Nani Talks Age-Inclusive Roles and the Evolution of Senior Actors in Cinema
Stereotypes and clichés are an inherent part of the film industry. It is not uncommon for actors to get typecast, with their subsequent films often following a similar template based on their previous successes. While this pattern seems to be the norm, it brings up an important question about an actor’s satisfaction with their body of work.
In an industry where age often dictates the kind of roles offered, many senior actors face the criticism of playing roles that are far younger than their actual age. This has led to discussions about how actors should embrace roles that reflect their true age rather than adhering to the formulaic, youthful personas they have built over the years.
During the promotional campaign for his latest film, HIT 3, actor Nani shared a refreshing perspective that has quickly gone viral on social media. The actor, known for his versatility, was asked how he felt about portraying a character in his mid-40s, despite being 41 himself. It’s a departure from the typical casting trend where actors in their 30s or 40s continue to play characters in their late 20s or early 30s.
Nani, however, expressed excitement at stepping out of the typical age bracket for a change. “For HIT 3, I am playing someone who is 45. This is something different from what I usually do in my other films. And to be honest, I can’t wait to turn 60,” Nani said during the interview.
He elaborated on his thoughts, explaining that sticking to roles in his late 20s or 30s would likely limit the types of films and characters he would be offered. “The more I play younger roles, the more I am approached with similar scripts, which often follow the same template. But in HIT 3, my character is older, and there’s a new layer to it that I find interesting,” Nani added.
The actor’s excitement about aging on screen mirrors a broader shift in the industry, where more actors are choosing to play roles that align with their real-life age, breaking free from the constraints of typecasting. Nani also referenced legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, expressing his desire to play a role similar to Sarkar when he turns 60. “I would love to play a role like Sarkar when I turn 60. It’s an exciting possibility to take on more complex, nuanced roles,” Nani said, pointing to Bachchan’s career as a model for senior actors embracing roles that reflect their age.
This perspective is in contrast to the traditional image of senior actors, who are often seen in typical commercial setups, sometimes playing characters that defy their age. However, actors like Mammootty and Mohanlal have proven that age-inclusive roles can not only be rewarding but also bring in significant commercial success. Both actors have excelled in films where they play roles that match their age, showing that audiences are increasingly receptive to seeing actors in more mature, realistic roles.
Nani’s comments highlight a growing trend in the industry where actors are encouraged to embrace their age and explore more diverse roles that reflect their true life experiences. This shift offers a wider range of opportunities for senior actors, who can now bring more depth and authenticity to their performances. Nani, much like his contemporaries, believes that as he ages, the roles he is offered will become more complex and fulfilling. “As I get older, I think I’ll get even better roles,” he said, with genuine optimism about his future as an actor.
The notion of senior actors playing roles that align with their actual age could open up a wealth of new storytelling possibilities, not only in Tollywood but across the Indian film industry. The increasing success of mature, age-appropriate roles in films by actors like Chiranjeevi and Balakrishna suggests that a new era of cinema is on the horizon—one where actors of all ages can find their true calling, regardless of industry stereotypes.
