By Anil Merani: Chitrangda Singh, at 49, is setting the screen on fire in Housefull 5. Her success could potentially inspire other Bollywood actresses over 40—who often gravitate towards family roles—to explore the glamorous side of the industry. This shift can be examined in light of perimenopause, which exerts a considerable physical and psychological toll on women.
Why They Might Follow Suit:
Career Relevance: Bollywood often prioritizes youth and glamour, especially for leading or high-profile roles. Maintaining a fit, glamorous appearance can open doors to diverse opportunities, as demonstrated by actresses like Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma, who continue to present polished images even after 40. By embracing glamour, women over 40 challenge the stereotype of being cast only in ‘mother’ or ‘family-oriented’ roles. This shift not only broadens their career opportunities but also inspires audiences with a more diverse and realistic portrayal of women in the industry.
Public Appeal: Fans and the media tend to celebrate actresses who “defy age,” which enhances their marketability and social media presence.
Challenges of Physical Transformation:
Perimenopause Hurdles: Hormonal changes during perimenopause can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and fatigue, making it harder to achieve a “perfect” physique. Intense workouts and strict diets may also strain the body.
Time and Resources: Achieving and maintaining a glamorous look requires personal trainers, nutritionists, cosmetic treatments, and stylists—resources that can be expensive and time-consuming, and may not be accessible to all actresses.
Emotional Cost: The pressure to look flawless can exacerbate mood swings and self-esteem issues related to perimenopause. The constant scrutiny in Bollywood adds to this stress.
Health Risks: Extreme diets or excessive exercise aimed at swift transformation can result in nutrient deficiencies, injuries, or burnout, particularly in an aging body.
Should They?
Individual Choice: It’s important to recognize that not every actress may want or need to pursue a glamorous image. Some, like Vidya Balan and Sharmila Tagore, excel in character-driven roles that don’t require a hyper-fit physique. Their choices are valid and should be respected, prioritizing authenticity over aesthetics.
Balanced Approach: Instead of succumbing to the pressure of extreme transformations, a focus on health—through moderate exercise, a balanced diet, and mental wellness—can still achieve a vibrant appearance without significant toll. Actresses like Neena Gupta demonstrate that grace and style can be attained without chasing a ‘perfect’ body, offering a reassuring message to women in the industry.
Industry Shift: Bollywood is gradually diversifying, with OTT platforms and evolving audiences embracing varied roles for women. Actresses may not need to conform to glamour to remain relevant.
Conclusion:
While some actresses may choose to emulate Chitrangda’s glamorous transformation to stay competitive, this approach is not one-size-fits-all. The physical and emotional demands can be steep, and not every woman has the resources or desire to pursue them. A healthier trend would be for Bollywood to value diverse representations of women over 40, allowing actresses to shine without needing drastic makeovers. Those who opt for transformation should prioritize sustainable health practices over extreme measures to navigate perimenopause gracefully.
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