Manisha Koirala claims being sidelined as she opens up on female actors facing ageism; ‘Never heard troll telling male…’

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Manisha Koirala, a formidable talent in the Indian film industry, has captivated audiences for more than three decades, all while courageously battling cancer. Most recently, she received acclaim for her role as Mallijajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. In an open conversation, Manisha expressed feelings of being overlooked due to her age and also stated that she has never encountered online bullies criticizing a male actor based on his age.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but reflect on Manisha Koirala’s latest conversation with Free Press Journal. In this discussion, she shed light on the pervasive issue of ageism that women, especially in the entertainment world, often encounter. It’s heartbreaking to realize how women are frequently judged and criticized for the passage of time, a phenomenon that rarely befalls their male peers who seldom experience such harsh scrutiny regarding aging.

Koirala pointed out that she’s often left out of numerous meetings because of her age, while male actors, even those of the same or advanced age, are consistently invited. She underscored that this discrepancy underscores the unfair influence of ageism against women in Bollywood.

A performer from Heeramandi spoke up against common misunderstandings about actresses in their fifties. She strongly advocated for shattering old beliefs, underscoring the fact that women are capable of achieving success both personally and career-wise at any stage of life.

She stated, “Many people assume, ‘Since she’s wise now, what kind of work can she handle? Let’s only assign her roles as a mother or a sister.’ However, women are capable of taking on powerful roles. They can be fearless and vibrant. Many actresses before me have embodied such characters, and I aspire to do the same. I still possess passion within me. I still yearn for more. I aim to continue growing as an artist, and age is merely a figure. Fifty is just a number, and it won’t hinder me or anyone else.

In a conversation, the actress who starred in Dil Se spoke about the hardships women encounter within Bollywood, stressing that breaking into the industry is the most formidable obstacle. She underscored the power of using personal struggles, heartaches, and life events as inspiration to elevate their acting abilities.

Manisha pointed out that each career encounters hurdles and setbacks, but these hardships, when handled wisely, can mold individuals into more skillful artists and compassionate people. Referencing her own path, she motivated budding actors to view challenges as enriching opportunities for honing their craft and strengthening their resilience.

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2025-01-23 15:07