?

Manisha Koirala

The outspoken Manisha’s last big hit was Company in 2001, for which she even won a Filmfare Award. All this while she’s been working in small-time projects without much recognition. In addition, she has never been spotted at the right places with the right people. However, the stories of her wild nights out have always hit headlines. A rethink is what she needs.

Maybe she should take a tip or two from Juhi Chawla, an older actress who has very much stayed in the reckoning. Recently, Masala! spotted Manisha at a salsa party, looking much slimmer and very cheerful and pretty. Has she finally woken up and begun to think right?

Last heard: Manisha is playing the role of an ugly woman in Deepti Naval’s film. She feels it’s the toughest role of her life. We feel it might put her career right back on track.

Urmila Matondkar

With her acting skills, she needs to be doing films such as Ek Hasina Thi and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara, and NOT waste her talent on item numbers in the likes of RGV Ki Aag! Urmila hasn’t had a release to boast of in the last three years. Although she’s dabbled in TV, anchoring the talent show Vaar Parivaar, she needs to realise she’s meant for bigger things. With a walk on the ramp here and a boutique opening there, Urmila’s staying on page 3, but it’s time now for her to chalk out a fresh career plan? If Ash can be on the top of her profession at 34, why can’t Urmila shine as an actress at 33?

Last heard: Urmila is playing Simi Garewal’s role in the remake of Karz. Something to look forward to for sure.

Give up, gals!

Masala! prescribes instant hibernation for the following...

Mallika Sherawat

All bod and no brains can get really boring.

Neha Dhupia

Attitude without acting skills can get on your nerves.

Tanisha

How long will she pull the lil-sis-of-Kajol string?

Riya Sen

Stop wasting screen space; have a romance with an ageing writer instead.

Celina Jaitley

Can someone inject ‘emotion’ lines into her face?

Koena Mitra

Do take some time off Koena, and get those pillow lips back in shape.