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Dia Mirza Questions Ageism in Bollywood
3 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Actress questions why women disappear from screens as they age.
- Older women are rarely cast as romantic leads opposite younger men.
- Industry struggles to see older women as desirable or central.
- Mirza advocates for women's right to age with visibility and dignity.
Actress Dia Mirza has voiced concerns about the prevalent ageism and gender inequality within the film industry, particularly questioning the disappearing visibility of older women on screen. She observes that while men are often celebrated as they age, women face a stark contrast, becoming less prominent and desirable in casting choices.
Mirza pointed out the double standard in romantic pairings, where older male actors are frequently cast opposite much younger actresses, a scenario rarely reversed for older women. She elaborated that the industry's discomfort with visible ageing in women limits their opportunities for complex and central roles, effectively denying them the right to age with dignity and visibility.
Reflecting on the 'power years,' Mirza asserted that women over 40 possess self-awareness and agency, rejecting external judgment on their relevance or career timelines. She firmly believes that individuals, not industry norms, should define their peak and narrative conclusion, advocating for a more inclusive representation of women's experiences as they mature.
