In a recent appearance on the Buildcaps podcast, Sen said she chose to exit acting after recognising the structural challenges faced by female artistes in Bollywood. “There isn’t a long career for women in this industry. It is male-dominated,” she said, contrasting the relatively short shelf life of actresses with the decades-long careers enjoyed by leading male actors.
Sen, who began her acting career with the 2003 comedy Hungama, said her move away from films was deliberate and carefully planned. She noted that while male stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan continue to headline films even after 20 to 25 years, many actresses who once shared screen space with them are now relegated to supporting or family roles.
During the podcast, Sen discussed her transition to real estate in Dubai, describing it as a more secure and predictable profession. “Real estate is a stable business. The intoxication of Bollywood is over, and now the intoxication of real estate has taken over,” she said, responding to light-hearted remarks from real estate entrepreneur Ashish Sharma, who praised her rapid success in the sector.
Sen also spoke about the nature of fame, calling stardom “a kind of addiction.” Drawing an analogy with gambling, she said knowing when to step away is crucial. “A wise person knows when to leave the table. In any business, it is important to exit at the right time,” she said, adding that she always viewed her acting career through a business lens.
The actor said she was never driven by the pursuit of fame alone. While she enjoyed her time in the industry and appreciated good work, she began to feel creatively dissatisfied when she was repeatedly offered similar comedy roles. “When satisfaction ended, I chose to exit,” she said.
Sen was last seen on the big screen in Shagird (2011) and later appeared on reality television shows such as Bigg Boss 9 and Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 9. Looking back, she said she has no regrets about her choices and feels content with her current professional journey.
Her remarks have reignited conversations around gender disparity and career sustainability in Bollywood, particularly for women, at a time when discussions on equity and representation in the film industry continue to gain momentum.
