Isha Koppikar, who rose to fame in the 2000s with her performances in Hindi cinema, recently shared her thoughts on the challenges of romancing significantly older actors on screen. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Isha candidly discussed her discomfort while working with senior actors like Suniel Shetty and Govinda in films such as “Pyaar Ishq Aur Mohabbat” and “Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya.”
Isha shared her initial experiences in the industry, highlighting the awkwardness she felt while performing intimate scenes with actors who were two to three decades older. She explained, “You do feel uncomfortable when you work with someone 30 or 20 years older than you. I felt uncomfortable when I was working with elderly heroes. You don’t get the feeling like you are hugging your partner or lover, you feel like you are hugging your father.” This sentiment was particularly strong during her early days in Bollywood, where she believed this age disparity was the norm.
Challenges of Age Gaps in Bollywood
Reflecting on the broader issue of age gaps in the industry, Isha highlighted how actresses often find themselves playing roles that do not align with their real-life ages. She lamented, “Actresses over 35 often find themselves playing mothers to heroes who are 50, still paired romantically with actresses half their age.” This age disparity not only affects the actresses but also creates an unrealistic portrayal of relationships on screen.
Isha further pointed out that while some senior actors have maintained their appearances well, others visibly show their age and experience, making it even more uncomfortable for younger actresses. “You wouldn’t feel cringe with everyone, some of them had maintained themselves very well and wouldn’t look their age, but some obviously had that air and demeanor of a senior,” she noted. This disparity often leads to a lack of genuine chemistry on screen, which audiences are quick to notice and criticize.
Hope for Change in Bollywood Casting Norms
Isha expressed hope for a shift in casting norms within Bollywood, emphasizing the importance of realistic portrayals that resonate with audiences. She recounted instances where viewers openly criticized the unrealistic pairing of older actors with much younger actresses, saying, “I have seen them in theatres saying, ‘Ye kitna buddha lag raha hai, ghar pe baith; apni beti ki umar ki ladki saath romance kar raha hai.'”
With the rise of social media, audiences are more vocal and aware of these disparities, and there is a growing demand for more age-appropriate casting in films. Isha concluded by urging the industry to recognize and adapt to these changing expectations, stating, “They should understand what they look and accordingly play the part. I hope this changes, because the audience is not foolish.”
As Bollywood continues to evolve, voices like Isha Koppikar’s play a crucial role in advocating for a more realistic and respectful representation of relationships on screen, paving the way for more equitable and authentic storytelling.