The gender pay gap has always been a topic of discussion not just in Hollywood but in Bollywood as well. Top Bollywood actresses like Deepika, Kangana and Priyanka have spoken about wage disparity for the longest time. But it seems, finally, the gap is fast narrowing.
Deepika Padukone says she was paid more than Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor for Padmaavat
Deepika Padukone, who is among the highest paid female actors in Bollywood, confirmed that she was paid more than her co-stars Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor for Padmaavat (Deepika Padukone was answering questions about remuneration at the Neha Dhupia hosted Vogue BFFs).
Although the makers of Padmaavat didn’t reveal anything about the pay, Deepika did confirm that she was paid more on the show, although she did not divulge any numbers.
Also, Shahid Kapoor’s stocks have soared after his blockbuster hit ‘Kabir Singh’ and he’s definitely going to cost a lot more from here on.
Interestingly, Deepika says she feels “guilty” about being the highest paid actress because she feels that it is important to put the film first before any other parameter.
“Many times, people make sweeping statements about these things. I’m the first person who’ll always want to pay what is completely right, just, justified and valid. I’ve always done that. There are many women who deserve much more money than the men and there are men who have earned their chops because of their talent and tenacity, and with the work they have put in. So, it’s very subjective, and cannot be just put into a strong slot. While I’m all for equality and am among people who are always about equality, when it comes to love or paying people, there are larger optics to look at,” Karan Johar.
Was Madhuri Paid More Than Salman in HAHK? Salman Says ‘No’
Salman Khan might be among the highest paid actors in Bollywood today, but that wasn’t always the case. Anupam Kher, who was running a gender equality initiative recently on Twitter, faced several questions from women about the gender inequality in Bollywood.
Although he agreed with the inequality, when it came to remuneration, Anupam Kher said that Madhuri Dixit was paid more than Salman Khan in ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ (which was more of an exception).
I agree in certain cases it is true. But Madhuri was paid more than Salman in HAHK.:) https://t.co/rzEUv56YOO
? Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) September 1, 2015
Now that is something that many are not aware of, but considering the kind of attention Madhuri Dixit attracted at that time, it could probably be true. Madhuri was the hottest star in the nineties and several films ran to packed houses just because of her.
However, when the question was posed to Salman Khan, he initially said he wasn’t aware but later said that he wasn’t paid lesser than his 1994 blockbuster ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ co-star Madhuri Dixit, as suggested by veteran actor Anupam Kher.
Salman also said “It’s all about what people want to see.”
“The busier you get, the more people want to see you, that’s how your price increases. So if you can pull off a solo hero or solo heroine film on your own and the producers, exhibitors and distributors make that money then the producer doesn’t have problems in sharing that money with you. So you can’t demand, you need to command that,” he added.
