Evidently a front-runner among actors making it big in Bollywood without the nudge of a godfather, Bhumi Pednekar has been as particular about the films she zeroes in on as she has about the finesse of her act. It comes as no surprise then that the actor —who delivered films like Sonchiriya, Saandh Ki Aankh and Bala in the recent past — will no longer be wooed by roles that have her play second fiddle.

"I have done a certain amount of work, which has been of a certain quality. That's why I am a leading lady today," says the Pati Patni Aur Woh actor, without mincing words. "My definition of the leading lady could either be a [solo] act, or [as a co-actor] in a film that has two women in prominent roles. Today, writers and directors are willing to push the boundaries with their scripts. If I have become their go-to female actor, I will seek such roles."