Mona Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, has recently voiced her concerns regarding the prevalent double standards in Bollywood concerning the ages of male and female actors. Singh, known for her roles in "Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin" and "3 Idiots", didn't mince words when addressing the disparity in how the industry views male and female actors as they age.

In a recent interview, Singh pointed out the stark contrast in the opportunities available to older male actors compared to their female counterparts. She highlighted the fact that men in their 60s often continue to play romantic leads, while women are perceived to have an "expiry date". This, according to Singh, is a deeply ingrained issue within the Indian film industry.

Singh's comments reflect a growing sentiment within the industry and among audiences, where ageism and sexism are increasingly being called out. The lack of substantial roles for older women in Bollywood has been a topic of discussion for years, with many actresses speaking out about the limited opportunities available to them once they cross a certain age.

Mona Singh herself has previously spoken about experiencing ageism in Bollywood. In an interview with India Today in July 2024, she revealed that she faced difficulty finding roles in her mid-30s. "It happened in my 30s," Singh said, recalling how she took a hiatus from television to explore theatre and challenge herself as an actor. "There was a gap, because I wasn't doing TV as I wanted to challenge myself as an actor...That was the time when there was this lull, and it made me wonder 'Is that really happening with me? I am not getting roles because I am 34-35',".

However, Singh has also acknowledged that the rise of OTT platforms has brought about positive changes. The digital medium, she notes, has led to bolder and more creative storytelling, with a greater variety of roles for actors of all ages. Singh observed that characters are becoming more nuanced, allowing actors to explore grey shades without being judged.

Despite the challenges, Singh has remained steadfast in her career aspirations. She expressed her desire to take on roles that push her acting abilities, such as playing a cop or doing action scenes. Singh emphasizes the importance of choosing projects that resonate with her and offer a meaningful impact.

Mona Singh is set to appear in the second season of Netflix's "Kohrra", where she will be playing the challenging role of a cop investigating a murder while grappling with personal tragedy. Singh has also expressed that she has never cared about her on-screen age. She finds it strange that male actors can play love interests in their 60s while women are seen to have an expiration date.

Singh's willingness to take on diverse roles, regardless of age, reflects her confidence and commitment to her craft. In addition to "Kohrra," Mona Singh's recent work includes the film "Munjya". Her upcoming projects include "Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos" and "Border 2".