Sharmila Tagore calls Hindi film industry ageist: Special scripts are being written for Amitabh Bachchan but…

The renowned Bengali and Hindi film actress Sharmila Tagore is well-known for her work in acting. The actress recently stated that Amitabh Bachchan receives unique screenplays and that although the Hindi film industry is still a tad ageist, things are changing. 

Sharmila Tagore, who has won numerous honours including the National Award and the Filmfare Award, alleged that actors her age don't have enough challenging roles to play in Hindi films. She also used Meryl Streep, Judi Dench, and Maggie Smith as examples.

In an interview with the news organisation PTI, Sharmila Tagore discussed the current problems in the Hindi film industry and asserted that because cinema represents society, it also has an impact on the business of the film. “We are still slightly ageist, especially with women because powerful roles go to the men. Like special scripts are being written for Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, and Anupam Kher, but not for Waheeda (Rehman) ji and not for many other aging lady actors. Cinema reflects society so the economics of the film matter. Of course, you have to bring in the audience. What comes first, the chicken or the egg… That’s the kind of decision that the captains of the industry have to make. But, things are definitely changing. There are wonderful, more mature actors,” the veteran actress said.

Then Sharmila Tagore praised Neena Gupta as well. “There are wonderful, more mature actors, Neena (Gupta) for instance, is a magnificent actor."

Following 2010's Break Ke Baad, Sharmila is returning to the big screen. She will be seen in the family drama Gulmohar, which Rahul V. Chittella directed. The actor plays Kusum, the head of the Batra family. Manoj Bajpayee wbe seen portraying her on-screen son Arun in the movie.