End ageism in Bollywood: Ratna Pathak Shah demands good role for Dada Saheb Phalke Award winner Waheeda Rehman

Ratna Pathak Shah, in a recent interview, revealed that she learnt to ride a bike at the age of 65 for her upcoming film Dhak Dhak.  Despite her enthusiasm for the diverse roles she’s taking on, Ratna expressed her concern that there is a scarcity of substantial roles for senior female actors in the industry. She also commented on the recent Dada Saheb Phalke Award bestowed upon Waheeda Rehman, and stated how this recognition alone is insufficient for the great actor.

Veteran actress, Waheeda Rehman was recently seen in the 2021 film Skater Girl, available on Netflix. Her last theatrical release was The Song of Scorpions, starring Irrfan Khan, which received favourable reviews. In contrast, Ratna Pathak Shah’s most recent project was Yash Raj Films’ 2022 film Jayeshbhai Jordaar. She is also a part of Vishal Bhardwaj’s latest web series, Charlie Chopra & The Mystery of Solang Valley.

In an interview with Film Companion, Ratna said, “When I see a Meryl Streep (74) and a Helen Mirren (78), I feel if they can do it, so can I. And I’m sorry that a Waheeda Rehman in our country doesn’t get the parts that she deserves. What a fabulous woman, and what a fabulous actress she is! All they want to do is give her a little award and stick her in one corner. Really? Give her a good role for Christ’s sake. Keep the award.”

She further added, “All of us have had to come to terms with the way we look. And the fact that your body is changing. And if I don’t want to fiddle with it too much, I need to accept what I am. The most revealing thing to me, as stupid as it seems considering who my mother was (Dina Pathak), that I thought acting has a shelf life, as a woman. That I’ll act until I’m pretty, and then I’ll do something else. I can’t imagine I thought like that, but I did.”

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.