'It needs to change': Kriti Sanon addresses gender bias in Bollywood over pay disparity

'It needs to change': Kriti Sanon addresses gender bias in Bollywood over pay disparity

Kriti Sanon Photograph: (X)

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Kriti Sanon recently addressed the issue of unequal pay in Bollywood, saying that gender shouldn't affect how much an actor is paid. Read to know more.

Several Bollywood celebrities have spoken about the pay disparity in the industry highlighting the significant wage gap between male and female actors. Actresses often report being paid significantly less than male co-stars even when playing key roles. The latest celebrity to speak about the situation is Kriti Sanon.

What did Kriti Sanon say about pay disparity in Bollywood?

In an interaction with GQ, Kriti Sanon spoke about how female leads face challenges when it comes to getting paid for their roles. She stated, "There’s been some struggle around money. When producers have to cut corners, they often negotiate down the female lead’s fee, even though a large chunk of the budget goes to the male actor."

Also Read: Kriti Sanon amps up the style in a brown trench coat as she attends the Burberry show at London Fashion Week

She further said, "Patriarchy is still deeply ingrained in the industry, and we have to keep pushing towards equality. It shows up in the smallest ways too – for instance, there's often a tendency on a film set to check if the female actor is ready first so the male actor doesn't have to wait. It's subconscious, but it needs to change."

Also Read: Yami Gautam clarifies ‘like’ on post targeting Kriti Sanon’s best actress win: 'It may have been clicked accidentally'

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“I've always tried to stand up for myself, but early in my career, it was difficult to voice everything. I remember small things, like a male co-star, who wasn't a senior, getting a better car. Of course, it wasn't about the car but about being respected equally. Most producers and directors today are progressive, but these biases still exist,” the actress added.

Also Read: Tere Ishk Mein movie review: Dhanush, Kriti Sanon’s film is a big RED flag that celebrates toxicity of all kinds

Kriti Sanon's upcoming project

The Bollywood actress will be next seen in a romantic drama titled Cocktail 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. Directed by Homi Adajania and produced by Dinesh Vija's Maddock Films, it will feature a new, modern love story shot in Sicily and Delhi. Cocktail 2 is scheduled to release in cinemas on June 19, 2026.

Also Read: Cocktail 2: Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor's teaser releases in theatres, goes viral online; fans call ‘refreshing’

Kriti Sanon was last seen in the film Tere Ishk Mein, alongside Dhanush. Directed by Aanand L Rai, it received mixed reviews with praise for the performances but criticism for its intense and toxic storyline.

About the Author

Snigdha Sweta Behera is currently serving as a senior sub-editor at Wion. She is an avid follower of Hollywood, K-pop and K-dramas. She loves uncovering stories beyond glitz and gl...Read More

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