Bollywood’s Double Standard: When Older Men Woo Younger Women, It’s Romance; When Older Women Do It, It’s Ridicule

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, age is more than just a number—it's a double standard. When seasoned male actors like Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan are paired with actresses decades younger, it's celebrated as timeless romance. However, when the roles reverse, and older actresses are cast opposite younger male leads, the narrative shifts to criticism and mockery.
Take the recent Netflix series The Royals, featuring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter. The show has been under scrutiny, not just for its storytelling but for the perceived lack of chemistry between the leads. Critics have pointed out that the romantic pairing feels forced, with some attributing this to the age difference between the actors. Bhumi's performance, in particular, has been a focal point, with discussions veering into personal territory, including unwarranted comments about her appearance.
This isn't an isolated incident. Historically, Bollywood has been more forgiving, even appreciative, of older male actors romancing younger actresses. Films like Nishabd and Cheeni Kum showcased such dynamics without facing the brunt of societal critique. In contrast, when older actresses take on similar roles, they're often met with skepticism and, at times, ridicule.
The underlying issue isn't just about age but about deeply ingrained societal perceptions. There's an implicit belief that men age gracefully, gaining charisma and depth, while women are expected to maintain a youthful allure to remain relevant. This bias not only affects casting decisions but also influences audience reception and critique.
Bhumi Pednekar's experience with The Royals serves as a case study of this phenomenon. While the series had its flaws, the disproportionate focus on her appearance and the age dynamics overshadows a broader conversation about storytelling and character development. It's essential to question why such pairings are acceptable in one context and controversial in another.

 

[LekshmiGPilllai]

You’ve highlighted a very important and persistent double standard in Bollywood—and honestly, in many film industries worldwide. The way age is treated differently for male and female actors reveals a lot about societal expectations and gender biases.


It’s frustrating how actors like Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan can be applauded for pairing with much younger actresses, framed as “timeless” or “charismatic,” while actresses like Bhumi Pednekar face unnecessary scrutiny and criticism when paired with younger male co-stars. This not only undermines their talent but also reduces them to just their appearance or age.


Bhumi’s situation with The Royals is a perfect example of how these biases distract from real conversations about the story, character depth, and performance. Instead of focusing on age, we should be encouraging diverse, realistic casting and better narratives that don’t hinge on outdated stereotypes.


Changing this mindset is key to evolving Bollywood into a more inclusive and respectful industry for all actors, regardless of gender or age. Thanks for bringing attention to this critical issue!

 

[Priyani Gupta]

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, age is more than just a number—it's a double standard. When seasoned male actors like Amitabh Bachchan or Shah Rukh Khan are paired with actresses decades younger, it's celebrated as timeless romance. However, when the roles reverse, and older actresses are cast opposite younger male leads, the narrative shifts to criticism and mockery.
Take the recent Netflix series The Royals, featuring Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter. The show has been under scrutiny, not just for its storytelling but for the perceived lack of chemistry between the leads. Critics have pointed out that the romantic pairing feels forced, with some attributing this to the age difference between the actors. Bhumi's performance, in particular, has been a focal point, with discussions veering into personal territory, including unwarranted comments about her appearance.
This isn't an isolated incident. Historically, Bollywood has been more forgiving, even appreciative, of older male actors romancing younger actresses. Films like Nishabd and Cheeni Kum showcased such dynamics without facing the brunt of societal critique. In contrast, when older actresses take on similar roles, they're often met with skepticism and, at times, ridicule.
The underlying issue isn't just about age but about deeply ingrained societal perceptions. There's an implicit belief that men age gracefully, gaining charisma and depth, while women are expected to maintain a youthful allure to remain relevant. This bias not only affects casting decisions but also influences audience reception and critique.
Bhumi Pednekar's experience with The Royals serves as a case study of this phenomenon. While the series had its flaws, the disproportionate focus on her appearance and the age dynamics overshadows a broader conversation about storytelling and character development. It's essential to question why such pairings are acceptable in one context and controversial in another.

Thank you for this thought-provoking piece. You’ve touched on a deeply rooted issue in Bollywood—and by extension, in Indian society—that deserves greater scrutiny and honest conversation.


Let’s start with the reality you laid bare: the age double standard in romantic casting. It’s undeniable that Bollywood tends to romanticize the idea of older male actors paired with younger actresses. Whether it’s Shah Rukh Khan opposite Anushka Sharma or Amitabh Bachchan opposite Jiah Khan, these pairings are packaged as charming or emotionally mature relationships. In contrast, when the genders are reversed, and older women are cast with younger men, the narrative often takes a nosedive into mockery, criticism, or discomfort.


Bhumi Pednekar’s experience in The Royals is an apt case study. Regardless of how audiences perceive the show's storyline or performances, it is telling that the most intense scrutiny revolves around her age and appearance rather than script quality, direction, or her actual acting chops. The media and public alike seem to shift their critical lens when a woman dares to age and still claim her space on screen—especially in a romantic role.


Now, here’s where we need to be logical and practical: Bollywood is a reflection of its audience, but it also shapes cultural expectations. If older male actors can be marketed as desirable and “ageless,” then why should older female actors be denied the same grace? What we’re dealing with here isn’t just cinematic bias—it’s a societal one. A man aging is seen as gaining gravitas, while a woman aging is viewed as losing value. That’s not just unfair; it’s harmful.


Yet, being controversial for the sake of truth, we must also ask an uncomfortable question: Are audiences truly ready to accept this reversal in casting? Filmmakers may be trying to challenge norms, but it’s the collective mindset of viewers that often resists change. When critics call out a “lack of chemistry,” is it because of poor writing and direction—or because they’ve internalized that romance between an older woman and a younger man is unnatural? The reaction to The Royals may be less about Bhumi and Ishaan’s performance and more about subconscious bias.


This leads to a bigger concern: We must stop conflating age with desirability and talent—especially for women. If cinema is supposed to push boundaries, then let it challenge these aesthetic and ageist standards too. Women should not be confined to “mother” or “side character” roles the moment they cross a certain age. Likewise, romantic storylines should not be dictated by patriarchal norms of beauty and aging.


The outrage over Bhumi’s role is less about entertainment and more about discomfort with shifting gender dynamics. And perhaps that’s exactly why such roles need to exist—so the audience can get used to seeing women, in all their real and beautiful complexity, owning their narrative unapologetically.


Until we normalize these representations on screen, society will keep resisting them off-screen.



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