While Bollywood spotlights Alia Bhatt, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, and Deepika Padukone, another name is quietly rising Monika Panwar. After her chilling act in Khauf, she has once again impressed audiences with Nishaanchi.
In Anurag Kashyap’s Nishaanchi, Monika plays a woman whose journey spans from her early twenties to her mid-fifties. The performance has drawn wide praise for its emotional depth and realism. Yet, behind the acclaim lies Monika’s fear of being typecast.
Speaking in a recent interview, she admitted she worries viewers might now see her only as a mother figure. She shared that while Kashyap had full faith in her, Amazon’s team wasn’t convinced until she cleared three detailed prosthetic screen tests.
Monika Panwar said it took confidence and courage to accept such a demanding part so early in her career. But she fears success might limit her choices, as the industry often boxes women into repetitive roles after one strong performance.
She’s not alone. Tamannaah Bhatia was stereotyped after her hit dance numbers, and Triptii Dimri faced similar typecasting after Animal, where her looks overshadowed her acting. Monika doesn’t want to meet the same fate.
Bollywood’s short memory for female talent remains a harsh reality. Many actresses see their opportunities shrink once they pass their so-called “prime.” For Monika, avoiding the label of a “mother actor” is vital to keeping her range alive.
Fans, however, have noticed her brilliance. They admire her versatility and believe she could become one of the next big names in Indian cinema. With her blend of talent and screen presence, Monika Panwar may just be the fresh spark Bollywood needs.
