Ratna Pathak Shah, the talented actress who is all set for her role as Biker Nani in the upcoming film “Dhak Dhak,” has candidly discussed the age gap between senior male actors and younger heroines in the film industry. In a recent interview with India Today, she addressed the issue and shared her thoughts on the matter.

The Embarrassment of Senior Actors Romancing Young Heroines When questioned about senior actors romantically paired with much younger heroines onscreen, Ratna Pathak Shah didn’t hold back. She expressed her dismay and pointed out the irony by recalling her husband Naseeruddin Shah’s role in the film “The Dirty Picture.” She mentioned a scene in which Naseeruddin Shah’s character, a senior actor, has to run to his mother and exclaim, “Ma, main college mein first-class first ho gaya (I topped the college exam with a first-class),” intended as a humorous moment in the film.

Ratna remarked, “That was supposed to be a joke in the film, but unfortunately, that is the reality.” She further added, “Unko sharam nahi aati to mai kya bolun? Betiyo ki umar ki ladkiyon se ishq ladane mein unko sharam nahi aati to mai kya bolun? (What can I say when they do not feel ashamed romancing women their daughters’ age? What can I say if they are not ashamed of doing it)? It is an embarrassment.”

Is It a Competition? When Dia Mirza, who was present during the interview, suggested that women should also be allowed to play such roles, Ratna Pathak Shah responded with a shrug, saying, “Uh! What is this, a competition?”

Promoting “Dhak Dhak” Ratna Pathak Shah and Dia Mirza were promoting their upcoming film “Dhak Dhak,” set to release in theaters. “Dhak Dhak” is hailed as India’s first female road trip movie and features Ratna as Biker Nani embarking on a thrilling journey to Ladakh’s famous Khardung-La pass, known as the world’s highest motorable road.

About “Dhak Dhak” The film also stars Sanjana Sanghi and Fatima Sana Shaikh, alongside Ratna Pathak Shah and Dia Mirza. Directed by Tarun Dudeja, the film was co-written by Parijat Joshi. “Dhak Dhak” is a Viacom18 Studios production, in collaboration with Taapsee Pannu and Pranjal Khandhdiya’s production company, Outsider Films.

Ratna Pathak Shah’s candid remarks shed light on the age disparity issue in Bollywood and the need for a more inclusive and balanced representation of age in romantic pairings on screen.