PeeCee discusses income disparity between actors & actresses

DP-PC's big talk'

Priyanka Chopra on discussing the disparity in income between actors and actresses with Deepika Padukone

Nayandeep Rakshit

Bollywood heroines have long stood up against the issue of income disparity between actors and actresses. And it's a subject close to Priyanka Chopra's and Deepika Padukone's hearts as well. The two star in Bajirao Mastani and we asked them what they talked about on the sets.

PC tells us how she and Dippy discussed the issue while shooting for BM. "Deepika and I were talking about how there's a huge disparity between men and women. Not just here, but globally," Priyanka reveals. She adds, "Not just in this business, but in any job of authority. Male CEOs get paid a lot more than female CEOs. So to be taken seriously as women, it'll be a battle that lasts a long time. I think I always have that kind of attitude and believe Deepika has that attitude as well. People keep making fun of us on the sets, calling it our big talk'," she laughs.

Priyanka is known to speak her mind. Having been in the industry for 15 years now, she has seen all the highs and lows. And the difference in the outlook towards men and women in the industry is something she cannot stand. "I have had a point of view on this since the time I joined movies. I came from a very academic background. So I didn't initially understand the disparity between men and women so much. In my first few films, once I was told by my producer that girls are interchangeable. Hero nahi change kar sakte, but agar aapki dates match nahi kar rahi ya aap ek certain remuneration maang rahe ho, toh aap jao. Hum nayi ladki launch kar denge."

PC explains that she wants a definite change, but not in the form of quantity. "I am not asking for equality. I really want there to be relevance to girls in the movie business. I am not saying treat us equally, because it's a long way to go for India as a nation as well. But give some relevance to our minds, opinions as talents or actors. I am really happy to see all the actresses today coming together to support this cause. Whether it's Vidya, Deepika, me, Kangana, Anushka, we sort of come together on this relevance issue, contrary to what people believe about us actresses. I think if we stand by each other, change will definitely happen."

nayandeep.rakshit@dnaindia.net

YES!

Parineeti Chopra

It's the unfortunate truth that men are paid more than women. Of course, the bigger stars who have been here for 20-30 years deserve the salary they receive. But I'm talking about male and female actors who are at the same level. Whether they are new or old"even at my sister's level or my level, there's a huge disparity between what the boys get paid and what the girls are getting paid. It's just sad and I hope it goes away soon.

NO!

Kareena Kapoor

I don't think there's too much of a disparity. Actresses are paid what they should be. At least, I am happy the way I get paid. And honestly, an actor or actress' pay depends on the budget of the film. That's why it's always nice to do a film with Salman, Aamir, Shah Rukh, Akshay, Ajay because the budget is always high. (Laughs)

MAYBE!

Shraddha Kapoor

I do a film for the film's sake. I earn my money from my brands. At this stage, I only want the best films. That's my mindset. But as far as I know, it's a male dominated fraternity. For example, when a film does well, the heroes get the maximum benefit. But when it doesn't, they only get the maximum flak. It will be really nice if there could be a little more balanced outlook towards the difference in remuneration.