Older female actors should get stronger roles: Surekha Sikri
What's the story
Veteran actor Surekha Sikri says writers and filmmakers need to step up and give stronger roles to older female actors.
The two-time National Award-winning actor believes cinema reflects society and that is one of the primary reasons why female actors of a certain age are not given notable roles.
She said that people of her age were earlier pieces of furniture in a film.
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Scripts are reflection of what's happening around: Sikri
"Scripts are a reflection of what is happening around. It is a male-dominated world, so there are more male characters in films... Earlier people of my age were pieces of furniture in a film. But now things are different," Sikri said in an interview.
No change
Sikri dislikes 'stereotypical' dadi-nani roles
Besides few exceptions, what Sikri, 73, dislikes is that "stereotypical parts" for the character of a grandmother continue to be written even today.
"Roles like that of a dadi and nani, like a good or not-so-good, 'chalu' (cunning) person. The roles aren't interesting," she said.
Sikri, however, adds things have changed since a few years, and she's always looking for a good role.
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Acting is something I would do all my life: Sikri
The actor, popular for her performance in 'Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro', 'Zubeidaa', and daily soap 'Balika Vadhu', says her love for cinema keeps her enthusiastic about going to the sets. "I enjoy acting... Acting is something I would do all my life," Sikri said.
Brilliant script
Sikri lauds the theme of 'Badhaai Ho'
Sikri, who'll next be seen in 'Badhaai Ho', says she decided to do the film because it had a well-written script.
The film, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra in the lead, chronicles an aging middle-class couple played by Neena Gupta and Gajraj Rao who accidentally conceive a baby.
"The storyline and theme were interesting," Sikri, who plays the matriarch of the family, says.
Progressive
Filmmakers discussing sensitive issues is a welcome change: Sikri
Sikri says producers and writers willing to discuss issues that were considered taboo is a welcome change.
She said earlier knowing that an old couple is still sexually active was an embarrassing thing.
"Today the atmosphere has become more open. People are dealing with real situations and audiences are liking it," she adds.
'Badhaai Ho', directed by Amit Sharma, will release on October 19.