In a candid revelation that highlights the persistent gender pay gap in Bollywood, acclaimed actress Priyamani has shared her perspective on earning significantly less than her male co-stars. The National Award-winning performer, known for her powerful roles across Indian cinema, expressed a surprisingly pragmatic approach to the contentious issue.
The Reality of Pay Disparity
During a recent interview, Priyamani didn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room. "Yes, I do get paid less than my male co-stars," she acknowledged frankly. "But honestly, it doesn't bother me." Her statement comes as a refreshing take in an industry where pay inequality remains a hot-button topic.
A Matter of Business, Not Gender?
The versatile actress, who has delivered memorable performances in films like 'Chennai Express' and web series 'The Family Man,' explained her rationale. She views the pay gap through a practical lens, attributing it to the commercial dynamics of the film business rather than pure gender discrimination.
"It's not about being a woman or a man," Priyamani elaborated. "It's about the business aspect. If a male star brings more box office value, producers are willing to pay them more. I understand that logic."
Focus on Growth and Opportunities
Rather than dwelling on the inequality, the actress chooses to concentrate on her professional journey and the increasing opportunities coming her way. She emphasized that her primary focus remains on delivering quality performances and growing her career organically.
"What matters to me is that I'm getting good roles and my remuneration is increasing with each project," she stated. "I'm happy with my growth trajectory in the industry."
A Broader Industry Perspective
Priyamani's comments come at a time when several prominent Bollywood actresses have spoken out about pay disparity. While some have vehemently protested the inequality, Priyamani's measured response offers a different viewpoint in the ongoing conversation about fair compensation in Indian cinema.
The actress, who works across multiple Indian film industries including Bollywood, Tamil, and Telugu cinema, believes that change is happening gradually, even if the pace might seem slow to outsiders.
Looking Forward
Despite acknowledging the pay gap, Priyamani remains optimistic about the future of women in Indian cinema. She notes that while the financial disparity exists, the quality and importance of roles offered to female actors have significantly improved over the years.
"We're seeing more substantial roles for women today," she observed. "The narrative is changing, and that's what truly matters for the long-term growth of actresses in our industry."
