What is Shefali Shah's stance on ageism in Bollywood?

Shefali Shah believes Bollywood unfairly expects female actors to remain young, typically between 18 and 25, while male actors do not face the same age restrictions.

How does gender bias affect work hours in Bollywood?

Shefali Shah argues that discussions about women requesting specific work hours are often controversial, unlike similar requests from male actors.

Did Shefali Shah play a role older than her age?

Yes, Shefali Shah played Akshay Kumar's mother in 'Waqt: The Race Against Time' (2005), a character older than her real age.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bollywood's Ageism: Shah Calls Out Double Standards

Bollywood's Ageism: Shah Calls Out Double Standards

19 Dec

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Summary

Female actors face ageism and unequal standards in Hindi film.
Shefali Shah highlights industry norms for heroines aged 18-25.
Gender bias impacts discussions on work hours for female actors.

Bollywood's Ageism: Shah Calls Out Double Standards

Actress Shefali Shah has brought attention to the persistent gender norms and ageism prevalent in the Hindi film industry. She stated that while male actors can age onscreen, female actors are largely confined to a narrow age bracket of 18 to 25, limiting their career longevity. Shah recounted her own experience playing an older character, noting that such roles are an exception rather than the rule for women.

Furthermore, Shah addressed the debate surrounding fixed working hours for female actors, attributing the controversy to underlying gender bias. She contrasted this with male actors who can take extended breaks without public scrutiny. Shah emphasized that requests for specific work hours should be treated as personal choices, not as subjects of public debate.

Shah's candid remarks underscore a critical need for more equitable conversations within Bollywood regarding age, gender, and professional working conditions. Her statements aim to challenge the industry's traditional framework and advocate for a more balanced approach to the careers of its female artists.