Bollywood’s known for shooting some stars way up high, but then, poof, they’re gone. Fans are left scratching their heads, wondering what happened. Some folks picked family over fame, while others just kind of faded out because they didn’t get the right breaks, had stuff going on in their lives, or simply wanted some peace and quiet. So, let’s take a look at some big names who left Bollywood and see what they’re up to these days.
10. Imran Khan: The Chocolate Boy Who Flew Away
With Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008), Imran Khan rose to fame and won over audiences with his boy-next-door charm. After a series of failures, he quietly retired from acting in 2015. He followed it up with hits like Delhi Belly and I Hate Luv Stories.
Now, where is he?
Imran started writing scripts and directing. He disclosed on Instagram in 2023 that his decision to stop making movies was influenced by his mental health issues. He did, however, also allude to a potential return by stating that he is actively reading scripts and improving himself. Supporters are looking to this once-promising star for a new beginning.
9. Preity Zinta: The Dimpled Queen’s Next Act
Back in the 2000s, Preity Zinta was everywhere, lighting up the big screen in movies like Kal Ho Naa Ho, Veer-Zaara, and Dil Chahta Hai. Then, after 2008, she sort of disappeared from the movie scene.
So, what’s she up to these days?
Well, Preity tied the knot with Gene Goodenough in 2016 and made Los Angeles her new home. She also became part-owner of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team and took a leap into the business world. She did pop up again in Bhaiaji Superhit (2018), but who knows if she’ll make a full-on return to Bollywood?
8. Uday Chopra – The Dhoom Dude Who Vanished
Uday Chopra, who played Ali in the Dhoom flicks, didn’t exactly hit it big as a lead actor. You might remember him from rom-coms like Neal ‘n’ Nikki, but those movies didn’t do so well, and he sort of faded away.
So, where’d he go?
Uday switched gears to production and is now handling international stuff for YRF’s Hollywood branch. Word is, he’s dealt with depression, which he’s been open about before. He’s not planning any acting comebacks, but he’s still involved in the movie biz, just behind the camera.
7. Tanushree Dutta: An Audacious Voice That Silenced
Tanushree Dutta performed in several glamorous roles after making her debut in Aashiq Banaya Aapne (2005). But in or around 2010, she disappeared from view. She made headlines in 2018 when she accused Nana Patekar of harassment on set, igniting the #MeToo movement in India.
Now, where is she?
Although Tanushree resides in the United States, she occasionally travels to India. She speaks out about social issues and is active on social media. Although she has made references to a potential return, no specific projects have yet to come to fruition.
6. Jugal Hansraj: From Adorable Kid to Behind the Scenes
Remember Jugal Hansraj from Masoom back in ’83? He was that cute kid! Then, years later, he played a lover boy in Mohabbatein. Even though he was full of charm, his movie career didn’t really skyrocket.
So, what’s he doing these days?
Jugal packed his bags and headed to New York. Now, he’s doing work for Dharma Productions overseas. He even wrote a book for kids and directed some movies. He’s still friends with his Bollywood buddies, but he doesn’t seem to miss being in front of the camera.
5. Asin Thottumkal: From Blockbusters to Motherhood
Asin used to be a well-known actor who starred in Bollywood blockbusters like Ready, Housefull 2, and Ghajini. However, she stopped making movies entirely after getting married to Rahul Sharma, a co-founder of Micromax, in 2016.
Now, where is she?
With her husband and daughter, Asin now leads a private life in Delhi. She hasn’t indicated that she plans to go back to acting, but she does occasionally share updates about her family on Instagram.
4. Ayesha Takia – The Sweetheart Who Left the Stage
Back in the 2000s, Ayesha Takia was everyone’s darling. She kicked things off with “Tarzan: The Wonder Car” and then won us over in movies like “Socha Na Tha,” “Dor,” and “Wanted” (with Salman Khan in 2009). With those eyes and that natural appeal, she just clicked with fans.
So, where’d she go?
After marrying Farhan Azmi, who owns restaurants, back in 2009, Ayesha gradually said goodbye to the movie world. Since then, she’s been all about family and being a mom. You might see her name pop up now and then because of how much she’s changed or something she posted online, but for the most part, she’s living a chill, private life. Ayesha made hints about potentially going back to acting in 2021 through OTT projects, but no formal announcements have been made since. But her supporters don’t give up.
3. Zayed Khan – What Happened to This Stylish Star?
Zayed Khan, Sanjay Khan’s son, kicked things off with Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne and then really got noticed in Main Hoon Na (2004). He was in a bunch of movies with big casts and lots of action, but he never really found his thing.
So, where’d he go?
After a string of movies that didn’t do so great and fewer roles coming his way, Zayed took a break from Bollywood. He started producing TV shows and hung out with his family. Lately, he’s been getting in shape and changing up how he looks. Thinking About a Comeback?
Yep! Zayed said in 2023 he’s getting ready to jump back in, mostly with shows you can stream and roles that fit where he’s at now. He’s been posting stuff online, suggesting some cool stuff is coming up.
2. Meenakshi Seshadri: The Chic Diva Who Put Family Before Stardom
One of the most elegant and formidable actresses of the 1980s and 1990s, Meenakshi Seshadri is well-known for her iconic roles in Damini, Hero, and Ghayal. She abruptly and shockingly left Bollywood.
Now, where is she?
Following her marriage to investment banker Harish Mysore, Meenakshi relocated to the US. She moved to Texas, where she maintains a tranquil family life and operates a dance school. She was rarely seen at public gatherings, but she made a brief appearance in interviews in 2020 to thank her career. Plans to Return? She has stated that she is open to performing once more, but only if the part aligns with her values and stage of life. Nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
1. Fardeen Khan: What Happened to That Great Smile?
Fardeen Khan, Feroz Khan’s son, was doing well in movies like No Entry, Jungle, and Heyy Babyy. But by the early 2010s, he kind of vanished because he was dealing with some stuff and movies were changing.
So, where’d he go?
Fardeen has been through the wringer, especially with the loss of his father. He also faced criticism about his weight. But he bounced back in 2021, looking fantastic! Is he making a return? Absolutely! He’s wrapped up filming Visfot and has other projects lined up. The excitement is building, and he’s one of the top comebacks people are eager to see.
Also Read… 7 Bollywood Celebs Who Absolutely Owned Their Debut Roles
Final Thoughts
Even though many Bollywood celebrities left the spotlight for personal or professional reasons, their influence endures. Comebacks are now more feasible than ever thanks to developing platforms like OTT. These actors will always have a particular place in the hearts of fans and in Bollywood’s enduring legacy, whether they return or not.
Written by Nidhi Singh