In an era where people are obsessed with defying the ageing process, Cindy Crawford, the iconic supermodel, stands as a symbol of grace. She proudly embraces ageing, setting an example for others to follow. Not just in the West but also in Hindi cinema, there are a few female actors including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi, Sameera Reddy, and Kajol who defy the norm that only male actors are allowed to age while females must remain forever young.
In this article, we explore why embracing the beauty of ageing should be the new norm, dispelling the fear of growing older and breaking free from unrealistic beauty standards that often seem beyond reach.
Rejecting the Notion of "Ageless"
Cindy Crawford, at the age of 56, doesn't shy away from her true age. Despite being labeled "ageless" by the world, she gracefully rejects this notion, stating in an interview with Haute Living , "It puts too much pressure on me. I know all the ways that I've aged. My face has become more refined, and my features have evolved. Being called 'ageless' doesn't resonate with me." She's candid about the changes that come with aging and emphasizes the importance of accepting them with grace and self-assurance.
Cindy Crawford's perspective on ageing is a refreshing departure from the youth-obsessed culture we often encounter. She asks, "Why should I be trying to look 25 when I'm not 25?" She acknowledges the profound value of her life experiences, including the joys of motherhood, and she's proud of every wrinkle and line that tells her unique story.
She challenges the idea that women become "expired" after a certain age and staunchly refuses to perpetuate this stereotype. Her willingness to embrace the genuine and unfiltered aspects of herself serves as an inspiring example for women of all generations. Ageing, for her, is a reminder that she's alive and has experienced the rich tapestry of life. She embraces her age with grace and poise, reminding us that every phase of life has its unique and captivating beauty.
The Double Standard in Showbiz: Male Actors vs Female Actors
From an Indian perspective, the situation is entirely reversed when it comes to Bollywood actors. Grey hair is a common condition that many artists suffer from. When actors embrace their grey hair, they are often celebrated as 'Silver Foxes' or for their 'salt-and-pepper hair look.' In contrast, actresses like Sameera Reddy, who embraced her grey hair, faced criticism, with comments suggesting she looked like a 'white witch.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Sameera Reddy pointed out that society often views ageing as the worst thing that can happen to a woman. She highlighted the liberating and powerful aspects of ageing, emphasizing the importance of being happy inside, regardless of age.
Bollywood Female Actors Who Embraced Aging
Hollywood icon Cindy Crawford is not alone in her embrace of ageing; several Bollywood actresses have also made bold statements about ageing gracefully despite criticism.
Shabana Azmi, when she turned 60, said that she embraces her age and advises her Bollywood colleagues to do the same."I embrace the 60 years of my life with profound satisfaction and happiness. There have been ups and downs but I have no regrets. One needs to embrace the bad along with the good and take it as it comes," Shabana said.
During an interview with Zoom Entertainment, when Kajol was asked about her views on ageism in the industry, she responded that ageism is a mental battle that needs to be confronted internally. Kajol further stated, “Somewhere it exists in your head that you have to get rid of. Once you get rid of… I like where I am today. I do not want to be 16 again. Sorry, no offence to Simran, but I don’t want to wear a short skirt and a crop top and dance in the rain."
Legendary Zeenat Aman shared a picture of herself on Instagram, clicked by her son Zahaan Khan, in which she is flaunting her silver hair.
Zeenat wrote, "As women, we are told that our social worth lies in youth and physical beauty. If not explicitly, then in a thousand subliminal ways. This is especially true for the entertainment industry. In general, as we age, men are bequeathed gravitas, but women are at best offered sympathy."
She further added, "I was initially reluctant to stop dyeing my hair and was strongly advised against it. Some well-wishers even said it would negatively impact my work opportunities. It was only once I contemplated my hesitations that I realized I don’t care to buttress our society’s idolization of youth. Being young is wonderful, but so is being old. It thrills me to see more and more silver-haired women (of all ages) challenge the status quo.
Kareena Kapoor Khan, at the Express Adda event in Mumbai last month, opened up about embracing her forties and sharing unfiltered photos on her Instagram at a time when the industry is obsessed with staying young. When asked why she chooses to post unfiltered images of herself on social media, Kareena shared how it’s been a natural process for her to accept herself and her age.
Kapoor had earlier said, “There’s no conscious thought to it. I know the industry; everyone wants to always look a certain way. Everyone wants to actually just remain young. That’s the main thing. But I’ve been one person who’s never really been afraid of embracing my age. I turn 43 on 21st of September, and I’m actually having the time of my life.
The pressure to remain young forever is pervasive in today's world. However, some remarkable women are rewriting this narrative. They are embracing the beauty of ageing with pride and wisdom, which is truly inspiring. The fear of growing older should be replaced with a celebration of life's unique journey, wrinkles and all. Age is not the enemy; it's a badge of honour, a testament to the experiences and wisdom that life bestows upon us.
Suggested reading: 7 Bollywood Actors Who Embraced Their Grey Hair Proudly
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