During the Digital Commentary podcast, Khan was questioned about the substantial pay gap between him and Akshay in the film ‘Welcome.’ Khan acknowledged that his compensation may have been less than what Akshay Kumar’s staff received. He lamented the prevalent trend in the film industry, where a significant portion of the budget is allocated to stars. Khan further explained the disparities in travel arrangements and accommodations, recounting an instance in Dubai where he stayed in the same hotel as Akshay’s staff, emphasizing that such situations are not uncommon in major film productions.
Discussing the issue on the Digital Commentary podcast, Khan acknowledged the existing pay disparity, citing his experience in the film ‘Welcome.’ He noted that in many big-budget films, a substantial portion is allocated to the remuneration of “stars,” while actors like himself often handle their own travel expenses and stay in accommodations provided by the filmmakers. Khan highlighted a shift in the industry, mentioning his positive experiences on recent projects like ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Railway Men,’ where there is a concerted effort to ensure inclusivity and respect for all team members. The actor expressed his satisfaction with the evolving mindset of the new generation of production professionals and actors.
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Several actresses in Bollywood have been vocal about addressing the gender pay gap, advocating for parity in compensation for equal work. Priyanka Chopra, a Bollywood veteran since 2001, disclosed that her Prime Video series ‘Citadel’ marked the first instance in her career where she received equal pay compared to her male counterparts.