Niharika to Alia Bhatt: Queens Onscreen, Producers Offscreen!

Gone are the days when leading ladies only limited themselves to glamorous roles and film promotions. Today’s actresses are rewriting the rules, not just on-screen but off-screen too. From choosing powerful scripts to backing fresh talent, several Tollywood and Bollywood heroines are donning the producer’s hat and taking charge of storytelling on their own terms.

Tollywood Beauties Leading the Charge

Charmme Kaur was one of the first to break the mold. From being a bubbly heroine to becoming a key force behind iSmart Shankar and now Double iSmart, she has shown what it means to back massy entertainers with confidence.

Niharika Konidela, who initially faced skepticism when she announced her first film The Committee Guys, proved her mettle with its success. Her production house Pink Elephant Pictures is now gearing up for its second venture, directed by Manasa Sharma and starring Mad fame Sangeet Shobhan. Niharika continues to juggle both acting and producing with passion.

Lakshmi Manchu, another dynamic name in the South, has already produced multiple films like Sri, Nenu Meeku Telusa?, and Dongaata. She’s known for backing unique stories and giving opportunities to new talent.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu is set to make her mark as a producer with Shubham under the banner Tralala Moving Pictures. She’s clear about one thing — she’ll produce only if the story speaks to her. If this film succeeds, it’s yet another feather in her cap as she explores new territories in cinema.

Meanwhile, Nayanthara, already a top star, is continuing her production journey with Rowdy Pictures. Whether it’s producing her own films or collaborating with her husband-director Vignesh Shivan, she has created a space where quality storytelling meets star power.

Bollywood Stars Not Far Behind

This trend is catching fire across industries. In Bollywood, Anushka Sharma has been producing under Clean Slate Filmz with hits like NH10 and Bulbbul. Priyanka Chopra is making global moves with Purple Pebble Pictures, while Kangana Ranaut is hands-on not just as a producer but also as a director.

Kriti Sanon recently launched her production house and is backing Do Patti, a female-led thriller. Alia Bhatt’s Eternal Sunshine Productions kicked off with the well-received Darlings, co-produced with Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies. Deepika Padukone too started producing in 2020 with Chhapaak, taking on projects that align with her values.

The New Era of Women in Cinema

This wave of actress-producers marks a powerful shift. They are not just faces on posters anymore — they’re decision-makers shaping the content we watch. From Tollywood to Bollywood, these women are proving that they can lead both in front of the camera and behind it.

And honestly, this is just the beginning.