Heroine (2012 film)

Heroine (pronounced [ˈɦiːɾoːɪn] in Hindi) is a 2012 Indian Hindi-language psychological drama. Madhur Bhandarkar wrote, directed, and co-produced it. The lead role of Mahi Arora—a film actress whose success is fading—is played by Kareena Kapoor. Arjun Rampal and Randeep Hooda appear in supporting parts. The film came out on 21 September 2012, which was also Kapoor’s 32nd birthday, and it played on approximately 1500-1600 screens. Critics gave it mixed-to-positive reviews, but Kapoor’s acting was highly praised and is often ranked among her best. She received a Best Actress nomination at the 58th Filmfare Awards for this role.

The story follows Mahi Arora, a famous actress, through a journalist’s report. She is described as unstable, troubled, lonely, and suffering from childhood trauma and bipolar disorder. In flashback, she is in a relationship with leading actor Aryan Khanna, who is divorcing his wife. They make a sex tape together. When Mahi sees Aryan filming an intimate scene, she causes a disturbance on set, upsetting him. They make up, but Aryan’s wife repeatedly insults her. After a party, Aryan throws Mahi out of the car when she brings up his wife. Realizing her place, Mahi falls into depression, and her career declines. A friend convinces her to move on and return to the industry. She hires publicist Pallavi, who uses sensational tactics to rebuild her image. Mahi begins a relationship with cricketer Angad Paul. Her life stabilizes, and she uses Angad’s connections to land a role in a big-budget film. The lead actor, Abbas Khan, a married playboy, tries to start an affair with her. She refuses, and he retaliates by having the film re-edited to focus on him and an item girl. Though the film succeeds, Mahi is unhappy. She works for months on a low-budget art film to prove her skills. Angad proposes, but she wants to focus on careers, ending their relationship. The art film is never finished, and Mahi falls into depression again. She is denied adoption due to her history of alcoholism and psychiatric issues. Unable to get big-budget roles, she takes a low-budget film with newcomers. At a wedding, she meets Aryan again, who apologizes. They rekindle their relationship. He wants her to star in a big-budget film with him, but the director hesitates because she has lost her appeal. Mahi becomes obsessed with losing the role to another actress.