Lara Dutta opens up about pay disparity in Bollywood; feels the industry has changed

The issue of pay disparity in the Hindi film industry is widely discussed every now and then. But it has especially been making headlines since the past few months due to a few viral reports. Back in June this year, it was reported that Kareena Kapoor Khan had hiked her fees to play the role of Sita in Alaukik Desai’s mythological drama. Reports suggested that she demanded Rs. 12 crores for the project. Well, recently it was revealed that Deepika Padukone was being considered for the remake of Baiju Bawra opposite her actor husband Ranveer Singh. She apparently asked for the same remuneration as Ranveer. However, things did not work out because Sanjay Leela Bhansali reportedly declined her request. These two cases left most of us speechless!

Well, in a recent chat with Bollywood Life, Bell Bottom star Lara Dutta shared her thoughts on the debate. She was quoted saying, “I definitely think there have been a lot of good changes in the industry. And especially, when women are concerned, they are being paid far far better than they were before. So I definitely think that 'Yes, the industry has changed in many ways' especially for women. And if you would look at it today, not just female actors but there have been a lot of female directors, writers, DOPs who have stepped in the past few years. And a lot of opportunities have been created for them. I think this is the new trend that has started and hope it continues to get better.” Lara went on to add that nothing is going to happen overnight.

Talking about her 18 years in Bollywood, Lara shared that being an outsider, she feels she has had a great run. She never belonged to any camp or group and still got incredible opportunities to work. Lara further shared, “And when it comes to not being cast in a film, I don't think I am the only lot of actors who had to deal with something like that. That's a part and parcel of being in the industry. So there's nothing that I feel that 'Oh my god! Ye mere sath bohot bura hua.' I think I have been very very fortunate in my life to being in the industry for 18 years and still be relevant.”

The actress will soon shine on the big screen in Bell Bottom, alongside Akshay Kumar and Vaani Kapoor.