Madhoo sheds light on why 90s actress had a longer career span
Mumbai, July 5
Veteran actress Madhoo revealed why actresses from the 90s enjoyed a longer career span compared to actresses from today.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Madhoo shared that previously, actresses had the room to improve, but today, every newcomer enters the industry completely prepared.
She added that while they had the advantage of being given time to be accepted by the audience, the new generation has the fear of being completely rejected only after their debut movie.
Madhoo told IANS, "We all have a long career span. I left voluntarily in 9 years, but the other actresses continued, and they transformed and continued, and it was a long span. Today, actresses don't have that long span. They look amazing in their first film, they have a few more films, and then the new girl comes. So, that was the advantage of not starting out perfect, and today, the advantage is that you start out perfect. There is a lot of support."
Sharing her personal example, the 'Roja' actress went on to add, "If the audience did not like us, we used to get a second chance, third chance. During my 9-year career, every movie of mine was like a training ground for me. So, from being 'not so good' I had a chance to become 'good'. The audience gave me that time, and I had the room to improve because I was not the best when I came in 'Phool Aur Kaante', but people connected, and then I had a chance to correct my externals like hair and makeup. But today, people come perfect, so either you impress in your first attempt, or you are out."
After making her debut with 'Phool Aur Kaante' in 1991 opposite Ajay Devgn, Madhoo went on to become a part of several hits, such as 'Roja' (1992), 'Allari Priyudu' (1992), 'Yoddha' (1992), and 'Gentleman' (1993).
— IANS
Reader Comments
I think she's right about the lack of patience in the industry. Earlier, actresses like Kajol weren't polished from day one, but their naturalness won hearts. Now everyone is so image-conscious that they don't get time to find their craft. But also, actors today have to deal with social media pressure 24/7, which is a different beast.
Interesting perspective from Madhoo. But I think a lot has changed in how films are bankrolled. In the 90s, a single hit could carry you for years. Now, with OTT and different platforms, there's so much content that even established stars get lost. Also, female actors today also choose to leave earlier because they have other options.
Honestly, there's something beautiful about watching an actor grow on screen. Madhoo's transformation in 'Roja' as a village girl was magical. Today's actresses are already so styled and perfect that they don't have that "discovery" moment. But I must say, the new generation is also working with much bigger budgets and pressure. 🙏
Madhoo's point about training grounds is so true. Nobody was a finished product back then, and that made the industry richer. Filmmakers also took chances with new talent. Now everyone looks like they just walked out of a photoshoot. Maybe we should give space for imperfection again. But then again, audiences have also become harsher with social media comments.
As someone who grew up watching Madhoo, this is
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