Kalki Koechlin needs no introduction. She is one of the finest actresses in the Indian film industry. Known for her appearances in films like Dev.D, Margarita with a Straw, Gully Boy, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, the actress, in a recent interview with Lilly Singh, opened up about the pay disparity in the Indian film industry, recalling times she accepted less fees than she deserved.
During the honest conversation, when the host asked her if she was termed a difficult woman given her personality, always speaking up for the right, Kalki nodded, sharing, “I have been told things like, oh, if you don’t, we will drop you tomorrow, if you don’t accept these terms.” In response, Lilly asked whether it was in financial terms, and Kalki said yes, noting that it has been very straightforward.
When asked what she did in such circumstances or if she was present in a situation where she was being paid less than she deserved and was told that if she didn’t accept, she would be dropped, did she accept? Kalki shared, “Yes, I did because I needed the work.”
And when asked if she still has to accept that even today, Kalki said yes, highlighting, “There are times where I, if it’s a creative job, I’m willing to go; I like to compromise because I’m getting something from it.” She further clarified, “There are many times where I have walked away from something which I know I’m only doing for the money, and if that money is not agreed upon, I don’t do it. So, because it’s almost like soul-sucking work.”
Speaking on whether the pay disparity is still an issue in the industry, Kalki said, “Of course, yeah, women are not paid as much as men,” emphasizing that if two famous female and male personalities are at the same level, the man is always paid more.
