Kriti Sanon Opens Up About Pay Gap in Bollywood: “There Has Been Struggle Around Money”

Actor Kriti Sanon has spoken candidly about gender disparity in Bollywood, sharing her experiences with fee negotiations, industry bias, and the challenges faced by actresses in the film industry.

In a recent interview, the National Award-winning actor discussed how budget decisions in films often impact female actors differently compared to male leads.

Kriti Sanon Talks About Fee Negotiations

Kriti Sanon said that financial negotiations in the industry sometimes become difficult for actresses, especially when production budgets are being adjusted.

According to the actor, a significant portion of film budgets often goes toward male stars, while female leads may face pressure during salary discussions.

She also pointed out that subtle workplace biases still exist on film sets, despite changes in the industry over the years.

“Patriarchy Still Exists in the Industry”

The actress noted that certain practices in Bollywood continue to reflect long-standing gender imbalance. Kriti explained that while many filmmakers and producers today are progressive, unconscious bias can still appear in everyday situations on set.

She recalled instances from the early phase of her career when she felt unequal treatment compared to male co-stars, adding that respect and equal professional treatment matter beyond material aspects.

Kriti said it took time to confidently speak up for herself as she built her career in the industry.

‘Mimi’ Became a Turning Point

Reflecting on her professional journey, Kriti described Mimi as one of the biggest milestones of her career. The film earned critical acclaim and won her the National Award for Best Actress.

She shared that the success of Mimi helped challenge perceptions about her acting abilities and opened new opportunities professionally.

The actress also recalled facing frustration before the release of the film, particularly when certain roles reportedly went to actors from film backgrounds.

Journey as an Outsider in Bollywood

Kriti Sanon emphasized that building a career without industry connections involved uncertainty and gradual growth. She said she had to earn opportunities through persistence, calculated risks, and consistent work.

Having debuted in cinema with the Telugu film 1: Nenokkadine in 2014 before entering Bollywood with Heropanti, Kriti has since established herself as one of the leading actresses of her generation.

Upcoming Project: ‘Cocktail 2’

Kriti Sanon is currently preparing for the release of Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor.

The upcoming movie has already generated discussion online following the release of its first song and promotional material. Cocktail 2 is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026.