Priyanka Chopra, a name synonymous with global entertainment, recently sparked conversations across social media. An older video of the star began circulating, bringing a critical issue back into the spotlight. In the clip, Chopra speaks candidly about the deep-seated gender bias and pay disparity within the Hindi film industry.
She described a workplace where men often hold all the power. According to Chopra, both male and female actors put in equal effort on set. Yet, their paychecks tell a very different story. She pointed out that male leads frequently decide when filming begins, with everyone else waiting on their schedule. The opinions or time of actresses, she noted, rarely carry the same weight.
Chopra bravely revealed her early career struggles. She often received less than a tenth of what her male co-stars earned for the same film. When she dared to ask for equal pay, she was labeled “demanding” or “arrogant.” This pushback sometimes cost her roles, a harsh reality for many women in the industry.
A Different Scene Abroad
Interestingly, Chopra contrasted her Bollywood experiences with her time in Hollywood. She found a stark difference there. In foreign projects, she received the same pay as her male counterparts. Female artists earned the respect she felt was often missing in the Hindi film scene. This shift, she explained, brought her immense satisfaction.
The Conversation Continues
Priyanka’s viral video has reignited a long-standing debate. Actresses like Deepika Padukone and Vidya Balan have also spoken out about unequal pay. However, little progress seems to have been made. A recent example highlights this ongoing problem. In Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming film, ‘Ramayana,’ media reports suggest a significant pay gap. Ranbir Kapoor is reportedly charging 75 crore rupees for one part as Ram. Meanwhile, ‘Koimoi’ reports that Sai Pallavi, playing Sita, is set to receive 18-20 crore rupees.
Chopra continues to make her mark globally. She started her acting journey in Indian cinema and has built a strong presence in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Fans can look forward to seeing her in Telugu cinema soon. She will star alongside South superstar Mahesh Babu in the highly anticipated film, SSMB 29.