In a candid revelation, popular television actress Rubina Dilaik has shared that she has been consistently offered ‘bhabhi’ roles ever since becoming a mother to twin daughters. Rubina, known for her role as the “Choti Bahu,” opened up about the industry’s typecasting and how motherhood has shaped her career in unexpected ways.
Motherhood Leading to Stereotypical Roles
Rubina Dilaik’s latest podcast, Kisi Ko Bataya Nahi, recently aired its third season, featuring actor Sharad Kelkar as a guest. During their conversation, Rubina spoke openly about how actresses in the television industry are often typecast after embracing motherhood. She revealed that since giving birth, most of the roles she has been offered are those of a sister-in-law (bhabhi). This statement has sparked widespread discussion in the entertainment world.
Discussing Typecasting with Sharad Kelkar
During the podcast, Sharad Kelkar weighed in on how times have changed for male actors. While actresses face typecasting after major life changes like marriage and motherhood, male actors have traditionally not been pigeonholed in the same way. Rubina emphasized that the physical transformation women go through during and after pregnancy often contributes to this stereotype. “Once a woman embraces motherhood, she changes physically, and that’s something no one can deny. That’s why actresses are often only offered bhabhi roles after they get married,” Rubina explained.
Body Image and Post-Pregnancy Challenges
Sharad also highlighted how actors and actresses alike are now working harder than ever to return to their ideal body shape post-pregnancy. He cited examples of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rubina Dilaik, who have both made remarkable comebacks after becoming mothers. Despite regaining her fitness, Rubina admitted that she continues to receive offers for ‘bhabhi’ roles. “Even now, I’m being asked to portray these bhabhi-like characters,” she shared.
Sharad further noted that the shelf life of male actors is different from that of their female counterparts in lead roles. “It’s a harsh truth that the longevity of a male actor in lead roles is often different from that of a female actor,” he remarked.
Rubina Dilaik’s brave revelations have once again brought to light the persistent gender stereotypes in the entertainment industry, especially concerning the roles women are offered after major life changes like marriage and motherhood. Fans and industry insiders alike are hopeful that this conversation will encourage a shift toward more diverse and empowering roles for actresses.