Konkona: Female roles still scarce despite industry shifts

After 25 years in the film industry, versatile actress Konkona Sen Sharma has observed that securing substantial roles for women remains a challenge. While acknowledging some positive changes, particularly in smaller-budget and streaming productions, Sharma points out that mainstream cinema predominantly features male heroes. She noted in a recent interview that this trend is not new but has persisted for many years, with only a handful of non-formulaic films appearing annually.

Sharma credits streaming platforms and short films for creating opportunities for more nuanced female characters. However, she specifies that these roles are often for older actresses, with exceptions being rare. The actress is currently engaged in promoting 'Welcome to Khoya Mahal,' a new series she co-created. The show focuses on estranged half-siblings inheriting and managing a secluded heritage hotel, a plot that unearths hidden secrets within the property.