Actress Chitrangda Singh, known for her grace, intelligence, and powerful on-screen performances, recently spoke candidly about one of the most persistent issues in the entertainment industry — the pressure on female actors to look young. In a heartfelt interview, the Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi star opened up about how ageism continues to influence casting, perception, and opportunities in cinema, while also acknowledging that the pressure to maintain one’s appearance is not limited to women alone.
When asked if she feels that actresses face more scrutiny about aging compared to their male counterparts, Chitrangda gave a nuanced response. “Of course, it exists. There’s no denying that women are often judged more harshly for aging,” she admitted. “But at the same time, I also believe this pressure is not exclusive to women — it exists for everyone in the film industry. Cinema, after all, is a visual medium, and appearance naturally plays a big role in how we are perceived on screen.”
Elaborating further, the actress explained that the nature of the medium demands a certain kind of visual appeal, and that expectation often gets amplified by social media and public scrutiny. “Today, with social media and constant visibility, the pressure has doubled. Earlier, we only had to worry about how we looked in a film or at an event. Now, every selfie, every candid picture becomes a subject of discussion. There’s this constant need to look ‘perfect,’ and that can be exhausting,” she said.
However, Chitrangda also pointed out that things are slowly changing for the better. “We’re beginning to see a shift — stories are now being written for actors of all ages. There’s more acceptance of natural beauty, and audiences are starting to appreciate authenticity over artificial perfection. It’s a slow process, but it’s happening,” she added with optimism.
Chitrangda, who began her career in the early 2000s and quickly earned acclaim for her striking performances and timeless beauty, has often been lauded for aging gracefully and maintaining a natural, confident demeanor. She emphasized that the key to handling such pressures lies in self-acceptance. “You can’t run away from aging — it’s a privilege, not a problem. The more you accept yourself, the more comfortable you become in your skin. That’s what truly shows on screen — not just your face, but your confidence.”
The actress also touched upon how male and female actors experience aging differently in Bollywood. “There’s still a certain bias — when men age, it’s called maturity or charisma. When women do, it’s often seen as a decline. That mindset needs to change. Aging doesn’t take away your talent, your depth, or your beauty — it enhances it,” she said thoughtfully.
Chitrangda also discussed the double-edged sword of beauty standards in showbiz, noting that while looking good is part of the job, it shouldn’t define one’s worth as an artist. “I understand that we’re in a profession where looking presentable is important — it’s part of our work. But there’s a difference between being presentable and being pressured into chasing an unrealistic standard of youth. That’s something we all need to be mindful of,” she added.
She further praised some of her contemporaries and senior actresses for redefining how women are portrayed on screen. “Look at actors like Tabu, Shefali Shah, Neena Gupta — they are breaking every stereotype about age and beauty. They’re proving that meaningful roles, depth, and power don’t depend on how young you look, but on how much truth you bring to your performance,” Chitrangda said.
On a personal note, she shared that she has learned to embrace change and focus on wellness rather than appearance. “I try to take care of myself — not because I want to look younger, but because I want to feel stronger and healthier. I think that’s what real beauty is — feeling good about yourself from within,” she said.
Chitrangda’s perspective struck a chord with many, as her words reflect a growing awareness in Bollywood about the need to challenge ageist and gendered expectations.
As the film industry continues to evolve, her message stands clear — aging is not a flaw, it’s a journey. And for artists like Chitrangda Singh, it’s a journey of strength, self-love, and authenticity that only deepens their artistry with time.
