The veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri, who made a significant impact in Indian cinema with memorable performances in films like ‘Damini’ and ‘Hero’, recently shed light on the enduring careers of her male counterparts in the industry, citing reasons that contribute to their prolonged success. In an exclusive interview with Lehren Metro, Meenakshi elaborated on the multiple factors that favour male actors over their female colleagues, ensuring that the former continue to shine on the silver screen well into their 80s.
Meenakshi Seshadri reminisced about her career that began with the 1983 film ‘Painter Babu’, produced by Manoj Kumar. The film marked the beginning of a journey that saw her winning hearts with an array of impressive roles. Despite her success and critical acclaim in several blockbuster hits, Meenakshi never quite reached the same heights of superstardom as her male co-actors like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, both of whom remain active and beloved in the industry even as they age. Now, after a lengthy hiatus from the film world, Meenakshi is making a strong comeback.
When questioned on why male actors have longer careers in Bollywood, Meenakshi gave a very forthright response, identifying several key factors. “There are quite a few reasons why male actors have a longer run in the industry,” she explained. “Even with Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Amitabh Bachchan’s generation, they are still at it. Another factor is that men are not really the ones who are doing domestic duties at home. So they can completely devote themselves to their careers. The third reason is that they don’t have to worry about childbirth or pregnancy, or raising children. All of this becomes the woman’s responsibility. So, there you go, this is exactly why these heroes are still going strong. And, of course, people still like them. It is the most important factor.
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These assertions reflect the broader societal expectations and gender roles that have historically limited women’s opportunities and longevity in various professions, including the film industry. The additional pressures of balancing family responsibilities and career ambitions often leave female actors at a disadvantage, a situation that Meenakshi aims to challenge as she returns to the limelight.
Meenakshi’s career took a significant turn in 1995 when she married investment banker Harish Mysore, prompting her to step away from acting to focus on her family. Her filmography, however, remains rich and varied, including titles like ‘Aandhi-Toofan’, ‘Meri Jung’, ‘Swati’, ‘Dilwaala’, ‘Parivaar’, ‘Shahenshah’, ‘Mahaadev’, ‘Awaargi’, ‘Jurm’, ‘Ghayal’, and ‘Ghatak’. Each of these films showcased her versatility and talent, further establishing her legacy in the film industry.
In a conversation with ANI, Meenakshi opened up about her return to India and her enduring passion for acting. “I am back in India after hearing my inner voice. My family also supported me and realized that I wouldn’t be getting many opportunities in the US, so I am here,” she revealed. Despite the challenges faced by aging female actors, Meenakshi remains determined to redefine her place in the film industry. “Even though this is my second inning, I have come again and I want to be absolutely undefinable,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to avoid being typecast and to explore a broader range of roles.
Her recent appearances on reality shows that paid tribute to her illustrious career have reintroduced her to a new generation of audiences. Yet, she remains acutely aware of the gender disparities that still exist in Bollywood. By highlighting these issues and navigating her comeback with resilience and grace, Meenakshi Seshadri hopes to inspire change and pave the way for future generations of female actors.
As Meenakshi embarks on this new chapter, her fans eagerly await her return to the big screen, hopeful that her narrative will challenge existing norms and open up new dialogues about gender equality in the film industry. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by women in the limelight and the perseverance required to overcome them.
