Madhuri Dixit Calls Out Sexism and Ageism
It’s hard to build a four-decade career in Bollywood, but Madhuri Dixit Nene has done it. And she’s not afraid to speak up about the challenges women face in the industry. In a recent conversation ahead of her upcoming film ‘Maa Behen’, the actress didn’t hold back when discussing the brutal trolling that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Dixit rued that women have no respite from ‘sexism and ageism’ – a reality that plays out not just on red carpets, but in everyday life. ‘There is sexism and ageism everywhere,’ she stated, pointing out how even in casual meetings, people make personal comments about appearance. She added, ‘Even when you meet people after a long time, they make personal comments like, ‘You have become so fat. Your hair has become so grey.” The veteran star made it clear that such remarks are never appropriate.
‘See What She Represents’ – Madhuri’s Strong Defense
The ‘Maa Behen’ actress directly addressed the online trolling that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan endured while walking the Cannes red carpet. ‘One cannot forget the contribution of the person, and what they have done in the past,’ Dixit asserted. ‘You don’t know what’s happening in their lives or maybe they are happy the way they are. Accept people the way they are; remember what she [Rai] represents rather than commenting on her size or age.’
Dixit’s defense is particularly powerful given her own four-decade journey in the spotlight. She knows firsthand how quickly conversations shift from an artist’s work to their physical appearance – especially for women. By speaking up, she’s reminding fans and critics alike that talent and legacy matter far more than fleeting comments about weight or wrinkles.
A Message for the Industry and Fans
Madhuri’s comments arrive at a time when female actors are increasingly vocal about age-based discrimination. The actress urged everyone to look beyond superficial judgments. ‘But one cannot forget the contribution of the person,’ she reiterated, calling for a shift in how we discuss women in the public eye.
With ‘Maa Behen’ set to release soon, Madhuri Dixit isn’t just promoting her film – she’s championing a message of respect and acceptance. As she put it, it’s time to see what a woman represents, not just how she looks. That’s a lesson Bollywood – and the world – could stand to learn.