Meenakshi Seshadri explains why male actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor and Dharmendra enjoy longer careers in Bollywood: “They don't have to worry about pregnancy”

Veteran actress Meenakshi Seshadri, known for her memorable roles in films like Damini, Hero, and Ghatak, recently shared her perspective on why male actors tend to have longer careers in the industry compared to their female counterparts. In 1996, Meenakshi Seshadri stepped away from the film industry to focus on her personal life and relocated to the USA, but now at 60 years old, she is eager to return to acting.
In an interview with Lehren Retro, Seshadri, who is planning a comeback after a 27-year hiatus, listed several key factors that contribute to the enduring success of male stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Anil Kapoor.

"There are quite a few reasons why male actors have a longer run in the industry," she said. "Even with Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Amitabh Bachchan's generation, they are still at it."
One significant factor, according to Seshadri, is the unequal distribution of domestic responsibilities. "Men are not really the ones who are doing domestic duties at home. So they can completely devote themselves to their careers."

She also highlighted the biological challenges faced by female actors. "The third reason is that they don't have to worry about childbirth or pregnancy, or raising children. All of this becomes the woman's responsibility."

The ‘Bewafai’ actress noted that the enduring popularity of male actors is crucial to their long careers, emphasizing that public affection is a significant factor in their continued success.
Back in 2022, in an interview with ETimes, Meenakshi who has worked with several leading men during her own illustrious career, shared some anecdotes from her time on set. Recalling her experience working with Sunny Deol in the film Dacait, she said, "I had a kiss in 'Dacait', which happens just before a song. I give full credit to Sunny for being very professional about it and making me comfortable too. But the Censors cut that."

Her co-star in Inaam Dus Hazaar, Sanjay Dutt, left a lasting impression on the young actress. "I started on a fan-moment note. I had seen him shooting for 'Rocky' with Tina Munim. I was very young then. I found him very handsome and cute. And when my chance to work with him in 'Inaam Dus Hazaar' came, I did tell him about that shoot."

Seshadri also shared a memorable experience working with the legendary Amitabh Bachchan on the song "Jaane do jaane do, mujhe jaana hai" in the film Shahenshah. "I think I will never forget the aerial shots we took during that song."

The ‘Damini’ actress also stated that she is eager to make a comeback and prove her mettle once again. "I want to return to movies. I want to act again. Aisa lag raha hai jaise kuch adhura reh gaya tha." When asked about the types of roles she is interested in, she remained open-minded. "With the kind of work that I have done in the past, I think I'll be able to do any role. So it would be wrong on my part to limit myself to any particular type or category."