Meenakshi Seshadri, known for her iconic role as Damini in Bollywood, has recently opened up about the reasons behind the enduring careers of male actors such as Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor. The actress, who made a significant mark in the 1980s and 1990s, shared her insights during a recent interview, shedding light on the gender-specific challenges faced by women in the film industry.
Seshadri, now 60 and planning a return to cinema after stepping away from the limelight in 1996, discussed why many of her male contemporaries continue to thrive in the industry. “They don’t have to worry about childbirth or pregnancy, or raising children,” Seshadri explained in her interview with Lehren Retro.
She elaborated on this point, noting that male actors often benefit from several advantages that contribute to their extended careers. “There are quite a few reasons why male actors have a longer run in the industry. Even with Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Amitabh Bachchan’s generation, they are still at it,” she said. According to Seshadri, one of the primary factors is the domestic responsibilities traditionally placed on women, which often limits their ability to dedicate the same level of time and energy to their careers.
“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,” she added. Seshadri pointed out that while male actors can focus solely on their professional lives, women often juggle multiple roles, which can impact their career longevity.
Seshadri’s remarks also touched upon the notion that male actors have fewer interruptions in their careers compared to their female counterparts. “And, of course, people still like them. It is the most important factor,” she concluded, acknowledging the ongoing popularity and relevance of these actors in the industry.
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Reflecting on her own experiences, Seshadri also shared anecdotes about working with senior co-stars such as Rajesh Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha. She noted that despite common perceptions of temperamental and egoistic behavior, her interactions with these stars were largely positive. “Everyone told me that Rajesh Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha are temperamental and egoistic, but I didn’t find that at all,” she said.
Seshadri recounted a memorable experience from the filming of Hoshiyar in Chennai. Despite the challenging schedule, Sinha made a special effort to accommodate her. “My one scene was left with Shatrughan Sinha, and I requested him to come at 6 am. He never arrives on the set that early, but he came that day. After wrapping up the scene, he told me not to tell anyone about this as they wouldn’t believe he came on the set early.”
Throughout her career, Seshadri featured in approximately 70 films over a 13-year span, leaving a lasting impact with her roles in blockbusters such as Hero, Meri Jung, Shahenshah, and the National Award-winning Damini. Her decision to step back from acting and later settle in the USA marked a significant shift in her life, but her reflections on the industry continue to resonate with many.
As Meenakshi Seshadri prepares to make her return to the film industry, her observations offer a poignant reminder of the gender dynamics that shape career trajectories in Bollywood. Her candid comments on the challenges faced by women in the industry provide valuable insights into the ongoing discussion about gender equality and representation in the world of cinema.
