Sharat Saxena, who has appeared in blockbusters like Baghban, Ghulam, and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge, recently discussed how older performers like him struggle to get employment in the entertainment industry. He disclosed why he is unable to get employment despite having worked in the film industry for 40 years in an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak. He also praises Amitabh Bachchan for his work in “older guy roles.”
“NO ONE WRITES ROLES FOR OLD ACTORS LIKE US,” says the narrator.
Sharat Saxena claimed that he doesn’t receive decent offers since no roles for “old actors like him” are written unless it’s Amitabh Bachchan. “In today’s Bollywood, no one crafts roles for senior performers like us,” he added. Only a few alternatives are available.
Everyone’s first pick is Amitabh Bachchan, a fantastic performer. I’ve collaborated with him on several occasions. I can’t compare myself to him since he is a wonderful personality.”
“Today, the greatest reason senior performers aren’t receiving excellent work is a dearth of compelling stories,” he continued. Vidya Balan and I recently collaborated in Sherni. I really loved the persona, so I went with it. Bollywood should develop projects with older performers in mind, much as Hollywood films.”
EVEN AFTER 40 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, SHARAT SAXENA IS NOT HAPPY.
Sharat Saxena, a veteran of the film industry with over 40 years of experience, is dissatisfied with his acting career. “I’ve put forth a lot of effort in the film industry,” he added. I won’t claim that I didn’t have the opportunity to work with talented filmmakers or in quality films. I’ve given this industry more than 40 years and 250 films. I was the one who got screwed up and had to suffer the brunt of it. I put forth a lot of effort, but I couldn’t seem to fit into the film business as well as I should have. Maybe I was missing something. I don’t have a good-looking face, a dark complexion, and no social ties. All of these factors conspired against me.”
“MY BODY HAD BECOME MY WORST ENEMY.”
Sharat Saxena went on to say that establishing oneself as an actor takes a long time. “I received only tiny roles for the first 25 to 30 years of my cinematic career,” he added. In movies, I was cast as a warrior, and in the name of conversation, I was given the lines “yeah boss,” “okay boss.” Even at the age of 71, people compliment me on my physical health. But there was a point when my body turned against me. Whenever a director saw me, they immediately wanted to cast me as a villain. Actors nowadays devote a lot of attention to their bodies. People still speak about me because of my fitness, so it’s critical to keep it up.”
“THE FILM INDUSTRY OF TODAY IS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.”
“I will argue that today’s era is different,” Sharat Saxena stated. The film business nowadays is dominated by young people. All of the old performers have returned home, as have the majority of the old producers and filmmakers. Whether it’s veterans of the art department or the technical department, their offspring have taken up all of their responsibilities, and the film industry is now managed by the same individuals. No one informs veteran performers like us that it’s time to retire. This is something that is self-evident. But, when it comes to me, I am still certain that I am not ready to go; this is due to my stubbornness as well as my desire to work in the film industry.”
Sharat Saxena was last seen with Vidya Balan in Sherni.
