Sometimes, answers come not from strategy but from comfort. And for veteran actor Zarina Wahab that comfort today lies firmly in the South film industry. The veteran Bollywood actress who was in Mumbai for the Hindi version song launch of Nache Nache from The Raja Saab, spoke candidly about why she has been increasingly choosing Telugu cinema, even if it means playing mother roles to big stars.
Zarina Wahab About Working In South Cinema
While promoting The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas and slated for a 9th January 2026 Sankranthi release, Zarina revealed that people in Mumbai often question her career choices.
“People in Bombay ask me, why are you doing Telugu films? Hindi films main family mar gayi hai. Sirf South mai family abhi bhi zinda hai,” she said as per the report in Hindustan Times, explaining that family-oriented stories are now largely missing in Bollywood. According to Zarina Wahab South cinema still values relationships, emotions and stories that audiences can watch together.
Rooted in Andhra, Fluent in Telugu
What many don’t know, Zarina shared, is that she hails from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. “I’ve been working for more than 40 years. I am from Andhra so I can speak good Telugu much better than anybody else,” she said, adding that despite this, Telugu cinema is only now giving her widespread recognition.
She also clarified that while she’s grateful to the Telugu industry today, she remains equally thankful to Hindi cinema for sustaining her long career no matter what.
A Special Bond With Prabhas
In a throwback Lehren interview, Zarina spoke fondly about her co-star Prabhas. “Prabhas jaisa insaan dusra koi ho hi nahi sakta. Itna acha insaan hai yaar!” she said with warmth. She even shared a heartfelt wish: “Agle janam mein mujhe do bete chahiye — ek Prabhas aur ek Sooraj.”
After Virata Parvam and Devara: Part 1, The Raja Saab marks another key chapter for Zarina Wahab who proves that meaningful roles , no matter the age or industry, still matter most.
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source https://lehren.com/hindi-films-mein-family-mar-gayi-zarina-wahab-on-why-south-cinema-feel-like-home/
