Rubina Dilaik’s popular podcast Kisine Bataya Nahi has returned with its third season, and the latest episode featured a special guest, actor Sharad Kelkar. During their conversation, Rubina delved into a significant topic—the typecasting of female actors after they embrace motherhood. She posed an intriguing question to Sharad, asking if male actors experience similar categorization after becoming fathers.
Sharad Kelkar reflected on the evolving nature of the entertainment industry and highlighted that, historically, male actors have not been typecast in the same way. He acknowledged that while times have changed, the industry still tends to pigeonhole women, especially after they take a break from work to become mothers. He pointed out that this often happens due to the physical changes women undergo during motherhood, which cannot be ignored.
Sharad further elaborated on how female lead actors today work diligently to return to their pre-pregnancy form, offering examples of actresses like Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rubina Dilaik herself, both of whom have successfully regained their fitness post-motherhood.
Rubina candidly shared her personal experience of typecasting, mentioning that she continues to receive offers for roles like “bhabhi” (sister-in-law) characters, despite her efforts to break away from such limitations. She remarked, “But still now, I am being asked for ‘bhabhi’-type roles.”
Sharad, offering a broader industry perspective, explained that the unfortunate reality is that male actors often enjoy longer “shelf lives” as leads compared to their female counterparts. He recalled how, in the past, there were few opportunities for mature love stories featuring actors in their 30s and 40s as leading roles. He also noted how television typically caters to younger audiences, with actors portraying characters in the 16 to 18-year age range, as those stories dominate the medium.
Despite the physical changes motherhood brings, Sharad emphasized that with hard work and determination, it is entirely possible for women to make a strong comeback.
The episode also highlighted the long-standing friendship between Rubina Dilaik and Sharad Kelkar. The two actors have been close friends for over a decade, and Rubina shares a special bond with Sharad’s wife, Keerti. As per tradition, Rubina and her husband, Abhinav Shukla, attended the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Sharad and Keerti’s home this year.
Although Rubina is currently taking a break from television, she remains busy with her podcast, Kisine Bataya Nahi, and actively endorses brands on social media. Her last television appearance was as a host on Entertainment Ki Raat Housefull.
Fans of Rubina and Sharad were thrilled to see their candid conversation, and the episode touched on critical industry issues that resonate with many.
