A 40-year age difference and an unsettling on-screen dynamic raise questions about age gaps in Indian cinema.
December 27, 2024: The issue of age gaps between male and female leads in Indian cinema has long been a topic of heated debate. Over the years, many iconic films have featured veteran male actors romancing much younger female co-stars, sparking conversations about representation, power dynamics, and gender disparity in the film industry. However, one of the most shocking examples remains the collaboration between legendary Telugu actor N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) and Bollywood’s evergreen diva, Sridevi.
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In 1972, a 9-year-old Sridevi played the role of NTR’s granddaughter in the Telugu film Badi Panthulu. Just seven years later, in 1979, a 16-year-old Sridevi transitioned into adult roles and starred opposite the same NTR as his romantic heroine in Vetagaadu. At the time, NTR was 56 years old, marking a staggering 40-year age difference between the two leads.
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It’s interesting to remember that Sridevi worked her whole life. But this age gap is so creepy especially when put one next to other!
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The Context of the Age Gap
While Indian cinema has seen many instances of significant age differences between male and female leads, Vetagaadu stands out because NTR and Sridevi’s characters were presented as romantic equals, despite their glaring real-life age gap. Unlike movies such as Nishabd (Amitabh Bachchan and Jiah Khan, 46-year gap) where the age gap was central to the storyline, Vetagaadu portrayed them as a conventional romantic pair.
Adding to the unease is the fact that NTR played Sridevi’s grandfather in a previous film, further amplifying the unsettling nature of their subsequent pairing as romantic leads.
Public Reaction
Decades later, this pairing continues to spark conversations online. A recent viral mashup video featuring clips from Badi Panthulu and Vetagaadu reignited the debate.
- “This level of creepery will never be seen again. Baby Sridevi had to endure so much for her family,” commented a user.
- Another user highlighted, “This might not even be NTR’s largest age gap on screen. In Samrat Ashoka (1992), he starred opposite a 21-year-old Vani Viswanath when he was 69—a 48-year age difference.”
Legacy of NTR and Sridevi
NTR remains one of Telugu cinema’s most celebrated superstars, with a legacy that extends into politics as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for three terms. His contribution to Indian cinema and politics remains unparalleled.
Sridevi, on the other hand, went on to become Bollywood’s first female superstar, dominating the 80s and 90s with her unparalleled talent and charm. Despite her untimely demise in 2018, her legacy endures through her timeless performances.
Conclusion:
While the pairing of NTR and Sridevi in Vetagaadu remains a controversial chapter in Indian cinema history, it also sheds light on deep-rooted gender dynamics in the film industry. Today, while significant age gaps between leads still exist, conversations around representation and fairness have gained momentum, thanks to increased awareness and changing societal perspectives.
Tags: Indian Cinema, Age Gap in Movies, NTR, Sridevi, Telugu Cinema, Bollywood Trivia, Movie History
