Taapsee Pannu Reveals Getting Paid Less For Dunki: Why Sharing Screen with SRK Means Smaller Salary

Taapsee Pannu, known for her versatile acting and strong presence in Bollywood, recently shared her thoughts on the pay gap in the industry. The actress, who began her Hindi film journey with Chashme Baddoor in 2013, has since delivered standout performances in films like Pink, Mulk, and Haseen Dillruba. However, she revealed that working alongside big male stars doesn’t always mean big paychecks for her.

Despite being cast with top actors like Shah Rukh Khan in Dunki, Taapsee admitted she wasn’t paid much for her role. She pointed out a common industry perception that female actors in male-led movies are often seen as “add-ons,” receiving less recognition and compensation.

“They feel, ‘There is already a big hero, why do we need anybody else for that?’” Taapsee shared. She noted that she often faces these perceptions, battling for fair recognition daily. The actress explained that in her female-led films, such as Haseen Dillruba, she is paid more, challenging the notion that big commercial films guarantee better pay for female leads.

Struggles of Choosing Directors in Bollywood

Taapsee also expressed her frustration with the limitations she faces in choosing her projects. She explained that, in many cases, the hero or a well-established director decides the leading actress, particularly for high-budget films. This often restricts her from working with directors of her choice.

She observed that successful filmmakers typically prefer projects with a “big hero” and a substantial budget. This preference can sometimes sideline talented actresses like herself, who aim to collaborate with specific directors for their creative vision.

In Dunki, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, Taapsee was paired with Shah Rukh Khan, sharing a romantic role with the superstar. While fans were excited to see her with SRK, the actress revealed that her role in male-centric movies often comes with challenges, especially in terms of recognition and financial compensation.

In another male-driven film, Judwaa 2, Taapsee starred alongside Varun Dhawan in dual roles. The 2017 comedy, directed by David Dhawan, was a reboot of the 1997 hit Judwaa, which starred Salman Khan. Taapsee starred alongside Jacqueline Fernandez, yet the film focused more on its male lead, echoing the experience she described.

Taapsee’s Journey in Bollywood: Carving Her Own Path

Throughout her career, Taapsee Pannu has worked in a diverse range of films, including Baby, Naam Shabana, Manmarziyaan, Badla, and Mission Mangal. Known for taking on roles that challenge social norms, she has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most talented actresses. Her comments on pay disparities and challenges in male-dominated films resonate with many, highlighting the struggles faced by women in Bollywood.

As she continues her journey, Taapsee Pannu is committed to pushing boundaries and advocating for fair treatment in the industry. Her candidness about the reality of being a female actor in Bollywood sheds light on the hurdles she and others face, even as they achieve success on the big screen.

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