Many actresses have come forward in recent years to speak out about the pay disparity in Bollywood and to demand equal pay for equal work.
Women’s Equality Day will be observed on Friday, August 26. The day commemorates the adoption of the United States Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Women’s progress toward equality has taken many lifetimes, thanks to the consistent efforts of women across generations. While they have come a long way, there is still much more to be done in order to achieve true equality.
Gender pay disparities are a harsh reality for women in all industries, the result of a patriarchal mindset and prejudiced thinking. When it comes to the pay disparity between male and female actors, the Indian film industry is no exception. Even top actresses like Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor Khan do not receive the same pay as their counterparts, regardless of how important their role is in the film.
Many actresses have spoken out about the pay disparity in recent years, demanding equal pay for equal work. Take a look at this:
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone has always been outspoken about the disparity. She reportedly turned down Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Baiju Bawra because she wanted the same fee as her husband Ranveer Singh. In an interview, she stated, “I know my track record and what I’m worth.” I’m aware that my co-films actors have not performed as well as mine. It made no sense at all. I was fine with saying no to that film because I thought it was unfair. I don’t think I’ll be able to live with the fact that I was a part of a film, made the same creative contribution, and added the same value, but was underpaid.”
Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor discussed the topic of ‘Koffee With Karan.’ “The pay gap is ridiculous,” she said. I can handle it, but then I don’t get those roles, which is fine with me. That is something I can afford to do. Over the last two or three years, I’ve realised that I have no right to pass judgement on anyone. Making difficult choices isn’t really f**king difficult for me because I’m privileged. I believe it is past time for us to be recognised as women, actors, and artists.”
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra discussed the staggering disparity in pay between male and female actors in both the Indian and American film industries. “I feel it every year, especially when I’m working with really big actors, whether in India or America.” If an actor is paid $100, the conversation will begin with no more than $8. The disparity is that large. We don’t talk about it as openly in America, whereas the issue is not avoided in India. I’ve been told straight up that if it’s a female role in a film with big, male actors, your worth isn’t really valued as much. It happens in both countries; it’s just that it’s hidden behind other things in the United States. “In America, everyone is so afraid of being sued that they don’t want to say anything wrong, but they do anyway,” she explained.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana once told, “My male counterparts are paid three times the amount.” No one can guarantee a film’s success, so why discrimination? I never do a single scene or item song in a film. I can only speak for myself, and while I command a certain amount of money, I believe I am underpaid.”
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena spoke about the pay disparity by saying, “Just a few years ago, no one would talk about a man or woman actually getting equal pay in a movie.” Now, many of us are speaking out about it. I make it very clear what I want, and I believe that respect should be shown. It’s not about being demanding; it’s about respecting women. And I believe things are changing.”
Vidya Balan
Vidya, who has done many female-centric films, discussed the current pay gap and its future. “In Bollywood, there is a huge pay disparity between men and women. But I’m confident that with time, this gap will close. We will undoubtedly fight to close this gap.”
Taapsee Pannu
Taapsee Pannu stated if a male actor asks for a certain amount of money, his market value increases, whereas if a female actor does the same, she is labelled as demanding. “If it had been a man in that position asking for that much money, people would have said, ‘Iski market badh gayi hai.'” That guy has had a lot of success in his life.’ It is because a woman who requests it is labelled as ‘difficult’ or ‘too demanding.’ It’s always this way. “You will always read about this issue of salary increases for women,” Taapsee had said.
Katrina Kaif
“My argument to that is, which I discuss with a lot of producers I’m close to and have worked with, give the female-dominated films—with maybe one or two female leads—the same budget and mounting that you give to the male stars or the combination of a male and a female star,” Katrina Kaif said in an interview with Barkha Dutt for We The Women. Put that in a female film and see what happens.”
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma addressed the issue by saying, “If there is an actor of the same stature as me, he would still be paid more than me because he is a guy.” Men can work indefinitely, but women can only do so while they are young and desirable. When you’re on an outdoor shoot, you know the guy will get a better room than you. Why?”
Aditi Rao Hydari
Aditi told that she doesn’t understand why female actors are paid less than male actors despite working just as hard. “I don’t understand why we are paid less than male actors because we put in the same amount of effort, and recent history has shown that actresses can deliver a hit film.” We deserve better pay, on par with actors.”
Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinha has stated that the pay disparity in Bollywood is the one thing she wishes to change.