Firstpost at Red Sea Film Festival | EXCLUSIVE! Eva Longoria: ‘Ageism is real; women are always given an expiry date’

A champion for diversity within the American film industry, Eva Longoria has worked consistently in Hollywood for over 20 years. She has made herself as an industry staple known for her work both in front of and behind the camera. Longoria continues to hone her craft, seek new projects, and expand opportunities for others by paving the way for future women and minority producers, directors and industry leaders in Hollywood and beyond.

Eva is a busy mom too and while we were about to start the interview, she had to answer a message from his son. Desperate Housewives indeed changed her entire life and she too believes in it and why not? It was the number one show in the world. She is not just a mother, not just a wife, not just an actor, not just a director, not just a producer, but an activist too, having championed Latino voices throughout her work.

Edited excerpts from the interview: 

Desperate Housewives just completed 20 years, but you still look the same. How do you manage to do that?

Oh! Yes, it’s twenty years (laughs). But I started young and I also think it’s my Mexican genes.

What do you have to say about ageism in the entertainment industry?

Ageism is a real thing for women specifically. We are always given an expiry date. But I think it is changing a little bit and the mindset is also changing. For instance, Salma Hyke said that she has got more jobs after turning 50 than she ever had in her life. There are so many amazing actors like her who started later in life and they are doing great in the entertainment industry.

So, there is a change and it’s very refreshing and I also feel that we need to desensitize aging. We all are aging. You can’t stop that. We can’t look the same forever. And at the same time I refuse to believe that my greatest success is behind me.

How difficult is it to balance being a producer, actor and a director?

I like to do a lot of things together. Doing just one thing is boring. And if I am producing, directing and acting, I am able to control a lot of things. I like to wear many hats. And at the same time, I love being with my family and friends.

Do you ever want to do a Bollywood film?

I was indeed very close to being a part of a Bollywood film with Aamir Khan . But something happened and it didn’t work out. Aamir is such a brilliant actor and really loved watching Lagaan. It is such an impactful film which keeps you close to your own country’s culture and tradition. He has a huge contribution in global cinema.