Life begins at 30

Turning 30 isn't really a highpoint in most women's lives. But like always, Gul Panag begs to differ. The actor who touched the milestone last year is gearing up to tell the world that turning 30 is the best thing that can happen to a woman, through her latest film. She talks to CS about feeling young:

WHO: Gul Panag
WHAT: Talking about what makes women in their 30s cool
WHERE: At a film production office

Pic/ Anuja Gupta

Age no bar
I've never felt sexier. I think that women in their 30s look their best - Lara, Kareena are a living proof of that. But more than the appearance aspect of it, women at this age know their minds and are clearer about what they want to do.
u00a0
When I was 28, I met an actor friend (who I find really hot) who said to me that he found women in their 30s so attractive because they were clear about what they wanted in life. I know what that means now. I have finally come to a point when I can say 'no' fairly easily. Even though I could do it earlier too, I wasn't convincing enough. Now I don't care whether you love me or hate me for saying no.

Taking a stand
Unfortunately, in our society women are written off when they turn 30. But I guess they too are to be blamed for it. I can't understand why we give so much importance to marriageu00a0-- for us, it is just about looking good on that one day and then letting go of ourselves. I remember, five-six years ago, my mother came to me and said, "You better get married before the glow on your face disappears."

I told her that I had no desire of marrying a man who will only love me for that glow. But we're conditioned to think this way. When I was growing up, my best friend's mother told her to steer clear of me because I had a boyfriend. (By the way, I've always had a boyfriend right from the age of 12 or something).

But she conveniently ignored the fact that I was a brilliant student. I feel that after a point, a woman just has to form her own identity and take a stand. You can't possibly blame your parents for your lot.

Gender bender
It's strange when people think that if you're unmarried post 30, it is because of lack of options. People think that if I spend so much time on Twitter, it's because I don't have a boyfriend. That is so not the case, and mind you, they are still following me.

These biases are highly unfair. If a girl smokes, people frown, and if men do it, it's acceptable. If you're saying that women are single in their 30s for lack of men in their life, I would like to start spreading the word that men at that age must be single because they're impotent. That would be fair! (Laughs.)