Delnaaz Irani On Ageing And Pressure To Look Young

MUMBAI-Actress Delnaaz Irani has spoken about the pressure on women in Bollywood to maintain a certain appearance, saying expectations around skin and beauty can persist as women grow older.

“Generally speaking, yes, there is pressure. Women are expected to have a certain kind of skin and look a certain way. Even I feel that pressure a little bit sometimes, but then I tell myself, ‘Maa ki, mast raho, khaao piyo, aish karo, zindagi jiyo,’” said Irani, known for her role in ‘Kal Ho Na Ho’.

The actress, who recently turned 54, said physical, mental and emotional changes are a natural part of ageing. She added that she does not feel intense pressure to lose weight or worry about every aspect of her appearance.

“For me personally, I do not think I feel that much pressure. If I did, I would probably be trying very hard to lose weight and worrying about every little thing. I have laugh lines, and I know that these things happen as you grow older. There are so many physical, mental and emotional changes that women go through, but you have to learn to accept yourself,” she said.

Irani also reflected on how expectations have changed between generations, saying people today face pressure over their appearance, personal choices and the way they present themselves.

“Times have changed. There is pressure everywhere today. Our generation was different. We were quite simple. We wore what our mothers gave us, and we ate what was served on our plates. There were not so many questions. Today, everything is discussed and questioned,” she said.

Irani said women should be able to enjoy life as they grow older without allowing concerns about their appearance to take over. She acknowledged that she, too, sometimes thinks about how she looks but does not want it to become the center of her life. (IANS)