Mumbai: Actor Shefali Shah has spoken candidly about gender bias in the Hindi film industry, calling out the unequal age norms applied to male and female actors and the scrutiny women face for setting professional boundaries, especially around working hours.
Criticism over age-gap casting reignites debate
The debate around gender disparity in Bollywood has resurfaced following the success of Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh (40), which has performed strongly at the box office. However, the film also drew criticism for casting him opposite 20-year-old actor Sara Arjun, reviving long-standing concerns about age gaps and representation in mainstream cinema.
Weighing in on the issue, Shefali Shah, known for her acclaimed performances across films and web series, said such casting choices reflect entrenched industry norms that favour men while limiting women’s careers.
“Hero can be any age, heroine cannot”
Speaking in an interview, Shah said the industry still operates on a rigid framework. “It should not be the norm, but sadly, our industry is about ‘hero, heroine, villain’. The hero can be whatever age, but the heroine has to be between 18 and 25. That is very important. She can’t age. She has a shelf life,” she said.
Drawing from her own experience, Shah recalled playing the mother of Akshay Kumar in Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005), despite being younger than him in real life. She said she took on the role because acting is about portraying different people and life stages, but acknowledged that such flexibility is rarely extended to women.
“There I went and played a character which was much older than me. Age was just a part of the role. But sadly, it doesn’t work like that for women in this industry,” she added.
Gender bias extends beyond casting
Shah pointed out that age bias is only one aspect of a larger problem. According to her, gender inequality also shapes how professional choices by women are perceived, especially when it comes to work-life balance.
Referring to the ongoing discussion around fixed working hours for female actors, Shah said men have long exercised similar choices without public debate. “I know for a fact that there are a lot of male actors who choose to take two to three months off during summer when their kids have holidays. They clearly say they will not work during that time, and that’s considered great,” she said.
She questioned why similar requests from women suddenly become controversial. “Nobody ever talks about men doing this. Suddenly it has become a big deal because a woman said that I want certain work hours,” Shah said.
“Why is it even a conversation?”
Emphasising personal choice, the actor said decisions around working hours or conditions should not be sensationalised. “It’s an individual’s choice and requirement. Nobody is forcing a producer to cast them. So why is it even a conversation?” she asked.
Shah firmly stated that if a male actor had made the same demand, it would not have attracted public attention. “If a man would have said this, it wouldn’t even have come out,” she added.
A broader industry reflection
Shefali Shah’s comments come at a time when Bollywood is increasingly being scrutinised for its portrayal of women, ageism, and workplace practices. While conversations around inclusivity and fairness have gained momentum, Shah’s remarks underline how deeply ingrained gender norms continue to influence casting decisions and professional expectations.
Conclusion
By highlighting her own experiences and calling out unequal standards, Shefali Shah has added a powerful voice to the ongoing debate on gender bias in Hindi cinema. Her remarks serve as a reminder that meaningful change will require the industry to question long-held assumptions about age, gender, and autonomy — both on screen and off it.