Recently, a little birdie revealed that Deepika Padukone had dropped Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Baiju Bawra because of their financial disagreement. Apparently, the actress demanded the same fees as her male lead, Ranveer Singh, but the director refused to pay her the same amount. While talking about the gender pay gap in the industry, Kriti Sanon opened up during an interview with a leading daily recently and said, “I kind of feel that as much as it is unfair, the difference is not the problem, the difference is a lot and that’s the problem.”
Well, the pay disparity in B-town (just like any other industry) is quite common, but now, there are several celebrities who are voicing their opinions. The actresses are now challenging the fact that women get paid a quarter of their male counterparts’ remuneration. They are not hesitating in demanding what they think they deserve.
This was not the scenario a few years ago and a lot has changed in recent years. While talking about this change, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently told a leading international publication, “Just a few years ago, no one would talk about a man or woman actually getting equal pay in a movie. Now there are a lot of us being very vocal about it.”
The grapevine was abuzz that Bebo was approached to play the role of Goddess Sita in Alaukik Desai’s movie adaptation of the Hindu epic, Ramayan. But, things hit a rough patch when she apparently demanded Rs 12 crores for it. She received a lot of flak online because the netizens believed that she shouldn’t charge a hefty amount to play the role. A little birdie recently revealed that the filmmakers are now looking for a younger actress to play the role. They said, “Bebo who usually asks in the Rs. 6-8 crores range for her films has quoted a sum of Rs. 12 crores, which has put the producers in a tizzy. In fact, right now, they are reconsidering their decision and also taking the film to a younger actress, as well.”
TBH, it’s surprising how we never hear netizens complaining when some of the biggest male actors charge way more than that! While talking about her demands, Kareena said, “I make it quite clear what I want and I think that respect should be given. It’s not about being demanding, it’s about being respectful towards women. And I think things are kind of changing.”
We totes agree! It’s high time that Bollywood pays the actors on the basis of their contribution to a film and not on the basis of their gender.
Featured Image: Instagram
