'It's About Respect…' Ananya Pandey Opens Up About Unequal Paychecks for Actors & Actresses in Bollywood, Check

Ananya Panday: Pay parity has been a serious issue in not just Bollywood but in every industry. Taking the deep question to actors anchor Rohit Khilnani asked Bollywood divas about their opinions regarding unequal paychecks. Ananya Panday being the first one spoke on the matter. She mentioned that the industry has now evolved. However, she also pointed out the underlying issue of inequality between actors and actresses' pay. Let's take a look at her take.

Ananya Panday's Take on Pay Parity

Ananya Panday had previously gathered many controversies for saying things that didn't sound balanced on different ends. However, in the recent interview with Rohit Khilnani, her take on pay parity highlighted the deep issue within the ecosystem. She mentioned that now she notices more females on the set than she used to 5 years back during Pati Patni aur Woh shooting. When asked about have we progressed, Ananya said, "I think we have come a long way. I'm not just talking about pay. I mean in general we've come a long way. I mean the number of women on the film set. Durnig Pati, Patni aur Woh there were not that many women on the set. Now, in general there are a lot more women on the set."

She further added, "I'm not really asking what my male actors are getting paid. I don't stand for unfair treatment of people on set. Because that's something that I can see. Just because he's a man and he's getting a better car than me, which may seem very superficial but at the end of the day it's about respect. You're not respecting the person."

Ananya further shed light on senior actors getting paid more. She said, "I completely understand if they're senior but then treat a senior actress also the same way." "So, I can't speak about money because I am not well informed about what people are getting paid but I am really against about unfair treatment. Within my power how much ever I can fight for it and stand up for it, I do. Not just for myself but every woman on set, I do stand up for it." She added.

Concluding her thoughts Ananya said, "If that makes me sound bossy or any of those things I am okay to take that. Because if by me doing it that's going to kind of help someone else and create some sort of change then that's a bigger win for me. So, I am more against mistreatment and lack of respect"

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Bhumi Pednekar Highlighted the Whole Paycheck Issue

Present on the round table as well, Ananya Panday's Pati, Patni aur Woh co-star Bhumi Pednekar also highlighted the issue. She claimed that pay parity is everywhere not just in Bollywood. Bhumi told Rohit, "I think constantly only focus on our industry, I think gender(pay) parity is everywhere in every industry and of course it's not fair. It's not fair because they're two individuals irrespective of what gender they belong to that have similar achievements. But one has the advantage because of their gender it's not okay. But I feel Ananya articulated it really well. All of us in our ways are trying to empower are ecosystem. Whenever we feel, there is some kind of injustice where we can make an impact. We go try to bring about that change."

She further said, "Yes, It's a fight but everybody, we all are at different stages and I am sure we'll all have an impact kind of going towards a future where it will be little more equal."

Ananya Panday Work Front

Actress Ananya has recently won NDTV's Youth Icon Award and a Filmfare Best Actor critics. This year she has given an intriguing youth oriented movie CTRL which focuses on the social media of the generation. Ananya Panday also gave an interesting role for her first Amazon series Call Me Bae. She is set to showcase her craft in 2025, Chand Mera Dil along Kill actor Lakshya Lalwani.