Ranveer Singh`s Dhurandhar Sparks Age-Gap Debate Yet Again, But There`s a Twist
Updated on: 07 July, 2025 11:14 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar

Sara Arjun
The recent unveiling of the first look of Ranveer Singh`s spy thriller, `Dhurandhar`, on his 40th birthday has sent ripples across the internet. While the explosive visuals and Singh`s ferocious avatar have been widely praised, it`s the 20-year age gap with his 19-year-old female lead, Sara Arjun, that has become a heated topic of discussion. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar of `Uri: The Surgical Strike` fame, is slated for a December 5 release.
The controversy has once again brought to the forefront the long-standing issue of older male actors being paired with significantly younger female co-stars in Bollywood. This debate, which recently flared up over the casting of Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, has found new fuel with `Dhurandhar`.
For those unfamiliar with her work, Sara Arjun is a seasoned actor, despite her young age. The daughter of actor Raj Arjun, she began her career as a child artist at the age of five. She gained significant recognition for her role as Vikram`s daughter in the Tamil film "Nanna" and more recently impressed audiences with her portrayal of a young Aishwarya Rai in Mani Ratnam`s magnum opus, `Ponniyin Selvan`. Her involvement in this ₹800-crore franchise solidified her position as a prominent face in the industry. In 2023, multiple reports even pegged her net worth at ₹10 crore, making her India`s richest child star at the time.
Also Read: When Ranveer Singh Called Deepika Padukone His Guiding Light, "Main Bhatak Jata"
While details about the characters remain under wraps, the first look has certainly piqued audience curiosity, not just for its action-packed sequences but for the unconventional pairing at its centre. As Sara Arjun transitions from a celebrated child actor to a lead heroine, all eyes are on how she will hold her own opposite a powerhouse performer like Ranveer Singh.
Also Read: 5 KWK Moments With Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh That Went Viral
The controversy has once again brought to the forefront the long-standing issue of older male actors being paired with significantly younger female co-stars in Bollywood. This debate, which recently flared up over the casting of Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna, has found new fuel with `Dhurandhar`.
The Heart of the Controversy
The fleeting glimpses of Sara Arjun with Ranveer Singh in the promotional content have sparked a debate on social media platforms. One user on X pointed out that Sara might have been just 18 when the film was shot. Another commented, "Can you imagine a 40-year-old actor like #RanveerSingh doing romance with a 20-year-old girl like #SaraArjun in #Dhurandhar? This only happens in #Bollywood (sic)". However, some netizens have adopted a `wait-and-watch` approach, suggesting that the pairing might not be as awkward as anticipated and could be integral to the film`s narrative.For those unfamiliar with her work, Sara Arjun is a seasoned actor, despite her young age. The daughter of actor Raj Arjun, she began her career as a child artist at the age of five. She gained significant recognition for her role as Vikram`s daughter in the Tamil film "Nanna" and more recently impressed audiences with her portrayal of a young Aishwarya Rai in Mani Ratnam`s magnum opus, `Ponniyin Selvan`. Her involvement in this ₹800-crore franchise solidified her position as a prominent face in the industry. In 2023, multiple reports even pegged her net worth at ₹10 crore, making her India`s richest child star at the time.
Also Read: When Ranveer Singh Called Deepika Padukone His Guiding Light, "Main Bhatak Jata"
A Glimpse into `Dhurandhar`
`Dhurandhar` boasts a stellar cast, including Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan. The spy thriller is believed to be based on real incidents, with speculation rife that it draws inspiration from the life of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.While details about the characters remain under wraps, the first look has certainly piqued audience curiosity, not just for its action-packed sequences but for the unconventional pairing at its centre. As Sara Arjun transitions from a celebrated child actor to a lead heroine, all eyes are on how she will hold her own opposite a powerhouse performer like Ranveer Singh.
Also Read: 5 KWK Moments With Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh That Went Viral
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