The year 2024 delivered numerous cinematic surprises for Bollywood fans, with films like Kill and Laapataa Ladies becoming unexpected hits, while sequels such as Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Stree 2 continued their successful streak. Pushpa 2 further heightened the excitement at the box office. However, despite these successes, the absence of several leading Bollywood stars from the silver screen was deeply felt.
Anushka Sharma, known for her stellar performances in hits like PK and Band Baaja Baaraat, has been off the big screen since Zero (2018). While her biopic on cricketer Jhulan Goswami, Chakda Xpress, has been filmed, its release date remains under wraps. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan last appeared in 2023’s Ponniyin Selvan 2, earning acclaim for her role. Fans are eagerly awaiting her next project.
Aamir Khan, after his 2022 release Laal Singh Chaddha, made headlines in 2024 as the producer of Laapataa Ladies. His next venture, Sitaare Zameen Par, has been announced, sparking anticipation among cinephiles. Similarly, Salman Khan, synonymous with Eid blockbusters, had no releases this year. Fans are now looking forward to Sikandar in 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan, who delivered hits like Pathaan and Jawan in 2023, was absent from 2024 releases but is set to collaborate with his daughter Suhana in King. Ayushmann Khurrana, after the success of Dream Girl 2, is working on the horror-comedy Thama.
Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh also remained off the radar in 2024. Ranbir is focusing on major projects like Ramayan Part 1 and Love and War, set to release in 2026. Meanwhile, Ranveer, following his success in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, is preparing for Dhurandhar, scheduled for a 2025 release.
Though their absence was felt, these stars have promising projects lined up, ensuring an exciting future for Bollywood fans.
