Actress Shefali Shah has opened up about the persistent issue of pay disparity in Bollywood, and demanded the need for fairness in the film industry. In a recent interview, Shefali shared her perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding the unequal remuneration of male and female actors.
Addressing the issue, the Delhi Crime actress said during an interview with Humans of Bombay that the dynamics of the film industry have changed and now female-led movies have garnered immense success. However, despite this progress, the pay gap between male and female actors remains.
“It’s not fair. I can still understand in big films at a point of time where a film used to be sold because of the hero but that’s not the case anymore. Today, there are so many films which are women-led and which have been huge hits. Are they getting the same amount of money the heroes are getting? I don’t know,” Shefali said.
The actress suggested a merit-based system, saying, “What if we put the gender out of it and what if we treat it like – you get what you deserve. But, unfortunately, in a situation like that, who is going to decide what I deserve? How do you know that? But if you are playing the lead, you’ve been cast with a thought that this person can carry this through… so you don’t think the person deserves a little more than somebody else?”
Shah also spoke about the rarity of producers offering higher pay to deserving actors, sharing her own experience. “Very rarely have I come across a producer who says ‘I will pay you more’. Very rarely. Maybe I’m not in the position to demand but I’m sure other actors are. I hope they can get what they deserve,” she added.
Shefali Shah, known for her powerful performances in films and web series. Her exceptional performances in projects like Jalsa, Human, Darlings, and Doctor G, among others, have left audiences spellbound.
She was last seen in the 2023 film Three of Us with Jaideep Ahlawat and Swanand Kirkire.
