Actor Ameesha Patel recently addressed the uproar over the age gap between Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna in their latest film, Sikandar. With a significant 31-year age difference between them, the pair has become a topic of heated discussion, leaving Ameesha baffled by the public’s focus on age, rather than talent or chemistry. Despite the controversy, Ameesha staunchly supports the duo, referencing her own experience with age gaps in film, notably with Sunny Deol in the Gadar series.
During an event in Mumbai, Ameesha was asked about the age gap debate. She responded by reminding the audience of her collaborative history with Sunny Deol, noting that their 20-year age difference did not hinder their success on screen. She succinctly stated, “There was a 20-year age gap between me and Sunny (Deol) ji as well, but when a pair works, it works.” Her endorsement comes on the heels of similar sentiments expressed by Salman Khan himself.
At the trailer launch of Sikandar, Salman addressed criticisms regarding his collaboration with the younger Rashmika. When confronted with concerns about their age difference, Salman brushed off the negativity, stating, “Phir woh bolte hain 31 years ka difference hai heroine aur mujh mein, arrey jab heroine ko problem nahi hai, heroine ke papa ko dikkat nahi hai, tumko kyun dikkat hai bhai? Inki shaadi hogi, bachchi hongi, toh unke sath bhi kaam karenge. Mummy ki permission toh mil hi jayega.” This candid retort was met with smiles and laughter from Rashmika herself, highlighting the pair’s camaraderie.
Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar presents a gripping tale of justice and redemption. Salman’s character embarks on a mission to ensure the happiness and safety of those connected to his late wife, showcasing both action and emotion. Yet, despite the engaging narrative, the film struggled to captivate audiences as expected after its theatrical release on Sunday. Initial box office collections fell short, unable to surpass the records set by Shah Rukh Khan‘s Dunki, which managed to earn ₹84 crore in India within the first four days.
Amid these discussions, Ameesha’s comments serve to refocus attention on the essence of storytelling and performance in Bollywood. By drawing parallels to her own successful career trajectories, she emphasizes that on-screen chemistry and the storyline should outweigh age-related discussions. Her perspective, shared openly with media outlets, offers a reminder of the true essence of filmmaking.
The age gap discussion has certainly added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the release of Sikandar. Whether it acts as fuel for the film’s promotion or detracts from its success remains to be seen. However, what stands clear is the unwavering confidence Ameesha and Salman have in their work and choices. As the discourse unfolds, both industry veterans and audiences alike are urged to consider the qualities that truly make a film memorable.
The controversy surrounding Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna’s pairing may continue to evoke strong reactions, yet it also serves as a testament to the complex dynamics at play in the entertainment world. With each comment and perspective shared, the conversation grows richer, inviting varied viewpoints on the evolving nature of casting and narrative construction in cinema. As the dust settles, its impact will likely influence future projects and the perception of age in cinematic pairings, leaving a lasting imprint on Bollywood narratives.
