Dia Mirza calls out Bollywood's age-gap in casting: 'You'll never see a 60-70 year-old woman cast opposite...'

Indian actor, producer and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza is once again returning to the romantic space on screen, a world she once defined for an entire generation with Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. As she prepares for her next romantic film, the spiritual sequel to Once Again, directed by Kanwal Sethi, Mirza brings with her a stronger voice, deeper clarity, and a willingness to question the industry’s long-standing biases.

Speaking at We The Women, Mirza addressed the persistent age gap between male and female leads in Indian cinema. At 40, she says she feels “more focused, sharper and doing some of the best work” of her life.

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“I find it interesting that I’m cast opposite actors in their late 50s, 60s and even 70 — and we’re meant to be seen as romantic equals on screen,” she said. “Yet you’ll never see a 60- or 70-year-old woman cast opposite a man in his 40s, playing a contemporary romantic lead.”

“That pairing simply doesn’t exist for women. Not because it lacks credibility — but because our industry still struggles to imagine women as desirable, relevant, and central beyond a certain age,” she added. “It’s not about men aging — it’s about women being denied the right to age with visibility, dignity, and complexity on screen.”

Her remarks land at a moment when discussions around representation, gender equality and inclusivity are gaining strength, yet ageism, especially toward women remains one of cinema’s most entrenched blind spots.

Dia Mirza recently wrapped filming her upcoming untitled romantic drama with Kanwal Sethi, marking her return to a genre that audiences have long associated with her warmth and emotive depth.

While Dia Mirza returns to the romantic genre on screen, Dia, who has been a producer for over a decade is gearing up for the screening of her Marathi short film Panha, produced under her banner One India, is set to screen at ALT EFF (The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival) this year. The film further reflects her ongoing commitment to stories rooted in empathy, social relevance, and environmental consciousness.

Beyond her filmmaking work, Mirza remains one of India’s strongest and most consistent voices for the planet. She championed environmental issues long before they became mainstream, and continues to serve as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. She was also appointed by the UN Secretary-General as an Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals, amplifying conversations on climate action, clean air, and sustainable living across the world.