Superstar Salman Khan recently weighed in on a persistent debate within the entertainment industry: the double standard concerning age gaps in on-screen romances. He specifically addressed the differing perceptions when male actors romance younger heroines versus when older female actors romance younger heroes. This candid discussion took place on the premiere episode of Twinkle Khanna’s new chat show, Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle, where both Salman Khan and Aamir Khan appeared as guests, offering rare insights into their perspectives on casting dynamics.
The conversation was sparked by a direct question from Kajol, who challenged the prevailing industry norms. She asked, “When the hero romances a younger woman, it’s called ‘cinema magic’. But when an older heroine romances a younger man, it’s called ‘bold’. Why do you think that is?” This query highlighted a widely acknowledged disparity in Bollywood, where age-appropriate pairings for women are often scrutinized more harshly than those for men. Aamir Khan, known for his thoughtful responses, initially suggested a merit-based approach, stating that for him, casting “should be done based on requirement,” implying that the role’s demands should dictate the age of the actors.
Salman Khan, however, offered a more nuanced and practical perspective. He began by citing examples of iconic actresses who, in his view, could still carry age-defying roles. “See, depending, like there was Sridevi. If she’d have kept on working, she could have still done. Madhuri can still play if there’s a role,” he said, referencing the timeless appeal and acting prowess of these legendary stars. He then alluded to the common industry practice of seeking fresh pairings for cinematic appeal. “If there’s a younger girl and if an upcoming star or a star or the producer or the director says, ‘Mujhe ye chahiye (I want him).'” This pointed to the commercial considerations and the desire for novelty that often influence casting decisions, especially for male leads.
He further elaborated on the perceived age of on-screen pairings: “Ab itna kaam kar liya hain hum sab logone ki wo jodi purani lagti hain (We have worked together so much now that the pair looks old). So for a freshness in a film, that’s when you take up somebody else who you have not worked with that much.” Kajol quickly interjected, highlighting the core of the problem: “It doesn’t work in the opposite way, though.”
Salman Khan Accepts the Reality, but with a Caveat
Salman Khan acknowledged Kajol’s point but then shifted the focus to the availability of suitable scripts for older female leads romancing younger men. “But aesi script hi kitni aati hain aap logo ke paas (But how many such scripts do you guys get)?” he countered. He suggested that if compelling narratives were to emerge, the audience would be receptive. “I don’t think if the film is good and the story is woven around something like that, an older woman and a younger man, I don’t think anyone would mind that.” His argument implies that the scarcity of such stories, rather than audience intolerance, might be a significant factor.
Historically, the number of Hindi films featuring an older female actor romancing a younger male lead is considerably smaller than the reverse. However, there are notable exceptions that have challenged the norm: Army (1996), Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Shabd (2005), Kismat Konnection (2008), Wake Up Sid (2009), Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu (2012), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Fitoor, and Ki & Ka (2016), among many others. These films, while fewer in number, represent a gradual shift towards more diverse portrayals of romance on screen.
Conversely, films featuring older male actors romancing much younger actresses have been a consistent staple in Bollywood for decades. Numerous actors, including Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Sunny Deol, have been part of such pairings. Iconic examples include Deewar (1975), Dayavan (1988), Bol Radha Bol (1992), Gadar Ek Prem Katha (2001), Hey Ram (2002), Om Shanti Om (2007), Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), and Dabangg (2010). These films illustrate a long-standing trend in Bollywood that largely favors older male leads with younger female counterparts.
Salman Khan himself has worked with actresses from various generations, including his two films with Sridevi—Chandra Mukhi (1993) and Chaand Kaa Tukdaa (1994). His insights on Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle offer a rare glimpse into the complex considerations that shape casting decisions and the slow evolution of age-related dynamics in Bollywood romances.