Veteran Bollywood actress Tabu has openly addressed the issue of age bias in the film industry, highlighting how women in cinema continue to face unequal expectations compared to their male counterparts.
The acclaimed actress, known for her powerful performances across decades of Indian cinema, discussed the challenges women face as they grow older in the entertainment industry. She noted that conversations around age often overshadow artistic merit and professional achievements.
During a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, Tabu spoke candidly about how ageing actresses are frequently subjected to unnecessary scrutiny. She pointed out that women are constantly reminded of their age despite experiencing the natural passage of time every day.
“People are more worried about your age than you are yourself,” Tabu said while addressing the ongoing bias in Bollywood.
She further explained that women in the industry are often made to feel conscious about something that is a normal part of life. According to her, this creates an environment where age becomes a limiting factor in casting and career opportunities.
“They want to show you the mirror, as though you don’t have one at home. The person answering that question hasn’t aged overnight. We experience it every single day,” she added.
Tabu also shed light on the unspoken norms of Bollywood diplomacy, revealing how actors are often advised to avoid giving honest reasons when turning down film offers. Instead, they are encouraged to cite scheduling conflicts rather than expressing creative dissatisfaction.
The actress shared that she was often told to politely decline projects by saying she was unavailable, even when the real reason was a lack of connection with the script.
“You should not give a real reason for not doing a film. Give the excuse of dates and walk away,” she explained.
However, Tabu emphasized that she personally prefers honesty in her professional choices. She stated that she has never felt comfortable hiding her opinions about scripts she does not believe in.
“If I don’t like the script, I don’t like it. And I said so,” she added.
Tabu has long been regarded as one of the most versatile performers in Indian cinema, with critically acclaimed roles in films such as Haider and Drishyam. Her remarks once again highlight ongoing discussions around gender equality and representation in the entertainment industry.
On the work front, Tabu was last seen in Bhooth Bangla and is currently preparing for Nagarjuna Akkineni’s milestone 100th film titled King100. She has also begun shooting for director Naveen (Ra) Karthik’s upcoming project in April 2026.
Her comments add to the growing conversation about how Bollywood can evolve to become more inclusive, transparent, and respectful toward women at all stages of their careers.
