Top News

Veteran actor Tabu has opened up about the pressure women face while ageing in the film industry, saying society and cinema often judge female actors far more harshly than men for growing older.

In a recent interview, the acclaimed actor spoke candidly about ageism in films and the constant scrutiny women experience regarding their appearance. According to Tabu, ageing is treated differently for actresses because people seem eager to constantly remind women about it.

Speaking about society’s obsession with women’s age, Tabu said ageing is a gradual and natural process, yet women are often made to feel uncomfortable about it. “They want to show you the mirror,” she said while discussing how people react to older actresses in cinema.

The actor explained that growing older does not happen suddenly overnight, but women in public life are frequently made hyper-aware of every visible change in appearance. She suggested that female actors are expected to maintain unrealistic standards while male stars are often allowed to age naturally without similar criticism.

Tabu’s remarks come amid wider conversations in the entertainment industry around ageism, gender expectations and the treatment of actresses beyond a certain age. Over the years, several women actors in Bollywood and Hollywood have spoken about being offered fewer roles or facing intense commentary around their looks as they grow older.

Unlike many actors who try to avoid controversial conversations, Tabu said she has never been comfortable giving overly diplomatic or “safe” answers just to fit industry expectations. Recalling advice she once received early in her career, the actor shared that people had encouraged her to become more careful and measured in interviews.

However, Tabu admitted that she never learned how to hide her thoughts or package her opinions strategically. According to her, she has always preferred honesty over carefully constructed public relations responses.

The actor’s comments resonated strongly online, with many users praising her for addressing an issue that continues to affect women across industries, not just cinema. Several social media users pointed out how actresses are frequently criticised for either ageing naturally or choosing cosmetic procedures to fight ageing, creating impossible standards either way.

Tabu has long been regarded as one of India’s finest performers, known for balancing commercial success with critically acclaimed roles. Over a career spanning more than three decades, she has consistently played layered and unconventional characters rather than limiting herself to glamorous stereotypes.

From films such as Maqbool, Chandni Bar and The Namesake to mainstream hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Crew and Drishyam 2, Tabu has remained relevant across generations while continuing to experiment with roles.

The actor’s ability to sustain a successful career even in an industry often criticised for sidelining older women has itself become a significant part of her legacy. Unlike many actresses whose careers slow down after a certain age, Tabu has continued to headline major films and streaming projects.

Her comments also come at a time when conversations around representation of women in Indian cinema are becoming increasingly prominent. Recently, actors such as Alia Bhatt have also spoken about how Indian films still largely cater to male audiences despite the success of women-led stories globally.

Industry experts have repeatedly argued that while male actors in their 50s and 60s continue to play romantic leads opposite much younger actresses, women often face pressure to either appear perpetually youthful or transition into stereotypical “mother” roles.

Tabu’s remarks highlighted this imbalance without directly naming individuals or projects. Instead, the actor focused on the broader cultural mindset that ties a woman’s value too closely to youth and appearance.

At the same time, the actor’s career itself stands as a challenge to those conventions. Even today, Tabu continues to receive praise for performances that prioritise depth, emotional complexity and screen presence over conventional glamour.

Fans online also appreciated the honesty of her comments, with many saying her perspective felt refreshing in an industry where discussions around ageing are often avoided. Several users described her as one of the few actors who speaks openly without sounding rehearsed.

Professionally, Tabu was recently seen in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla alongside Akshay Kumar and is expected to reunite with Telugu star Nagarjuna after nearly three decades for the upcoming film King100.

Her latest comments have once again reinforced why she remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cinema, not only for her performances but also for her willingness to speak honestly about uncomfortable truths within the industry.