In a candid discussion, Shefali Shah has once again brought the issue of ageism in Bollywood to the forefront, highlighting the disparate standards for male and female actors in the Hindi film industry. The acclaimed actress, known for her powerful performances, didn't mince words while pointing out the industry's skewed perception of age and its impact on the roles offered to women.

Shah emphasized how the industry often operates with the mindset that a "heroine has to only be between 18 to 25". She contrasted this with the more relaxed attitude towards the age of male actors, who can continue to play lead roles regardless of their age. "Hero has to be whatever number of years actually, but heroine has to only be between 18 to 25. That is very important. She can't age. She has a shelf life," Shah stated, underlining the limited opportunities for older female actors.

Shah's personal experiences mirror this sentiment. Early in her career, she played the role of Akshay Kumar's mother in "Waqt: The Race Against Time" (2005) when she was only 28, while Kumar was 32. She also portrayed older characters in the TV series "Hasratein" at the age of 20. Frustrated with being typecast in "aged" roles, Shah made a conscious decision to be selective about her projects. "After a point, I decided if I'm not getting the work that drives me crazy, I will sit at home," she explained.

The actress also acknowledged that there has been a shift in recent times, particularly with the rise of OTT platforms. She noted that shows like "Delhi Crime" have opened doors for women of all ages, offering them more substantial and diverse roles. She is "overjoyed" that older women are finally getting opportunities for good roles.

Shah isn't alone in her observations. Several other actresses, including Sonali Bendre and Dia Mirza, have spoken about the ageism prevalent in Bollywood. Bendre noted that male actors from the 1990s remain more popular than their female counterparts, while Mirza expressed that it is "liberating" to get the best parts now that she is in her 40s.

While there are no specific laws against age discrimination in India, the conversation around the issue is gaining momentum. Actresses like Shefali Shah are using their voices to challenge the existing norms and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry for women of all ages.