Exclusive | Rajshri Deshpande On Why Strong, Well-Paid Roles For Women In Their 40s Are Scarce

After a pathbreaking performance, an actor becomes the toast of a nation, winning praise and multiple awards. And what would that actor dream of or expect next? More offers and good pay, right? But the harsh reality of the Indian entertainment industry is that sometimes great work doesn’t necessarily spawn similarly great or substantial work.

The same happened with actor Rajshri Deshpande. She bagged the Best Actor (Female) at the Critics' Choice Awards (CCA) 2024 for her stellar performance as Neelam Krishnamoorthy in the Netflix's highly acclaimed series Trial by Fire (2023). But the admiration, respect and the award did little to get her work even a year later, which was mentally exhausting for someone of her calibre.

Rajshri, in a conversation with Outlook, says the industry doesn’t know what to do with a woman in her 40s.

She also feels that she bagged the Marathi film Baapya (2026) very late after Trial by Fire.

Lack Of Substantial Roles For Women In Their 40s

The 43-year-old actor says, “We still don't have enough character arcs for women in their 40s. There are so many brilliant actresses in that age group right now. If there are 25 great actors, we need at least 50 roles written so everyone can get work.”

“No matter how much support we have, if great roles aren't being written and celebrated, how will we get work? Very few well-crafted roles exist, so actors like me are constantly waiting for a project with a strong character arc, a meaningful journey, and good pay.”

Good Work Doesn't Convert To Good Money

Further elaborating, the Sacred Games actor says, “Sometimes, no matter how many projects you lead, how much praise and recognition you receive, or how many people want to work with you—it still needs to translate into real opportunities.”

“Till today, I get praise for my work for Trial by Fire, but I wonder why it has not transformed into work and where things went wrong,” she adds.

Sometimes, despite being associated with acclaimed projects, Rajshri finds herself unable to explain why her work isn’t always compensated fairly. She feels one has to constantly wait for fair compensation and respect—until a film like Baapya comes along, where people realise that only she can do justice to the role.

Positive Attitude Towards Rejections

Rajshri lives a very minimalistic life without vanity, which she feels is the way to live as an artiste.

Last year was not an easy year for her. From rejections to being removed from projects and battling cancer, she experienced many worst things in life. But it didn't let her spirit down, rather she continues to maintain a positive attitude towards her life and work.

“What truly matters is your happiness and keeping the actor inside you alive. You might get more work and money, but if you’re unhappy with your creative journey, what’s the point? I don't want to just be busy—I want to enjoy the character’s journey and the people I work with.“

Rajshri feels that someone is writing something for her, keeping an eye on her work, and will pay her what she deserves. “I am very hopeful about my journey because an actor will never fade away if they are constantly learning. I am still learning and eager to reinvent myself. An actor who stays curious and hungry will never be out of work. It might take another year to find the right project, but I know my next chapter will be as beautiful as my last,“ she concludes.