Indian cinema has two faces and both try to antagonize each other postures a tough face over their respective perceptions about the idea implied as 'true cinema'.  

The antagonist side argues that a true cinema is the one depicting life of the masses in a true sense; not like the one as shown by the commercial flicks.  

There are few best actresses in the Indian cinema through out the changing generations and each of them anguished for a commercial recognition at Pan India level. 

Actresses of yester years Shabana Azmi, Smitha Patil, Rohini Hattangadi etc. revolving around various tasks with different directors in the Parallel Movie segments. 

Most of them had neither little nor no major breakthrough in mainstream films, since the possibility of accommodating them with in the realm of such movies as thought 'limited.' 

However, many popular actors and actresses were successful while doing in reverse, for example Sharmila Tagore was favored by 'Maestro' of Indian films Satyjit Ray for his films.

Intriguingly, some of them performed well in regional films too; to say Nandita Das roles in Tamil films, in particular.  

 Recently Raima Sen has said that she is tired of serious cinema and likes to have some fun and act par with age.

Actors like Sanjeev Kumar, even Amitabh has done similar roles in serious films. Especially Amitabh paired with Hrikesh Mukerjee for several of such films. These genres are addressing for popular as well as serious audience, critically acclaimed.  

Current trends slightly changes towards 'story-full' or fleshy one to woo across the audience. Even films like 'Black' won accolades internationally and at box office too.  

Actors too willing to change their image not to restricted with in any commercial or serious face.