8th January 2023, Mumbai: Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan has shed light on the stark pay disparities prevalent in Bollywood, recounting an incident from the film Welcome. The actor revealed that he received a lower paycheck than even Akshay Kumar’s staff for the same movie. Khan’s candid revelations on the Digital Commentary podcast offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by actors, shedding light on the evolving dynamics within the industry.
Pay Disparity and Travel Struggles:
During the podcast, Khan expressed his experience of being paid substantially less than the staff of Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. He lamented the industry’s inclination to allocate significant funds to ‘stars,’ leaving supporting actors with meager compensation. Additionally, Khan disclosed how he often travels in economy class, a stark contrast to the luxurious experiences often associated with big-budget films.
Common Lodgings:
In a surprising revelation, Mushtaq Khan disclosed that during the shooting of Welcome in Dubai, he was allotted the same hotel as Akshay Kumar’s staff. This underscored the disparities not only in pay but also in the accommodations provided to actors and their supporting teams. Such instances shed light on the need for industry-wide changes to ensure fair treatment and recognition for all contributors.
Changing Times and Filmmaker Initiatives:
Despite these challenges, Khan remains optimistic about the evolving landscape of Bollywood. He highlighted the positive shift in the mindset of many filmmakers who aspire to bridge the vast pay gap between lead actors and supporting cast. Citing his recent experiences on films like Stree 2 and Railway Men, Khan emphasized the newfound respect and camaraderie prevalent among the newer generation of production teams and actors.
Industry-Wide Inequality
Mushtaq Khan’s revelations align with a broader discussion in Bollywood about pay disparities. While actresses like Priyanka Chopra have been vocal about the gender pay gap, Khan’s account sheds light on the challenges faced by actors in supporting roles. With increasing awareness and advocacy, the industry is gradually witnessing a call for equal pay for equal work.
Mushtaq Khan’s reflections on his experiences during the filming of Welcome provide valuable insights into the prevailing pay disparities in Bollywood. Filmmakers are increasingly recognizing the need to address these issues, fostering an environment where all contributors, regardless of their roles, receive fair compensation and respect.