Ageism is the biggest hypocrisy in the film industry, which claims to be progressive and inclusive.
Kangana Ranaut’s recent social media post where she talked about the panic of her film crew when they saw her grey hair and how she feels accepted in politics is a stark reminder of how cinema still holds on to outdated beauty standards.
Her statement that politics is “kind to older women than the film industry” exposes the film industry’s obsession with youth where an actress’s career longevity is decided by her looks and not her talent.
This double standard is regressive and damaging not just to the actresses but to the audience who internalize these narrow ideals.
Kangana’s celebration of ageing, her willingness to show her grey hair without filters and her statement that her value is no longer tied to her looks challenges the industry to rethink its priorities.
Instead of panicking over natural signs of ageing, filmmakers should recognize the richness and authenticity that older women bring to the screen.
If cinema wants to reflect the society and inspire change it has to move beyond ageist conventions and offer meaningful roles to women of all ages.
Till then the industry’s self congratulatory talk of diversity will be just a marketing slogan disconnected from the reality faced by its own artists.
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