You won’t believe what Dia Mirza revealed about age bias in Bollywood, says ‘You will never…’
Dia Mirza opens up about age bias in Bollywood, revealing how opportunities drastically differ for men and women. The actress’s powerful statement sheds light on gender inequality in the industry.
Recently, Dia Mirza spoke out boldly about what she sees as a deep-rooted age bias in the film industry. She used her platform to highlight how male actors often continue to land romantic leads despite advancing age, while older female actors are seldom given similar opportunities. At 40, she insisted she feels “more focused, sharper and doing some of the best work” of her career. Her comments arrived as she gears up for a return to the romantic genre, marking the moment as not just personal but emblematic of a larger industry problem.
What did Dia Mirza say?
At a recent public event, Dia didn’t shy away from calling out double standards outright. She pointed out and said, “I find it interesting that I’m cast opposite actors in their late 50s, 60s and even 70s, and we’re meant to be seen as romantic equals on screen.”
She added with conviction, “Yet you will never see a 60- or 70-year-old woman cast opposite a man in his 40s, playing a contemporary romantic lead.” She explained that this imbalance doesn’t stem from a lack of credibility, but from a resistance within the industry to “imagine women as desirable, relevant, and central beyond a certain age.”
Why this matters
At 40 years old, Dia says she feels more confident and capable than ever, yet she finds that the roles available to women her age are often limited, especially when it comes to romantic leads and mainstream cinema. That, she argues, speaks to a systemic bias rather than any question of talent or ability.
More about Dia Mirza
Dia Mirza is an acclaimed India(BHARAT)n actress known for her graceful screen presence and thoughtful role choices. She made her debut with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, a film that earned her a loyal fan base and remains one of her most loved performances. Over the years, she has appeared in films such as Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Parineeta, Sanju, Thappad, and the anthology Dhaakad. Dia has also stepped into digital platforms with projects like Kaafir, where her sensitive portrayal received wide appreciation. Alongside films and series, she continues to work as a producer and advocate for meaningful, socially conscious storytelling.
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