The debate surrounding actors aging, both on and off screen, is a perennial topic. While male actors often continue to be paired with much younger actresses, the question arises whether female actors feel a similar pressure to halt the aging process in their personal lives.
Chitrangda Singh, who has maintained a consistent presence in the industry, recently shared her thoughts on this matter. Her casting opposite Salman Khan in the upcoming film ‘Battle of Galwan’ is being celebrated for its age appropriateness. When asked about the expectation for actresses to maintain a youthful appearance, Singh stated, “It exists for everybody. All said and done, it’s a visual medium. If you are playing a 70-year-old, you should look like it, and if you want to be cast as a 30-year-old, you have to be able to pull it off. That’s a practical way of looking at it.”
Singh believes that this perspective is fair from a producer’s standpoint and extends to male actors as well. She points out that actors like Akshay Kumar prioritize fitness and diet. However, she acknowledges a subtle difference: “There is more flexibility when a male actor’s character is written, as opposed to a woman’s character.” She clarifies that this isn’t necessarily bias, but rather a reflection of market dynamics, with male actors often driving films and revenue. Despite this, Singh highlights positive shifts, mentioning Kareena Kapoor Khan’s continued success and the increasing opportunities for actresses like Vidya Balan, who are getting substantial roles written for them.
Reflecting on the past, Singh notes the significant changes in the industry, liberating female actors from a perceived ‘shelf life’. She concludes by emphasizing the universal nature of this pressure: “Look at Nicole Kidman, Demi Moore, everybody is trying (to look young), you have to. At the end of the day, you are selling a story and it needs to be believable. Of course, actors face pressure in everything.”