Lara Dutta says rampant pay disparity in Bollywood: ‘Most actresses are paid one-tenth of what the male actor gets, if they are lucky’

In an exclusive interview, Lara Dutta talks about the challenges actresses face even today and answers if she is part of Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Ramayana.

Lara Dutta on pay disparity in Bollywood (Photo: Lara Dutta / Instagram)

Actress Lara Dutta is currently seen on the Jio Cinema’s web show Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond. Recently, during the promotion of the show, Lara sat down for a conversation with Indianexpress.com where she spoke about her two decade journey in the industry and how much Bollywood has changed today. Revisiting the struggles she faced as an actress, Lara Dutta said pay disparity is alive and kicking in Bollywood even today.

Sharing what it was like being a celebrity 21 years ago, Lara said, “For me, it was just simpler but also more chaotic. The professionalism has come in with a lot of corporates and studios, and it has become more streamlined. Back then, it was a lot more free-flowing, but it was all over the place. There is so much pressure on the younger actors to present themselves in a certain way and there’s this media presence. We, on the other hand, did our jobs, focused on our work, and got on with it.”

Also Read: Lara Dutta reveals rejecting Bipasha Basu’s role in No Entry: ‘I was offered two roles’

When asked about the challenges she faced as an actor back then, the Welcome To The Jungle actress shared, “As a woman, there were plenty of them, one of the biggest ones which we still fight is pay disparity. We work as hard if not harder than most of our male counterparts in the business, but most women still get paid, if they are lucky, one-tenth of what the actor gets paid.”

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However, she is optimistic about how the beauty standards and the concept of shelf-life for an actress have evolved in the industry. Commenting on the beauty standards, Lara Dutta says, “It’s in process and there are a lot of wonderful women that have been a part of molding that change in perception.” Talking about her opinion on shelf life of an actress today, Lara adds, “Earlier it was thought that by the time you reached 30, it was time for you to settle down as your career was finished. I never faced that. I am in my 40s now and I haven’t stopped working.”

Also Read | Lara Dutta says Akshay Kumar had to pull her away as she beat up a guy who pinched her waist at film event: ‘He got worried’

On the work front, Lara Dutta will be starring in Welcome To The Jungle next and she is rumored to play the role of Kaikeyi in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. When asked about Ramayana, the actor played safe, “Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Ramayana?”

Nawaz Javed Kochra

Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector. Experience & Career Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media: The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments. Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media. Expertise & Focus Areas Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include: Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles. OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres. Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends. Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community. Authoritativeness & Trust With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More

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