Patriarchy still deeply ingrained: Kriti Sanon calls out pay disparity in industry

Actor Kriti Sanon has addressed the issue of pay disparity in Bollywood, saying negotiating fees as a female lead continues to come with its challenges. The 35-year-old said that when film budgets are tightened, it is often the female actor’s fee that gets reduced, even as a significant portion is allocated to the male lead.

“There’s been some struggle around money,” she said while speaking to GQ. Kriti continued, “When producers have to cut corners, they often negotiate down the female lead’s fee, even though a large chunk of the budget goes to the male actor.”

She added that such decisions reflect a larger, systemic imbalance. “Patriarchy is still deeply ingrained in the industry, and we have to keep pushing towards equality,” she said.

Kriti pointed out that these biases can also surface in subtle ways on film sets. She noted that there is often a tendency to ensure the female actor is ready first so that the male actor does not have to wait – a practice she described as subconscious but telling.

Early struggles and finding a voice

The actor also spoke about her early years in the industry, admitting that it was not always easy to assert herself. “I’ve always tried to stand up for myself, but early in my career, it was difficult to voice everything,” she said.

Recalling an instance, she said a male co-actor at a similar level once received better facilities. “It wasn’t about the car, but about being respected equally,” she added.

Kriti, who made her debut with the Telugu film 1: Nenokkadine and entered Bollywood with Heropanti opposite Tiger Shroff, said the journey has been one of gradual growth.

Kriti is now gearing up for the release of Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor, and is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026.