MISSING! No actresses signed yet for big upcoming films

A curious phenomenon seems to be afoot in Bollywood. Like always, a spate of big-budget films have been announced. And like always, the big male stars have been signed up for them. However, a whole bunch of these movies are still missing their female leads.

A curious phenomenon seems to be afoot in Bollywood. Like always, a spate of big-budget films have been announced. And like always, the big male stars have been signed up for them. However, a whole bunch of these movies are still missing their female leads.



So, while the usual suspects — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor — make up half the star cast for some of 2013’s big films, no one seems to be sure who these men will be starring opposite. And the filmmakers are either clueless, or in no mood to reveal the names of their heroines. Case in point, Farah Khan, who told us about her Happy New Year: "No one is finalised for the female lead yet. I am making the film, but it’s the media that keeps deciding things for me."



Industry insiders say the situation has been caused by a dearth of A-list female stars. That would explain why a number of south film actresses are making Bollywood debuts right now. We look at the biggest stars and projects where heroine is still a vacancy that needs to be filled.

Salman-Khan

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Salman Khan
Film: Kick
Director: Sajid Nadiadwala
Big factor: Salman joins hands with old pal Sajid, who has produced Salman’s films like Judwaa (1997) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004).
Rumour has it: The first name to come up was that of Deepika Padukone, who is believed to be eager to work with Salman. Later, there were reports of Katrina Kaif being in the running, following the success of Ek Tha Tiger. The latest name in this list is that of Anushka Sharma. Interestingly, there are no female actors finalised for Salman’s projects – Sher Khan and a remake of Telugu hit, Brundavanam.Akshay Kumar

Film: Remake of Thuppakki (Tamil)

Director: AR Murugadoss

Big factor: Murugadoss returns to Bollywood after a gap of five years. His last project was another remake, the Aamir Khan-starrer Ghajini (2008). The south original is a blockbuster hit.

Rumour has it: Although the film is slated to go on the floors early next year, its makers are yet to finalise the leading lady. Katrina, having churned out hits with Akshay in the past, is one of the frontrunners. However, Ishaqzaade actor Parineeti Chopra is also in the running, because she fits the character description well. Sonakshi Sinha’s name is also doing the rounds.

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Also in the offing
Director Sabbir Khan’s film may not have an established male lead. But his film has garnered attention for the latest star kid debutant, Tiger Shroff (son of Jackie Shroff). The initial female lead suggested was Suneil Shetty’s daughter, Athiya. Later, south star Tamannah’s (who makes her Bollywood debut with the Ajay Devgn-starrer Himmatwala) name entered the fray.