Almost Famous

It was dream debut for actor Anushka Sharma: playing the love interest of actor Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, a Yash Raj Film. Her second stint saw her being paired with actor Shahid Kapoor followed by newcomer Ranveer Singh and, finally, Akshay Kumar in her latest release. Even though the Yash Raj protegee has had a successful run at the box-office from the start, she is not yet in the same league as her closest competitors, Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor.

Trade analyst Amod Mehra says that Anushka is a better actor than most others around. "Only after Band Baaja Baarat, did people sit up and take notice of her as an independent actor. In the latest Akshay Kumar starrer, she's the only redeeming factor. She is much ahead of Sonam and Deepika in terms of acting abilities, and just needs a couple of big films and her market value will shoot up."

A director, on the condition of anonymity, opines, "Sonam comes from a film family. Deepika picked up everything on her own, learning from her mistakes. Anushka is a fine actor, but will get her dues soon. At Yash Raj, actors are signed for a three-film deal, so she hasn't had the opportunity to sign films outside the banner." Anushka had dismissed competition earlier, saying, "I don't know why everyone keeps comparing me to Deepika and Sonam. Though I'm a part of the industry, I'm not aiming to be the top heroine, so it doesn't really matter at what number I am placed at. I am career oriented but audience appreciation is what matters to me."


Brand strategist Harish Bijoor says, "Sometimes even with one film the audience is convinced. Also, controversies and personal life add to an actor's brand equity. If you say something controversial on a chat show or have a break up, you are invariably grabbing eyeballs."
Source:DNA