A recurring trend in the film industry is male stars pairing up with female actors significantly younger than them, sometimes with an age gap of more than three decades. This has sparked criticism in both South Indian and Bollywood cinema, with actors like Mahesh Babu, Ravi Teja, and Chiranjeevi previously facing backlash for romancing much younger heroines. Now, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has found himself in a similar debate, but he had a witty response to silence the trolls.
During a recent media interaction, Salman addressed the criticism, emphasizing that Rashmika Mandanna herself had no issue with their on-screen pairing. He humorously remarked, “The age gap is not too much. I know it’s 31 years, but the heroine has no problem, and neither does her father. Soon, Rashmika will marry and may have a daughter. When she grows up, I might work with her too, and I think Rashmika will give her nod.” His comment, accompanied by Rashmika’s amused smile, quickly grabbed attention.
One of the reasons this trend persists is the stark difference in career longevity between male and female actors in the film industry. While leading men continue to enjoy long careers, heroines often face a shorter shelf life due to industry norms that favor younger female leads with strong fan followings. Filmmakers prioritize actresses who are at the peak of their popularity, regardless of age.
Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna have teamed up for Sikander, directed by AR Murugadoss. The highly anticipated film is set to hit the screens on March 30, 2025.
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