What's age got to do with it? |  2008-08-18

The old and frumpy just don't make the cut anymore

Really, that is a very important question- for men and women both, especially men and women who are in the public eye.

Does it matter or does it not? Is our industry like Hollywood where an actor continues to work till his dying day and also looks while doing it-in designer clothes no less?


No, no, sadly it‘s not. It‘s quite surprising that Amitabh Bachchan is still working, and that too gets roles like ‘Nishabd‘ -where he looked quite good, in those blue shirts and jeans.

But more often than not, leaving aside the Amitabhs, and obviously the Waheeda Rehmans and the Rekhas, most of our actors fizzle out once they hit 40. Women fizzle out even earlier, may be 35.

Then they are confined to playing mother roles, or worse the older women who seduces the young one.


Haha, but that is the case with Bollywood.

It just ain‘t very old people friendly!

For instance let‘s take the example of Rani Mukerji. Wasn‘t she the best actress we have had in years?

But where is she now? Is her disappearance because of the wrinkles on her face?

Is it because she actually looks a bit dried out and jaded now?

And we all know Rani‘s fashion sense is next to nil. She doesn‘t know what to wear, and how to wear it.

No, I think Rani‘s expiry date has come and gone, and now she must be planning to get married and get over with it.


Much like Vidya Balan. It might be okay right now that you don‘t know how to dress, but in a bit, it will matter, because you will just get more outdated by the minute, and your dressing will get worse too.

This age syndrome also struck me when I saw ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno‘ that day. Finally, Yash Raj has a hit. You know why, because instead of casting people like Preity Zinta, Saif and Rani, they have gone with an entirely young cast, barring Bipasha of course.

But somehow Bips still has some years left. Mind you, not too many though. Because Bips looks quite wise beyond her years!

Anyways,the film was a hit because the young cast was fresh and appealing, and did I say young. Yes, the most important tidbit of the day, they were young. They were young and wow, did they dress well!

Deepika looks gorgeous in her maxi gowns and trendy dresses. She has a finger on the pulse of fashion.


Bips looks mature and extremely hot in all that she wears.

And Minisha looks charming and cute as a young girl.

So it‘s a proven fact that our industry doesn‘t respect the old too much. It‘s not their fault really, because in a way, the audience doesn‘t respect the old.

So if you don‘t want it, then you won‘t get it.

So Rani and Preity may be out, along with Salman and Shahrukh (yes, there time is almost here. Have you seen the horrible suits Salman wears)?


If we talk about the actresses, I think they don‘t have much choice. Because most roles written for them are either the mother‘s or some character role, which is not bad. But I think our stars have too much ego to fall for this trap.

I think Dimple is a good example of someone with great taste and charm. She looks lovely in her Saris and suits, and even the occasional pants. You can really see her in a completely new light.

I think Rani should learn from Dimple and try and look and act like her.

It would do her good. She could just be the next style icon.

Or even Rekha who looks absolutely stunning in her kanjeevaramans. Now that‘s what you call style.