The acting age gap in Bollywood is quite predominant. The older men cavort with sprightly young heroines, while the older women become resigned to taking mother, sister, and aunt roles.  It seems men in the autumn of their years have a better chance for continued success in Bollywood than their female counterparts. Couples around the same age that once shared the screen together would scarcely be cast as lovers today, while the newest crop of young starlets are paired with some of the best in the business: Shahrukh, Salman, Akshay, all stalwart veterans of their trade.
Amitabh Bachchan is most notably the prevalent king of Bollywood. At age 66, the charismatic Big B continues to create fun and excitement in everything he does. Starting from the age of 27, Amitabh entered the scene in 1969 with Saat Hindustani. From then on, Bachchan Sr. enjoyed an abundance of success in all genres of movies, from comedies, to action adventures, to romantic dramas. His impressive 40-year career span has demonstrated his everlasting versatility and resilience in the field. Don, Sholay, Abhiman, and Silsila are just a few of his numerous yesteryear hits. He’s played father and friend to scores of other big names as well: from Shahrukh and Akshay Kumar to Rani Mukherjee and Aishwarya Rai. From a strict disciplinarian in Mohabbatein, a dedicated teacher and mentor in Black, an incorrigible playboy in Khabie Alvida Naa Kehna, and an ailing yet loyal servant in Eklavya, Mr. Bachchan has proved his ability to play rich, diverse characters effortlessly. His upcoming projects include a sequel to 2005’s Sarkar, and a tentative leading role opposite Johnny Depp in an adaptation of the novel Shantaram, to be directed by Mira Nair.
Govinda, a natural performer, has outlasted his comedic competitors for almost 3 decades now. He charmed audiences with his blend of slapstick humor and romantic farce in hits like Coolie No. 1, Raja Babu, Kunwara, and Hero No. 1. Recently he’s come back on the scene in style with blockbusters like Salaam-E-Ishq, Bhagam Bhag, and Partner. Even at 50 years old, he’s managed to add beauties Katrina Kaif and newcomer Shannon Esra to his long list of leading ladies. In the same stride, Sanjay Dutt and Anil Kapoor have experienced tremendous continued success as well! At age 49, both men have proven their remarkable talents in action, drama, and comedy since their introduction in the early 80’s. Sanjay continues to deliver with Musafir, Parineeta, and the successful Munnabhai series, while Anil Kapoor entertained audiences with his chilling performance in My Wife’s Murder, and then made them fall over laughing in the high-spirited No Entry! Keeping with his ensemble-cast projects, Anil oozes style and personality yet again in Tashan.
A prevalent group of actors has had continued success since the 1990’s. Shahrukh, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgan, and Saif Ali Khan have all made their mark on the history of Bollywood cinema. Many have favored these dynamic leading men as the forerunners of style and talent in the industry. Some of the biggest blockbuster hits have come from this powerhouse of talents, and continue to do so with recent victories like Om Shanti Om, Partner, Omkara, Taare Zameen Par, and Bhool Bhulaiya.
However, a younger set is rising to the challenge and making their place alongside these enduring legends. Worthy are Hritik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, and John Abraham. These relative youngsters have managed to break in and keep up a nice string of triumphs like Saathiya, Yuva, Krrish, and Dhoom. Meanwhile, novices like Shahid Kapoor, Emraan Hashmi, and Ranbir Kapoor are gaining popularity and accolades as well! Although the stage is set for the fresh young troupe, these resilient gentlemen are still setting the screen ablaze. Movie audiences demand their stars to be fit and fashionable, great dancers and charming lovers, and for Bollywood actors, age has nothing to do with it!