Pay parity on TV – a different picture
When I first heard people talking about gender‑based pay gaps, I instantly thought of the big‑screen stories where actresses often get a quarter of what their male leads receive. But the reality in my world – the TV space – feels a lot different. You know, most of the popular serials and reality shows in India are actually built around women. So, the money flow kind of follows that pattern.
Honestly, I’ve never felt the sting of being underpaid because I’m a woman. In almost every project I’ve done, my paycheck has either matched or even topped the amount my male co‑stars got. I remember a few occasions where the producers told me, "You’re getting more than the male lead because the story revolves around you," and that actually made sense. It’s not that I’m getting special treatment; it’s just the nature of the format.
There are names like Rupali Ganguly who are reported to be the highest earners in the fiction segment, and then there’s me, who apparently tops the non‑fiction arena – especially after the Celebrity MasterChef India stint and a few seasons of Bigg Boss. Those shows pay well, and the pay scales are quite transparent, at least for us participants.
If ever I felt short‑changed, I would have spoken up. I’m not the kind to swallow that quietly. But honestly, that situation never came up. The only time I saw a bigger gap was when I was working with a senior male actor who has decades of experience. That difference, I think, is all about seniority, not gender.
Senior actors and the pay gap myth
One friend once asked me, "Why do you compare yourself with super‑senior actors?" And I told him, "It’s just silly to compare a rookie with a veteran." If a male actor has been doing the business for thirty years, naturally he’ll command a higher fee. It’s not a sexist thing; it’s about the value they bring because of their legacy and fan base.
So, when I’m on a set with someone like that, I don’t think of it as an unfair gender bias. I just accept that the industry respects experience, and that’s a universal rule, not a women‑only rule.
That said, I do notice that many new‑age male actors are paid on par with female leads, especially when the story is centered around a strong woman. The producers understand that the audience is more interested in the heroine’s journey, so they invest accordingly.
Turning down big money – why I said no
Now, let’s talk about the part that gets a lot of headlines – the big film I turned down. Yeah, it was a massive offer, a whopping amount, and the producers said it was a ‘very big film’. The usual reaction from fans is, "Why would you say no?" But for me, it was not just about the money.
I looked at the script and felt there was hardly any room for a strong female character. The story was centred on male perspectives, and the female role was basically an accessory. I don’t usually chase optics. I mean, it’s tempting to jump on a glossy project that will get a lot of views, but I want my audience to see me actually doing something, not just being there for the camera.
In most of the projects I have taken, I have been sure that my character had depth, that I could bring something real to the screen. If the script is weak, even a big title won’t make a difference. My fans, especially those who have followed me from Naagin to Psycho Saiyaan, know that I value substance over glitter.
When I turned it down, it felt tough. It was like refusing a slice of cake when you’re on a diet – you know it’s good for you, but you also miss the taste. I still wonder sometimes if I made the right call, but I don’t regret it because I stayed true to what I believe in.
Choosing roles over views
There’s this whole narrative in the industry that big names and big platforms automatically guarantee you a place in the hearts of viewers. It’s true to an extent – a good title does add shine to your CV. But when the final product releases, I don’t want people to say, "She was just there for the views".
That’s why I keep looking for scripts where women have agency. You know, a character who makes decisions, drives the plot, not just reacts to it. When I find such roles, I’m all in, even if the budget is modest. It’s the same reason why many TV actors prefer daily soaps that have strong heroine arcs, even if the remuneration isn’t as high as a film.
My audience expects me to be part of powerful stories. There’s a ‘burden of expectations’, as I call it, but I see it more as a responsibility. If I can set a example that women can ask for better roles and be paid fairly, that feels rewarding.
The scarcity of strong scripts
One of the biggest challenges I face is the limited number of good scripts that actually spotlight women in a real way. The industry churns out a lot of content, but many of them still cling to old tropes – the damsel, the love‑interest, the side‑kick. I have turned down several offers because the female role was just a decorative element.
It’s not just about money. Even if the pay is huge, I would rather not be part of something that reinforces stereotypes. I think this is changing gradually – there are more web series and OTT platforms now that experiment with narratives, and they often give women a stronger voice. That’s why I’m keeping an eye on digital projects, even if they aren’t as high‑profile as a mainstream film.
In most of my TV gigs, the story is built around a woman’s journey – her struggles, her triumphs, her relationships. That’s why I feel lucky to be in a space where my value is recognised, not just for my looks but for the weight of my character.
What the future holds
Looking ahead, I hope the industry continues to value women’s stories and pay them fairly. I’m not saying everything is perfect; there are still gaps, especially in the film world. But I feel optimistic because our audience is getting wiser. They demand authenticity, and they reward actors who deliver it.
If a big film comes my way with a strong female lead, I won’t hesitate – even if the pay is modest, the impact will be worth more. Until then, I will keep being selective, keep saying no when needed, and keep trusting that the right opportunities will knock.
For anyone reading this who is maybe an aspiring actress, my advice is simple: know your worth, don’t be afraid to turn down money for a weak script, and remember that the work you do influences the next generation. If you can stand firm on your principles, the industry will eventually respect that.
