Tanushree Dutta calls for judging people by character, not age
Actress Tanushree Dutta has spoken out against the film industry's tendency to accord automatic respect to so-called 'veteran' figures, arguing that age alone should not determine the regard a person receives. In a video and accompanying post shared on Monday, August 24, she said she has learned to judge people by their character rather than their age, and cautioned: "Never trust a person just for their age."
Reflecting on her own career, the 'Aashiq Banaya Aapne' and 'Dhol' actress acknowledged that she once believed an older actor who was not getting work deserved help. She said her perception changed, however, and argued that the term 'veteran' often refers to people who have spent years learning to navigate the industry and shape public perception.
"Mujhe bhi yehi laga that ki aged actor hai, koi kaam nahi de raha, help kar deti hoon. But no, Bollywood mein 'veteran' ka matlab hai shatir-dimag manjha hua khiladi," she wrote, meaning she initially thought of an aged actor needing help, but that in Bollywood, 'veteran' means a sharp-minded, seasoned player who has mastered all the tricks.
A 'very big star' who felt scapegoated
In the video, Dutta reflected on a time when she was at the peak of her popularity. "I was a very big star. I may not have been the top number one star, or I may not have been a super duper star, but I was a very big star," she said, as reported by Lokmat Times. She also challenged the conventional notion of seniority, saying: "There is no senior in Bollywood by age. The one whose stars are high is a senior. The one whose movie is getting a hit is a star."
She recalled an experience on a film set where she became the centre of controversy, claiming that several people came together and she was made a "scapegoat" despite being the biggest star on the set. Looking back, she admitted, "I was definitely not street smart. I did not get a chance to learn the grace, mischief, and cunning of God," according to she said in the video.
Dark accusations against some veterans
Dutta's remarks turned sharper when she characterised certain 'veteran' figures in the industry. "Some of these very evil and negative people with very dark and nefarious intentions towards are in the category of veteran. They hate young privileged people and will do anything to destroy them," she said, as quoted by both Free Press Journal and Lokmat Times. She added that Bollywood has witnessed this phenomenon time and again.
She also wrote in her caption that "veteran" in Bollywood means someone who has learned all the tricks of manipulation, so that they can "cover up their crimes and real character." "This is the real world definition of veteran," she added.
'Demons are also veteran'
In her caption, Dutta introduced a philosophical analogy, likening some 'veterans' to ancient demons. "Demons are also veteran!! They are older than heaven, yes the demons are ancient beings. So they are veteran evil, meaning they do an evil for a long time. Some human anyone are incarnations of demons and do not acknowledge," she wrote, as reported by Lokmat Times.
Look beyond age and background
While her remarks have drawn attention for their strong wording, Dutta did not name any specific individual in her post. She concluded her message with a plea to see people as "souls" before considering their age, appearance, or background.
"This world is built by people like us and destroyed by those who wear masks of propriety. Recognize souls and divinity," she wrote, urging people to look beyond superficial attributes to recognise a person for who they truly are.