The same age as Sridevi, proficient dancer and actress Meenakshi Seshadri is heading for a comeback under the archlights after a long spell away from India and industry. We already know she's a capable actress--Damini deserved more accolades than it eventually got--but will the industry find space for an actor of a certain age? Her clickbait quote on wanting to do an item song, picked up by innumerable media outlets (including us!) seems... unlikely.
OTT has opened a novel chapter for actresses of a certain vintage, offering either great money, or great roles. Not to have the onus of 'opening weekend' numbers is a plus for any star of any stripe.
We are all for lofty ambitions, but not every devi... is a Sridevi. The stats are firmly against Meenu, as historically, the industry nor the audience is kind to stars who can no longer bring eyeballs (or 'butts on seats' as the expression goes!). Afterall, there are innumerable incredible Indian actresses live and kickin' but remain dutifully lunemployed, either by choice (Rekha? Juhi Chawla) or lack of lucrative opportunity (Hema Malini).
What happens to stars who can no longer get prime film roles, but can somewhat pull in crowds? There's politics of course, but as Hugh Grant famously said, "Politics is showbiz for the uglies."
Above: Meenakshi with Sridevi on the sets of the only film they did together; Joshilaay.
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