New Delhi: With the film industry constantly debating on the wage disparity between actors and actresses, actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar has come out in support of the ladies of Bollywood.
The “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” actor said he will oblige to the wage system demand, if any actress asks for it while he is casting her.
He feels that bridging this gap with bring actresses on par with their male co-stars.
“I read recently somewhere that there are many female actors, who said they would want to work on a wage system that works even for men and I completely support them. If I want to cast them and they say that to me, then that's what I'll give them. But I can only speak about myself in relation to casting for a film,” Farhan told reporters.
More and more actresses are expressing their concerns about the remuneration disparity. Recently, during an interview with film critic Anupama Chopra actress Anushka Sharma revealed the darker side of the tinsel town. She said, “An actor with a similar amount of experience, similar stature like mine would be paid more than me. It is ingrained in the system.”
Anushka also added, “When you are paying me less money, you are basically telling you are less valuable.”
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Commenting on the issue of pay-inequality in Bollywood, Farhan said the actresses have a right to say ‘no' if they think they are being underpaid.
“It's a personal choice. I can never force you to work in my film for a certain amount of money. You have to say yes. But if you don't say yes, then you won't work. This is a personal decision and I cannot comment on someone's personal choice to say what they are happy with and what they are not.”
When asked about objectification of women in Bollywood films, the 41-year-old actor said it is a personal choice to do such roles or not.
“Every person has the right to think about himself. If you are asked to do a role which might objectify you, don't do it. You do have the choice of saying no. I do believe they have the right and the choice to be able to change it themselves.”
Farhan believes the film industry thrives on talent regardless of gender.
“The atmosphere in the film industry has always been based on talent. If they are talented then irrespective of whether they are men or women, they will always do well and will always be appreciated.”
With inputs from agencies
