Veteran actor Zarina Wahab has sparked fresh discussion about the changing nature of Indian cinema after candidly explaining why she is increasingly gravitating towards South Indian films, particularly Telugu cinema, over Bollywood.

Speaking to the media on Monday while promoting her upcoming Telugu release The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, Zarina said the decision stems from a noticeable absence of family-oriented storytelling in Hindi films.

Zarina, who has been part of the film industry for over four decades, revealed that she is often questioned in Mumbai about her growing presence in Telugu cinema. Her response, she said, is simple and honest.

“People in Bombay ask me, why are you doing Telugu films? Hindi films main family mar gayi hai. There’s no family. Sirf South mai family abhi bhi zinda hai (The concept of family has died in Hindi; it’s only alive in the South),” she remarked, adding that South Indian industries continue to produce stories that entire families can watch together.

According to the actor, this emotional connection is what draws her to Telugu films today.

Zarina also shared that many people are unaware of her roots in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, and her strong command over the Telugu language. “I am from Andhra, so I can speak good Telugu, much better than anybody else. Everybody kept asking me why I wasn’t working in Telugu films. I've worked in a few, but this film is bringing me more fame,” she said.

After appearing in a handful of Telugu projects earlier in her career, Zarina made a notable return with Virata Parvam (2020), followed by Devara: Part 1 in 2024. She confirmed that she is currently working on two to three more Telugu films, signalling a clear shift in her professional focus.

Despite her comments, Zarina was quick to clarify that she holds no bitterness towards Hindi cinema. She credited Bollywood for her long and successful career, saying she remains deeply thankful to the industry that shaped her journey.

“I am very thankful to the Telugu industry now, and I was very, very thankful to the Hindi industry also,” she said, emphasising that her choices are driven by evolving storytelling, not loyalty to one language over another.

Zarina Wahab will next be seen in The Raja Saab, a Sankranthi release scheduled to hit theatres on January 9. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Sanjay Dutt, Boman Irani, Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan and Riddhi Kumar.