Indian cinema has long been dominated by male stars, with a few female-led hits like Mother India and Pakeezah. However, in recent years, actresses like Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut have led films into the Rs 100-crore club. Yet, globally, one film led by a 16-year-old outshines them all and it is none other than Zaira Wasim!
Advait Chandan’s 2017 film ‘Secret Superstar‘ told the inspiring story of a young singer battling her strict father. The movie starred Zaira Wasim, in her second film after Dangal, and her first leading role. Alongside her were Raj Arjun, Meher Vij, Tirth Sharma, and Aamir Khan in a cameo. With a budget of just Rs 15 crore, the film earned Rs 64 crore net (Rs 90 crore gross) in India, making it a big success.
Secret Superstar became a massive hit in China, earning $124 million (Rs 750 crore), turning it into one of the biggest successes in Indian cinema. With an additional Rs 65 crore from Hong Kong and other foreign markets, the film’s global earnings reached Rs 905 crore, making it the highest-grossing woman-led film produced in India.
No Indian film led by a woman has earned as much as Secret Superstar, which made Rs 905 crore globally. In second place is Adah Sharma’s The Kerala Story, which grossed Rs 304 crore worldwide. Kangana Ranaut has two films in the top 10: Tanu Weds Manu Returns (Rs 255 crore) and Manikarnika (Rs 133 crore). Alia Bhatt appears three times, with Gangubai Kathiawadi (Rs 212 crore), Raazi (Rs 196 crore), and Dear Zindagi (Rs 135 crore). Other notable films include Rani Mukerji’s Hichki (Rs 208 crore), Crew starring Kriti Sanon, Kareena Kapoor, and Tabu (Rs 157 crore), and Veere Di Wedding with Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor (Rs 139 crore).
