Ratna Pathak On Actors Romancing Actresses 'Younger Than Their Daughters': 'They Don't Feel Ashamed'

Ratna Pathak Shah is currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Dhak Dhak with Dia Mirza, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanjana Sanghi. The actress has had a long-spanning acting career across mediums such as theatre, television and cinema. In a recent interview, she opened up about ageism in Bollywood and the age gap between male and female actors who romance one another on screen.

Talking to India Today about this issue, Ratna said, “When they don’t feel ashamed, then what should I say? They are not ashamed to romance actresses who are younger than their daughters, so there is nothing for me to say. I mean it’s an embarrassment.”

Talking about a possible change of perception in society and cinema when it comes to women, the actress said, “There will be change. I’m sure, women are not going under the burqa or ghoonghat anymore, we are economically more viable today, we will drive certain stories, women will make their way, it will take time but we will surely make our way.”

On the note of women adapting to the changing times, Ratna mentioned that for her film Dhak Dhak, she learnt how to ride a bike at the age of 65. She told Bollywood Hungama, “I have driven bikes in my dreams many times. I used to look at bike riders and think that someday I will too ride a bike but I didn’t know that at the age of 65, I will have to ride a bike.”

Dhak Dhak will be released in cinemas on Friday, October 13. The film reportedly revolves around four women who bravely set out for an adventure by embarking on a road trip to the highest motorable pass in the world on their bikes on a journey of self-discovery. The film is co-written and directed by Tarun Dudeja of Freddy and Shrikant Bashir fame. Parijat Joshi has also co-written the film. He is known for works like College Romance and Jugaadistan.