The tabloids, and those pesky paparazzi sites in particular, have not been kind to this star wife whose appearance at a public event recently was minutely dissected. Self-styled experts and opinion makers noted that the elegant lady looked puffy'. Some have suggested that "she's had work done recently" and hence the "startling new look". Others said she "looked a lot like" a has-been actress who made her debut opposite her husband.
Incidents like these"including the one involving the Bollywood actor's wife"are a reminder of deep- rooted prejudices against women over 40 who choose to conduct their lives in the public eye. The media's harsh judgment of their appearance is reflective of blatant hypocrisy. When was the last time the press went after one of our 40-plus male stars? Shame.
Jodha Akbar
Anupamaa
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