Ageism no longer exists in the film industry, says Poonam Dhillon
Society influx, onlyright movies change, RADHIKA
Poonam Dhillon is back to working in a full-fledged fashion. The actor, who was recently seen in the web film Plan A Plan B alongside actors Tamannaah Bhatia and Riteish Deshmukh, shares that there are no plans to slow down anytime soon.
There was a time when only certain types of roles would be offered to actors, especially females, after a certain age. However, Dhillon says such isn’t the case anymore, as a lot more meaty parts are written for females now.
“I did a Punjabi film Umran Ch Ki Rakheya with Raj Babbar (actorpolitician). It had a nice message that whether people are in their 50s or 60s, they can find companionship... Ageism no longer exists [in the film industry]. Female actors don’t have a shelf life anymore. Today, a 40-year-old can pass off as a 20-year-old! They are so well-maintained and still look very presentable,” she shares.
A bonafide star of the ’80s, the actor, 60, took a step back from films when she became a mother. In the last few years, though, she has been a part of the small screen. Dhillon recalls, “I consciously took a step back [from acting] because I was looking after my kids, Anmol and Paloma. Now, they have grown up and can look after themselves. I am raring to get back to work.”
And when Dhillon resumed work after all those years, she found that her workplace is more organised and consolidated now.
“Shoots start on time, it’s easier to do a project now. That’s a comforting thought,” she adds.
POONAM DHILLON,
Female actors don’t have a shelf life anymore. Today, a 40-year-old can pass off as a 20-year-old!