Shah Rukh Khan is currently enjoying the success of his latest release, Jawan, which also marks the Bollywood debut of Nayanthara and features Deepika Padukone in a cameo role. As the film continues to do well at the box office, an old video of Shah Rukh Khan discussing his experience of romancing younger actresses on screen has emerged.
Bollywood heroes often face criticism for their on-screen romances with actresses who are much younger than them, and while many have voiced their opinions on the matter, SRK once gave a savage response to this issue. In an appearance on AIB’s show, he addressed the topic and explained that younger actresses are the ones currently working in the industry, so he cannot ask them to grow up before working with them.
In the video, Shah Rukh Khan can be heard saying, “I am the only hero whenever I am working with a younger actress because there are only young actors working now. I am really sorry, but I can’t go and tell them to grow up. If Alia Bhatt comes to me for a film, I can’t say ‘first grow up.’ I am not that kind of person.”
He further expressed, “So, I’m working with girls half my age. They are the ones working. I can’t send them back home or tell the director to consider their age and talent separately. That’s not possible. I have to work with whatever opportunities come my way because I am known for playing a lover. Shouldn’t I age?”
After the video resurfaced, netizens had a divided opinion. While some agreed with Shah Rukh Khan’s perspective, others disagreed. One user pointed out that it should not be a problem to work with younger actresses, but the concept of a love angle between a 20-year-old girl and a 40-year-old man should not be normalized unless it is crucial to the storyline. Another user questioned whether SRK was implying that older leading female actors are not talented.
Another netizen suggested that SRK has the power to ask the casting department to select older actresses, citing examples of talented actresses like Rani, Preity, Kajol, Vidya, and Tabu. Another user added that while it is important to consider the opportunities for older actresses, the same concern should be shown for younger male talent.
On the work front, Shah Rukh Khan will next be seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s film Dunki, where he will be paired opposite Taapsee Pannu. He will also make a cameo appearance in Salman Khan’s Tiger 3.