Bollywood is often criticised for pairing up actors in their fifties with actresses who are half their age to form a romantic couple. Several superstars from the 90s continue to play romantic leads even today while their female counterparts have moved on to play roles which suit their age. Actress Kajol, who played the mother to a 24 year old in the film 'Salaam Venky', recent talked about why actors like Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar work with actresses half their age.

Speaking at Agenda Aaj Tak, Kajol stated, “I think the heroes of our film industry, in fact, feel they are in this nut for a reason. And the reason is that the film industry is a business at the end of the day. Whatever you do at the end of the business, every hero has to pull in that much to make that film a hit. It’s a huge responsibility on their heads.”

She added, "Somebody asked me this question, ‘You have grown as an actor and your contemporaries have not grown as diverse as the roles that you have done’. I think that really has to do with the fact that they are also stuck down the line because of the number game. They are shouldering that responsibility."

Earlier this year, 55 year old Akshay Kumar starred alongside 25 year old Manushi Chhillar in 'Samrat Prithviraj' and responding to the criticism, he has stated, "That’s because they are jealous. I can work with them. Do I look 55? I don’t understand the problem. They just get jealous and keep on writing it. Some media person will write, and some trolling will happen. Who cares?”