Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela recently opened up about her experience working with much older co-stars, particularly in her debut film Singh Saab The Great (2013) alongside Sunny Deol. With a 38-year age difference between them, Rautela’s collaboration with Deol marked what she calls “the biggest age gap in Bollywood history” between a leading man and his heroine. In a conversation with iDiva, she playfully pointed out that she was younger than Deol’s sons at the time, adding that such casting choices, though unconventional, bring a unique appeal to the screen.
Reflecting on the dynamic of working with significantly older male actors, Rautela noted the opportunities these roles provide to work alongside industry legends who have longstanding fan bases. Her experience with Deol in Singh Saab The Great offered her a deep dive into Bollywood as she stepped into the limelight. The casting, driven by the film’s director’s vision, was something she embraced wholeheartedly. Rautela said, “It’s the biggest age gap in the history of Bollywood; correct me if I’m wrong. We had a 38-year age gap. I was younger than his sons, as well. But if the director thinks there’s no problem, it’s okay.”
Rautela emphasized her openness to such casting dynamics in her career, though she added that such age gaps don’t translate into her personal life. She laughingly mentioned that dating older men is not her preference, but she remains open to it on-screen if the project requires it. Rautela hinted that her upcoming South Indian project, NBK 109, where she will star alongside the legendary Nandamuri Balakrishna, could set another record for on-screen age differences. Balakrishna, in his 60s, shares a considerable age gap with Rautela, and she is enthusiastic about the prospect, believing that working with seasoned stars adds an invaluable layer to any film.
Rautela’s excitement for NBK 109 stems not only from the notable casting but also from the film’s impressive ensemble, which includes industry heavyweights like Bobby Deol, Ravi Kishan, Dulquer Salmaan, Prakash Raj, and Payal Rajput. Bobby Deol, in particular, is set to portray the antagonist, a character expected to add intensity to the film. This project marks another significant milestone for Rautela as she continues to collaborate with acclaimed actors, which she believes amplifies her visibility and draws attention to the film. Rautela’s stance on age gaps in films reflects her belief that, “Larger age gaps often add value to the movie itself. With older stars come extensive fan followings, which significantly boost a film’s appeal.”
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On-screen age gaps are not new in Bollywood, with industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor often cast opposite younger actresses. However, Rautela’s experience with Sunny Deol in Singh Saab The Great remains one of the most notable due to their nearly four-decade difference. Deol, a celebrated action hero known for his impactful performances, shared the screen with Rautela in the 2013 film, where she played his romantic interest. This casting decision was met with some surprise, but it showcased Bollywood’s evolving trends, where story requirements often trump conventional casting norms.
Rautela’s career reflects a trend in Bollywood where younger actresses are often cast alongside older male stars with established legacies. This trend not only creates a unique cinematic experience but also draws a diverse audience. Her willingness to embrace such roles speaks to her dedication to her craft and her understanding of Bollywood’s audience dynamics. According to Rautela, working with seasoned actors also offers her an enriching learning experience, allowing her to observe and learn from their craft.
The Bollywood actress, now set to work in both Bollywood and the South Indian film industries, sees each role as a stepping stone to greater recognition. As she moves forward, she anticipates breaking her own records in terms of age-gap collaborations, all while building her own legacy. NBK 109 promises to be a major project that highlights the appeal of cross-generational casting in Indian cinema.
With a positive outlook on such casting dynamics, Rautela embraces the unusual age gaps as part of Bollywood’s evolving narrative. Her collaborations with veteran stars not only add intrigue to her roles but also mark a shift in how age differences are perceived on-screen.
