Zarina Wahab, a seasoned actor with a career spanning over four decades, recently shared insights about her foray into Telugu cinema while promoting her upcoming film, The Raja Saab. During the press event, she addressed questions from those in Mumbai regarding her decision to work in regional films, highlighting a notable shift in the industry landscape.
Born in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Wahab noted that her connection to the region has enabled her to speak Telugu fluently, a skill that she believes makes her stand out. “I’ve worked in the industry for more than 40 years. I can speak good Telugu, much better than anybody else,” she stated. Despite her previous work in Telugu films, she feels that her current project is gaining her significant recognition.
Wahab expressed frustration over the perception of Telugu cinema among her colleagues in Bollywood. She recounted conversations in which people would ask her why she was choosing to act in Telugu films, remarking, “People in Bombay ask me, why are you doing Telugu films? Hindi films main family mar gayi hai. There’s no family. Sirf South mai family abhi bhi zinda hai.” She emphasized that family-oriented plots still resonate deeply with audiences in the South.
While acknowledging the contributions of Bollywood to her successful career, Wahab expressed her gratitude to the Telugu film industry, stating, “I am very thankful to the Telugu industry now, and I was very, very thankful to the Hindi industry also.” Her comments reflect a balanced appreciation of both regional and national cinema.
In recent years, Wahab has made a notable comeback to Telugu films, acting in projects like Virata Paravam alongside Rana Daggubati and Sai Pallavi, as well as the highly anticipated Devara: Part 1 featuring Jr NTR. Her upcoming film, The Raja Saab, is set to be released on January 9, coinciding with the Sankranthi festival, and features a talented ensemble cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar.
As she continues to bridge her career between different film industries, Wahab’s perspective sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema, particularly in terms of storytelling and the themes that resonate with audiences.