Bollywood is seen as a magical realm where dreams come true, where becoming a star is the absolute dream. Unfortunately, the reality isn’t as glorious as it looks from the outside as many celebrities are finally coming forward to share their experience in the industry which is not that different from any corporate job. It is no new fact that even in the star-studded world patriarchy, misogyny, and gender gap exist. Some might say that it is so deeply rooted within the industry that it is better to not expect any change.
Breaking the Chains: Addressing Pay Disparity in Bollywood’s New Era of Cinema:
Currently, we are in the new era of cinema where communication is no longer one-way. Even though it isn’t what it used to be, change is happening but throughout the home, some things become so stagnant that taking a stand and speaking against unfair practices is often misinterpreted. If we talk about the current scenario, Bollywood is finally focusing on more female-oriented films and stories that delve into the lives of strong female characters who are finally being seen as part of the story not just as eye candy. But even though female characters-based stories are made, or just another movie where both the male and their female counterparts have a significant role in the storyline. Still, there exists a pay disparity that ultimately favors the male actors.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, a 2024 film starring Kriti Sanon and Shahid Kapoor is the latest project that is subjected to unequal pay. According to reports, Shahid Kapoor charged around Rs 25Cr whereas Kriti Sanon was paid Rs 4Cr for her role as Sifra. The movie revolves around Aryan Agnihotri who is not able to find the right life partner and as life works mysteriously that’s when he meets Sifra and falls in love with her without realizing that Sifra (Super Intelligent Female Robot Automation/ S.I.F.R.A) is a humanoid robot.
If we make an analysis of this particular film Kriti and Shahid both performed splendidly and one of the factors that makes this movie entertaining is the songs which had some insane choreography. And as a matter of fact, both the stars nailed their performances. Candidly speaking, it doesn’t take a robot to figure out what the main plot line of the movie is as it is no one other than Sifra (Kriti Sanon). So, if the plot asks the female character to be a priority, then why isn’t she paid enough for the job that is more relevant to the storyline? It could be said with conviction that disparity in payment will never stop existing.
The actress shared her views when asked about it way back in 2019 she stated, “Pay disparity still very much exists. Remuneration should be paid based on how much you do [your part] in a film and also the number of audiences you can pull into the theatre …”. The Mimi actress also pointed out that the difference in payment isn’t the problem, the difference being too huge is the issue. She then shared how society still believes in patriarchal ways when the actress said “But sometimes my male friends and fans feel that if a Tiger Shroff can pull so many audiences then, of course, his remuneration should be more …” Times are changing as the success of a film cannot be guaranteed with just having a reputed male actor catchy song and a big budget. Movies like Mimi, Raazi, Queen, and Gangubai Kathiawadi are a few examples of what a movie with a good, plausible storyline could do. Simple minimalistic movies like Piku and Mimi are examples of a movie which is poignant enough to create a sense of belongingness.
All these movies grasped the attention of the audience with their strong female characters. The reasoning given for such a huge disparity in payment could no longer be justified with male actors being the one who has to anchor the entire film. The burden of carrying doesn’t always have to fall on the man’s
shoulder.
