Hautetalk: Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s Casual Pay Disparity Comment On KWK Deserves A Bigger Discussion
Yesterday was Koffee With Karan day, which obviously means that there’s a lot of gupshup to do. Yaar, I have to say that episode 3 of season 7 is by far one of my favourite episodes of the talk show. Ngl, I was sceptical at first about the pair that graced the couch – Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Akshay Kumar – but it was exactly that unlikeliness about them that worked for me. Needless to say, the duo brought craziness to the talk show and spilt some very interesting beans on the talk show. But my favourite revelation of all has to be when Samantha Ruth Prabhu revealed that Akshay Kumar’s one-day pay is her whole salary and at times even the budget of an entire movie! Yep, the very talented actress took a jab at pay disparity in the film industry on Koffee With Karan season 7. And while I loved that, it left me wondering as to why it was brushed off as a fun remark and not turned into a greater conversation.
On July 21, episode 3 of Koffee With Karan season 7 dropped and it was Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Akshay Kumar who brought the madness to the couch and how. The two along with the host Karan Johar spoke about a lot of different things but ignored a very important topic that they brushed off as funny – yep, I’m talking about the actress’ jab at the pay disparity female actors face in the film industry.
Also Read: Koffee With Karan’ S7 E3: Fans Of Nayanthara Are Bashing Karan Johar For Throwing Shade At Her
When Akshay Kumar was recalling an incident that took place when he was shooting for Jaani Dushman, he revealed that for the movie he was getting paid on a per-day basis which he then went on to explain to Samantha Ruth Prabhu. And as a response to that, the actress said she understood what he meant and then later continued to say that his one-day pay is her entire salary and sometimes even the entire budget of a movie. The actress in a funny way called out the pay disparity that has plagued the Indian film industry.
While that was a bold move on her end, what I did not understand and like was the fact that they all just brushed it off instead of turning it into a full-blown conversation. I mean, after all, they spoke about the overly talked topic – nepotism but when it came to pay disparity, they just swept it under the rug.
Why did it matter that Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s was brushed off? Well, because of two reasons – one that it gave an insight into the South Indian film industry and how it is the same there, and secondly, the fact that she was on Koffee With Karan – the show offers a platform and reach like no other.
And a bonus reason is, that we would get insight from a leading male actor, Akshay Kumar, and a veteran director who is still going strong in the industry – Karan Johar.
Also Read: ‘Koffee With Karan’: Samantha, Akshay Point Out How Male Actors In Bollywood Are Insecure About Doing Multi-Hero Films
Talking about pay disparity – especially in the film industry – is the need of the hour. I’m sure they’ve not forgotten the flack Kareena Kapoor faced when there were rumours going around about the “exuberant” amount she charged for a role. And let’s face it, Kareena Kapoor is not the first actress who has faced this.
Even Taapsee Pannu had spoken about how male actors who started their journey with her were earning more than she was. In fact, Priyanka Chopra, who is a global icon, has also voiced her thoughts on the pay disparity in the film industry.
It really irks me that they are such huge celebrities that have a solid hold on the entertainment industry so glaringly ignore such an important discussion. And I believe one of the reasons for that is not only the fact that they do not want to showcase the dark side of the industry but also because they are male celebs and so their privileged selves do not face the same issues as the female actresses. It’s literally like the quote – apna kaam banta, bhaad mein jaye janta.
