Arjun finds it ‘crass and rude’ to discuss actors’ pay packets

Actor Arjun Kapoor believes that pay disparity in the film industry is a sensitive issue, but finds it “crass and rude” to talk about how much one gets paid. On pay disparity — between male and female actors — in Bollywood, he says it is “not about actors topping actresses”, but for several years it has been the heroes who have generated business at the box office windows.

“We’re not saying that if you give [female actors] more money, we will not work. I’ve never asked how much my costar is paid,” Arjun says. “For many years, there has been a certain growth of business because the main lead is a hero. The audience is used to seeing a certain kind of films.”

He, however, believes that in the past few years, things have changed for women, as the commercial success of films has led to female actors getting paid more. “I hate calling it a woman-centric film, but, for example, if Raazi does well, Alia Bhatt will be paid a lot of money for her next film,” he says. “Like, if NH 10 works, Anushka Sharma’s salary will change. It is a sensitive thing to discuss, people’s prices, I find it very crass and rude. I feel this conversation leads nowhere as no one knows the truth except the bank manager and those who make the contract.”

What is more important, according to Arjun, is to make a comfortable environment for female actors to harness their skills. “A story like Raazi seven or ten years back could be herodriven, but today it is contentdriven. It’s based on a true story and they have not changed it and made it with a guy,” he says.

PHOTO: SHIVAM SAXENA/HT Actor Arjun Kapoor thinks Bollywood is changing