Bollywood produces numerous films a year and a few actors apart - whose films release almost every year -others are either too selective about their work or don't have meaty film offers coming their way. Whatever the reason, they have to wait until the right opportunity comes their way.
Take Imran Khan for instance, after receiving much criticism for his performance in his last release, 'Gori Tere Pyaar Mein', the actor decided to take it slow and didn't sign a new film for a long time. In the meanwhile, he was blessed with a baby girl, Imara, and decided to be by his wife's side. Finally, after completing paternity leave, he agreed to do Nikhil Advani's 'Katti Batti' opposite Kangana.
hitlist takes a look at actors who are returning on the silver screen this year after a hiatus:
Kajol
Last release: 'My Name Is Khan' (2010)
Next project: 'Dilwale'
Lowdown: Kajol has been very selective about films post marriage. It took her five years to sign her next project, 'Dilwale', in which she is paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan. Reportedly, the actress was initially supposed star in Ram Madhvani's adaptation of Danish television show, 'Penoza', however, she opted out of the project due to financial issues. Husband, Ajay Devgn was apparently supposed to produce the film. Finally, it took Rohit Shetty to re-unite the hit pair of Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan on screen.
Asin
Last release: 'Khiladi 786' (2012)
Next project: 'All Is Well'
Lowdown: Asin worked in a number with several A-listers such as Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar post her Bollywood debut in 'Ghajini' (2008). However, Asin has been missing in action from the past three years. Her upcoming film opposite Abhishek Bachchan too has been delayed. Presently, the actress hasn't taken up any other project.
John Abraham
Last release: 'Madras Cafe' (2013)
Next project: 'Welcome Back'
Lowdown: His last release 'Madras Cafe', directed by Shoojit Sircar, earned immense critical acclaim. Post the film, the actor took a break from work and announced his wedding to investment banker, Priya Runchal. Reportedly, the actor had many films in his kitty, which kept him busy during these years. John maintains that he 'prefers' to be out of sight and likes to talk only when he has something to talk about.
Amit Sadh
Last release: 'Kai Po Che' (2013)
Next project: 'Guddu Rangeela'
Lowdown: Although Amit has been a part of few films in the past, he shot to limelight two years ago in Abhishek Kapoor's, 'Kai Po Che'. The film was based on Chetan Bhagat's Three Mistakes of My Life and also starred Sushant Singh Rajput and Rajkummar Rao in lead roles. The flick went on to do decently well at the box-office and Amit garnered praise for the portrayal of the vulnerable Omi. Post the project, the actor signed a couple of films including 'Guddu Rangeela', however, a leg injury caused delay of his projects.
Sunny Deol
Last project: 'Singh Saab The Great' (2013)
Next project: 'Ghayal Once Again'
Lowdown: Sunny Deol has never been known for doing multiple films simultaneously. Presently too, he is only working on his upcoming film, 'Ghayal Once Again'. After his last release in 2013, which didn't do well at the box-office, the actor appeared in a brief role in 'Dishkiyaoon' - he replaced Sanjay Dutt in the film after the latter had to complete jail sentence.