Mouni Roy’s 'Mom' Role: Ageism’s Double Standard Exposed?
Mouni Roy’s 'Mom' Role: Ageism’s Double Standard Exposed?
Mouni Roy playing Varun Dhawan’s 'mom' sparks debate on ageism in Bollywood. Why do female actors face different rules for aging on screen? Unpacking the double standards.
The recent casting of Mouni Roy, at 40, as the “fake” mother to 39-year-old Varun Dhawan in 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai' didn't just raise eyebrows; it threw a spotlight on an entrenched issue within our industry: ageism, particularly its glaring gender disparity. The criticism that followed the film’s trailer wasn't merely about two actors of similar age playing mother and son; it was a collective sigh of frustration from an audience tired of seeing female talent sidelined or shoehorned into age-inappropriate roles.
Mouni Roy's own reaction, recounted from her conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra and director David Dhawan, speaks volumes. Her initial response, “His mother?”, perfectly encapsulates the absurdity. Even within the film's narrative, a character questions, “Yeh maa ke liye thodi chhoti nahi hai?” - an ironic acknowledgement that the industry itself is aware of these problematic tropes, yet perpetuates them.
This isn't an isolated incident. We frequently observe male actors in their 50s and 60s effortlessly romancing actresses who are young enough to be their daughters. Yet, a female actor approaching 40 is often relegated to maternal roles, even for peers or actors only marginally younger than herself.
Where are the substantial, age-appropriate roles for women beyond a certain age?
It limits artistic possibilities and reinforces outdated societal norms about women's value and visibility as they age.
Why do actors like Mouni accept such roles? The reasons are complex. She spoke of her admiration for David Dhawan's work - his films being her “comfort watch” - and the opportunity to venture into comedy for the first time.
For many, it's about continuing to work, securing projects, and expanding their craft, even if the roles aren't ideal.
The industry's limited offerings for older female actors often leave them with few choices.
The public's initial curiosity - 'film mein yeh kar kya rahi hai!' - perhaps stemmed from this very dissonance. But curiosity doesn't always translate into success. 'Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai', also starring Mrunal Thakur, Pooja Hegde, Maniesh Paul, Chunky Panday, and Jimmy Sheirgill, ultimately opened to poor reviews and flopped at the box office, grossing just Rs 74.23 crore worldwide.
While casting isn't the sole reason for a film's commercial failure, jarring choices that pull audiences out of the narrative certainly don't help.
It's time for a significant shift in perspective.
We need to challenge the deeply ingrained sexism that dictates how actors age on screen. Let's create stories that reflect the diverse lives of women of all ages, offering them roles that are complex, meaningful, and age-appropriate.
It's about evolving our storytelling, attracting diverse audiences, and truly representing the world we live in. The conversation sparked by Mouni Roy's casting is a vital one, and it's one we must continue until these disparities are eradicated from our screens.
