70mm warms up to 30+

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While Madhuri Dikshit’s Aaja Nachle failed to attract audiences to the theatre

There was a time when Bollywood actresses could find work only up to a certain age. Once they crossed 30, the queue of directors and casting agents outside their house would thin down. But the trend has now changed for the better. Today, scripts are especially being written for Rani Mukerji, Karisma Kapoor, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit, all into their 30s and 40s.

Many see it as a good trend in Bollywood, and appreciate the effort of the directors who create special roles for older actresses. “Of course it is a positive trend. Now directors are making movies for actresses across all ages, and this way, many seasoned actresses are getting to play better characters than what a 30-year-old would play earlier. Somewhere, it also highlights the fact that casting options are increasing each day,” says Abhishek Chaubey, director of Ishqiya which had Vidya Balan as the lead.
The 80s and 90s saw the careers of many actresses dwindle despite the early success and huge fan following they had. Neelam Kothari, Kimi Katkar and Mandakini could not find work once they touched 30. But today Vidya Balan, Kareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra are considered to be the powerhouse of talent though they are 30. “Actresses in their 30s are much more mature, talented and groomed as they cross all the learning process. They look even more beautiful and know the tricks of the trade better. Look at the world cinema; much older Hollywood actresses have given unbelievable performances. I believe this is the time when you get good work,” says Bengali actress Rituparna Sengupta, 40, referring to her age and that of her contemporaries. “Women have come of age and proved that this is no longer the men’s world. Unlike olden times, we are getting best of work and are confident enough to take up bigger challenges,” adds Rituparna.
Today, the audience is even willing to see the pairing of younger actor with an older actress. Ranbir Kapoor acted with Konkona Sen Sharma in Wake up Sid, Bipasha Basu was seen with Neil Nitin Mukesh in Aa Dekhe Zara and Kareena Kapoor was paired with Imran Khan in Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu. Asked if directors are comfortable with such pairing, Peepli Live director Anusha Rizvi said the age of an actress does not matter any longer. “If a director feels that this cast or pairing works, then it works. There can’t be any questions about it. Rather, it is great and actresses should be doing all kinds of roles,” says Anusha.
Still the struggle remains for some. Landing movie roles does not ensure success at the box office. Madhuri failed to make a super comeback through Aaja Nachle and Karisma Kapoor was not accepted in Dangerous Ishhq. “The picture is not as rosy as we believe it to be, but it is certainly better than what it was 10 years ago. Actresses do find good roles,” ends Abhishek.