How Indian films and TV are opening up roles for women of all ages

A significant sign that the Indian film industry is evolving is the fact that storytellers are coming up with scripts that have actresses over 40 years old as leading ladies, in films, on streaming platforms as well as the television screen. Here’s looking at popular stories that capture tales of womanhood in all its maturity.

Supriya Pilgaonkar in 'Janani': Pilgaonkar will soon be seen in the TV show ‘Janani’, which tells the story of a woman who is widowed, and faces the harsh realities of the world with a new perspective. The 53-year-old actress, best known for the TV show ‘Tu Tu Main Main’ returns to television with the show, as a woman who faces a sudden jolt in life. The show explores various emotions of the woman who was otherwise accustomed to a simple, secure way of living. The show will screen on the new channel, Ishara — Zindagi Ka Nazara.

Sushmita Sen in 'Aarya': The first season of the web series was appreciated immensely, with the 45-year-old Sen now gearing up to return on season two of the crime thriller drama. “We always end up doing things differently. Especially at my age, I am able to wholly grasp the value of doing things differently,” she had told IANS earlier. The series streams on Disney+ Hotstar.

Shefali Shah in ‘Darlings’: The Shah Rukh Khan film production will hit screens later this year. While the shooting has yet to begin, the story explores the relationship between a mother-daughter duo. Actress Alia Bhatt will be seen essaying the role of the 48-year-old Shah’s on-screen daughter.

Kajol and Tanvi Azmi in 'Tribhanga': This trilingual film, which recently dropped on Netflix, has three generations of women in a family, played by Tanvi Azmi, Kajol and Mithila Palkar. The story revolves around Kajol’s character, a celebrated actress, discovering many truths about her estranged mother, an author, after the latter slips into a coma.

Suchita Trivedi in ‘Indiawaali Maa’: Actress Suchita Trivedi came back to the limelight with ‘Indiawaali Maa’. Her character, of a mother trying to win back the affection of her son living in London, was high on the emotional quotient. It airs on Sony Liv.

Rupali Ganguly in ‘Anupamaa’: The actress is loved by the television viewing audience as the titular character in the show. Her simple, adjusting nature on screen has made Anupamaa a much-loved character. The show airs on Star Plus.