HT City

LET’S CLOSE THE PAY GAP IN FILMS: SONAKSHI

The actor believes that female stars who carry a film deserve the same money as men

- Yashika Mathur yashika.mathur@htlive.com

Actor Sonakshi Sinha has played some strong characters in her films. Her voice is just as strong when speaking out against the pay gap in Bollywood.

Pay gap — a situation where men get paid more for doing the same jobs that women do — is an issue around the world. Bollywood is no exception. If there’s one thing that Sonakshi wants to change in the industry, it is this. “The only thing I can think of changing in Bollywood right now is the pay disparity, because we’re working in this day and age where films revolving around women are being made,” says Sonakshi. The actor has been the female lead in womencentr­ic films such as Akira (2016) and Lootera (2013).

Actors such as Anushka Sharma, Shah Rukh Khan, Radhika Apte and Kareena Kapoor Khan have also spoken out against unequal pay in the film industry.

The 29-year-old Sonakshi feels that if a female actor can carry a film on her own, she should get the remunerati­on she rightfully deserves. “If a filmmaker shows that kind of trust in a woman, and if she brings the returns [on investment], you can and should give her the pay that you give to the men,” says Sonakshi.

In the recent past, she has spoken on feminism and done photo shoots to spread her belief in the movement. Although she feels strongly about it, the actor clarifies that she never took the first step to endorse the concept. But she hopes to translate her feminist leanings into concrete action, stating, “If you feel strongly about anything, then it shows in your actions and opinions.”

The only thing I can think of changing in Bollywood is the pay disparity, because films are now being made around women SONAKSHI SINHA, ACTOR

 ?? PHOTO:JITU SAVLANI ??
PHOTO:JITU SAVLANI
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from India