Gone are the days when women in Bollywood felt lucky if they could play lead roles in their 30s. Several top female actors would stop getting good roles just because they got married. This was the pattern for a very long time until a few women came and changed the course.
Actresses like Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Kajol,
Karishma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and Sridevi are the ones who must be credited for debunking the
whole age-related myth when it comes to actresses in tinsel town.
Living up to the famous quote — “when a woman stands up for herself, unknowingly, she stands for the whole of womenkind” — these women changed circumstances for many other after them. This article talks about some of these women in Bollywood.
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Katrina Kaif: First, she stood with perseverance against the trolling she faced in the Hindi-dominant industry and maintained her ground in a place that is a struggle for people who do not have a god-figure in the industry. Now, at 37, Katrina Kaif is a happy woman who is enjoying life on her terms. She launched her makeup brand ‘Kay Beauty By Katrina’ just a few years back while continuing her career as an actor.
Priyanka Chopra: An international rebel, the brown girl pride, Priyanka Chopra has been holding the baton for all those girls who are constantly told that they are too young, too dark, or “too woman” to do something. Her marriage to a man ten years younger to her was shocking to people. These were, however, the same people, who had no problem with a man marrying a woman 10 or 15 years younger than him. These hypocrisies were challenged by Priyanka when she bravely chose to stand by her love despite intense trolling. Moreover, an excellent all-rounder that she is, after exploring her career in acting, singing, and writing, she has recently launched her hair-care brand.
Deepika Padukone: She is a classic example of how some people age like fine wine. In the centre of many different kinds of conversation ever since she had stepped into the industry, she continued her journey with resilience. Moreover, unlike most actors, she also takes interest in her civic duties and is vocal about sensitive political and social issues though she faces a lot of criticism for it.
Lara Dutta: It is refreshing to see actors who are unapologetically themselves on social media. Lara is one of them. She posts wholesome content that defines the true meaning of social media. She strives to create a virtual space that is safe and positive. Her pictures with her children and mother-in-law, her no-makeup looks, and her wise anecdotes about how to shut people up who try to pull others down is a wonderful source of inspiration.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: There has always been something special about Kareena Kapoor Khan ever since she was first seen on screen. From flaunting a “zero figure” to embracing her maternal belly, she has done it all. The very successful actor is now also an author and a social media yogi who guides other to-be-moms towards a healthy path.
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Since the very beginning, women were pushed into rigid boxes, and society demanded that they stay there. Transgressions have always been an inherent quality in women. It is only the initiation and guidance that is missing. However, as these women in their late 30s redefine womanhood, they light up the way for several other women. In the process of liberating themselves, they liberate others too.
