Triptii Dimri's move from indie to massy films shows the flipside of fame

Tripti Dimri captivated critics and cinephiles with her haunting performances in films like ‘Bulbbul’ and ‘Qala’.

In these roles, she brought emotional depth, subtlety and a fresh screen presence that made her a standout in India’s growing arthouse film scene. Despite rave reviews from film insiders, her work largely flew under the radar for general audiences.

But everything changed when she stepped into the mainstream spotlight. Her supporting role in ‘Animal’ and upcoming lead in’ Bad Newz’ catapulted her into public attention and with it, came an unexpected wave of backlash.

Why was she celebrated then, but criticized now?

This sharp contrast raises a bigger question: why is an actor applauded for their work in indie films, but criticized for entering commercial cinema? When Dimri took on quieter, artistic roles, she was overlooked by the masses. Now that she’s reaching a wider audience as any actor with career ambitions would, she’s suddenly under a microscope.

The criticism ranges from questioning her film choices to speculation about her personal life, overshadowing her craft. Is this simply the price of fame, or is there something deeper at play?

Is mainstream success seen as betrayal?

There seems to be an unspoken belief that actors who rise through independent cinema owe their allegiance to it forever. Any deviation toward massy, commercial projects is perceived by some as a betrayal of ‘true’ art. But the reality is more nuanced.

Actors like anyone else, want to evolve, expand their reach, and secure their livelihood. Commercial cinema provides opportunities, visibility and resources that indie films often cannot find.

Tripti Dimri isn’t abandoning her craft; she’s navigating a space that allows her to remain relevant in an industry that demands visibility to survive.

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A woman’s ambition still makes people uncomfortable

Another layer to this conversation is gender. Would the same judgment apply if a male actor made similar career choices? There’s a persistent discomfort with ambitious women who shift gears or aim higher, especially in a space as public and opinionated as Bollywood. Dimri’s transition into mainstream cinema seems to have struck a nerve, not because of her acting, but because of what her ambition represents.

So, what do audiences really want?

Tripti Dimri’s journey sparks a necessary conversation: Do we, as audiences, truly support good storytelling or are we more comfortable with curated stardom and fixed roles for our actors?

In chasing authenticity, let’s not box our artists into categories they’ve outgrown. Perhaps the better question to ask is are we ready to let women define success on their own terms?