Waheeda Rehman's Limited Roles

Veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah, known for her candidness, recently shared her views on the state of senior actresses in the Indian film industry. While promoting her upcoming film “Dhak Dhak,” she expressed her admiration for international actresses like Meryl Streep and Helen Mirren, suggesting that they continue to thrive in their careers well into their senior years, and she believes she can do the same.

Shah went on to express her disappointment at the treatment of the legendary actress Waheeda Rehman. She questioned why Rehman, at 85 years old, is predominantly offered awards rather than meaningful roles that match her acting prowess. Shah passionately advocated for providing Rehman with substantial roles, emphasizing her immense talent and the need for more substantial opportunities.

Ratna Pathak Shah also delved into the issue of ageism in the film industry, particularly for female actors. She remarked that the scarcity of roles for senior actresses in India has led her to realize the unjust notion that acting has a limited shelf life for women. She shared her personal journey in accepting the changes in her appearance and body, expressing the need for acceptance and challenging stereotypes.

In a thought-provoking interview with Film Companion, Ratna Pathak Shah addressed critical issues surrounding the treatment of senior actresses like Waheeda Rehman and the societal pressures related to aging in the acting profession.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Koimoi