Bollywood, like many film industries, has a long history of pairing older male actors with younger female actresses. This trend has sparked debate and discussion, particularly in recent years, as audiences become more aware of ageism and gender dynamics in the media. While some defend these pairings as simply part of storytelling, others criticize them for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and reinforcing patriarchal norms. Here are five examples where Bollywood stars have romanced younger actresses on screen, stirring conversation and raising eyebrows.
Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar: The upcoming film Sikandar has already generated buzz due to the pairing of Salman Khan, 59, with Rashmika Mandanna, 28. The 31-year age gap has been called "outdated" by some netizens, who feel that it perpetuates a problematic trend of older men romancing much younger women. Others defend the pairing, with Salman Khan himself reportedly stating that if the actress and her family are comfortable, the audience should not have a problem.
Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan in Nishabd: This 2007 film featured Amitabh Bachchan in a romantic role with Jiah Khan, who was 44 years his junior. The film, which explores a May-December romance, generated significant controversy due to the age difference between the lead actors. While the film aimed to challenge societal norms, it also sparked debate about the appropriateness of such pairings.
Rajinikanth and Sonakshi Sinha in Lingaa: The South Indian superstar Rajinikanth has also been part of films where he was paired with significantly younger actresses. In Lingaa, he starred opposite Sonakshi Sinha, who is 37 years younger than him. Such pairings are not unique to Bollywood and are prevalent in other regional film industries in India as well.
Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput: While not an on-screen pairing, the marriage of Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput, who has a 13-year age gap, is often discussed in the context of Bollywood's relationship with age. Their arranged marriage and subsequent public life have made them one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples, further fueling the debate around age gaps in relationships.
Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar: The teaser for the upcoming film Dhurandhar, featuring Ranveer Singh, 40, and Sara Arjun, 20, has drawn criticism for its age-gap romance. Social media users have expressed discomfort with the 20-year age difference, with some hoping that the pairing is not romantic. This instance highlights the ongoing scrutiny of age gaps in Bollywood and the audience's growing awareness of potentially problematic representations.
The issue of age gaps in Bollywood romances is multifaceted. Some argue that love knows no age and that the focus should be on the connection between individuals. Others point out the inherent power dynamics and the potential for exploitation when older men are consistently paired with much younger women. There is also the issue of ageism, where actresses are often considered "past their prime" at a much younger age than their male counterparts.
The prevalence of these pairings raises questions about representation and the messages being sent to audiences. As Bollywood continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the industry will address these concerns and create more equitable and realistic portrayals of relationships. The recent criticisms of pairings such as Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar, and Ranveer Singh and Sara Arjun in Dhurandhar suggest a shift in audience expectations and a growing demand for more diverse and age-appropriate casting.
