"But it's actually the opposite."
Taapsee Pannu has recently opened up about the challenges women face in the film industry, particularly in high-budget productions.
Despite starring in films like Dunki and Judwaa 2, Taapsee said she wasn’t “paid a lot”.
The actress dismissed the commonly held belief that female actors in big-budget films are paid hefty fees.
In a candid interview, Taapsee addressed the gendered power dynamics that influence casting decisions in Bollywood.
The actress explained that male lead actors often play a significant role in determining who is cast opposite them.
She claimed they tend to favour co-stars who won’t “overshadow” their presence.
This dynamic, she believes, stifles the potential for talented actresses to shine in prominent roles.
Taapsee claimed that the audience is becoming increasingly aware of this trend, stating:
“Now even the audience knows that heroes decide who the heroine is going to be in most of their films.”
She elaborated that unless a film is helmed by a highly successful director with a strong following, the male lead’s preferences dictate casting choices.
The actress explained: “Seventy-five per cent of the time, it is the hero who has a big say on who the heroine is going to be.
“People assume I do films like Judwaa or Dunki for money, thinking I get paid well for these roles. But it’s actually the opposite.”
She noted that her earnings are typically higher for projects where she takes on the leading role.
The actress highlighted the disparity in pay for female actors in male-led films.
Taapsee is known for her powerful performances in films such as Pink, Thappad, Rashmi Rocket, and Shabaash Mithu.
Despite her successes in blockbuster hits like Mission Mangal and Badla, she continues to call attention to the inequalities that persist within the industry.
Recently, Taapsee garnered acclaim for her role in Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki, where she starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
It has been reported that Taapsee and the acclaimed writer behind Haseen Dillruba, Kanika Dhillon, are collaborating on a new project.
It is titled Gandhari and it is set to be released on Netflix.
The motion poster for the film was recently shared by the streaming giant.
It featured Taapsee Pannu’s voiceover expressing sentiments about maternal blessings and the complexities faced by women.
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