Tanushree Dutta’s ‘Veteran’ Warning

Actress Tanushree Dutta has questioned the notion of giving someone automatic respect or trust simply because they are older or considered a “veteran” in the film industry.

Reflecting on her own journey, the ‘Aashiq Banaya Aapne’ actress said she has learnt to judge people by their character rather than their age. “Never trust a person just for their age,” she said, adding that she now gives respect based on a person’s character rather than their age.”

On Monday, Tanushree Dutta posted a video in which she opened up about her experiences in Bollywood and reflected on the lessons she learnt during her career. She also reflected on a phase when she was at the peak of her career. Recalling her popularity at the time, she said, “I was a very big star. I may not have been the top number one star, or I may not have been a super duper star, but I was a very big star.”

The ‘Dhol’ actress also questioned the conventional understanding of seniority in Bollywood, arguing that age and talent alone do not determine a person's standing in the industry.

“There is no senior in Bollywood by age. The one whose stars are high is a senior. The one whose movie is getting a hit is a star,” she said.

Tanushree also recalled an experience on a film set where she felt she became the target of controversy. She claimed that several people came together and that she was made a “scapegoat” despite being the biggest star on the set at that time. Looking back, she said she was not “street smart” and did not fully understand the dynamics of the industry during her early years of success. “I was definitely not street smart. I did not get a chance to learn the grace, mischief, and cunning of God.”

The actress concluded her reflections by urging people to look beyond age, appearance and background and instead recognise individuals for who they are.

Alongside the video, Tanushree wrote in the caption, “Mujhe bhi yehi laga that ki aged actor hai, koi kaam nahi de raha, help kar deti hoon. But no, Bollywood mein "veteran" ka matlab hai shatir-dimag manjha hua khiladi jo ghat ghat ka paani peekar saari chaalbaazi seekh chukar hai, jissko saari media & Public manipulation aati hai.

"So they can cover up their crimes and real character. Yeh hai real world definition of veteran.” (sic)

"Never trust a person just for their age. Some of these very evil and negative people with very dark and nefarious intentions towards youngsters are in the category of veteran. They hate young privilaged people and will do anything to destroy them. Bollywood has seen this phenomenon time and time again.”

“See them as souls. See everyone as a soul before you see age, appearance or background. This world is built by people like us and destroyed by those who wear masks of propriety. Recognise souls and divinity. Demons are also veteran!! They are older than humans, yes the demons are ancient beings. So they are veteran evil, meaning they doing evil for a long time. Some humans are incarnations of demons and rakshasas meant to lead humanity astray. I learnt a big lesson. Today I give respect according to character, not age,” added Tanushree.