In a recent interview, veteran actress Manisha Koirala shared her thoughts on the ageism she’s faced in the entertainment industry. She spoke candidly about how women in particular are often judged and sidelined because of their age, a reality she’s experienced firsthand.
The actress, known for her roles in films like Dil Se and Bombay, highlighted a stark difference in the way male and female actors are treated as they get older. She pointed out that while male actors often continue to find work even as they age, women face a completely different set of challenges. According to Manisha, the entertainment world often shames women for growing older, with people assuming that once a woman reaches a certain age, she’s no longer valuable in the industry.
Manisha shared an unsettling experience when she was excluded from a roundtable conversation due to her age. She recalled that the organizers said it was for a specific age group, and when she asked if a male actor of the same age would have faced the same treatment, the answer was a clear “no.” This experience wasn’t an isolated one, as Manisha revealed that she had been excluded from similar discussions multiple times because of her age.
In the interview, she expressed how frustrating it is to see the industry not only ignore older actresses but also make it clear that they are not wanted. She mentioned that this was not just about acting, but also about discussions, interviews, and other media engagements where ageism comes into play.
The actress added that this kind of ageism is especially hard for women to overcome. She pointed out that while male actors can still play roles in their 50s or even 60s, actresses are often relegated to playing only certain types of roles once they reach their 40s or 50s. In many cases, these roles are few and far between, and often only involve playing the mother or grandmother of younger characters.
Despite the challenges, Manisha has continued to work in the industry, recently appearing in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. She also hinted that she might have a special companion in her life, although she didn’t go into specifics.
In her discussion on ageism, Manisha stressed the need for change. She said that the issue of age discrimination isn’t just a problem for women in the film industry—it’s something that affects all industries, from business to politics. She hopes that the industry will eventually evolve and allow women of all ages to thrive in roles that suit their talents, not just their looks or age.
For Manisha, age may be a number, but she believes it should never be a barrier. She continues to inspire others with her resilience and dedication to her craft. Though she has faced challenges due to ageism, Manisha’s focus is on the work she loves and the roles she continues to take on.
As we look at the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, it’s clear that conversations about age, gender, and opportunities are long overdue. For now, actresses like Manisha Koirala are paving the way, refusing to let age define their careers or their worth.
