Actress Kriti Sanon has addressed the issue of pay inequality in Bollywood, saying that negotiating fees as a lead actress comes with its challenges. The 35-year-old actor said that when a film’s budget is tightened, the female actor’s fees are often reduced, even as a significant portion is allotted to the male lead.

“There has been some conflict over money,” he said during the conversation. gq. Kriti further added, “When producers have to make cuts, they often negotiate to reduce the fees of the female lead, even though a major portion of the budget goes to the male actor.”

He said such decisions reflect a larger, systemic imbalance. “Patriarchy is still deeply entrenched in the industry and we need to keep moving towards equality,” she said.

Kriti explained that these biases can also manifest in subtle ways on film sets. He said there is often a tendency to ensure that the female actor is ready first so that the male actor does not have to wait – a practice he described as subconscious but telling.

Early Struggles and Finding a Voice

The actress also talked about her early years in the industry and admitted that it was not always easy to prove yourself. “I have always tried to stand up for myself, but at the beginning of my career, it was difficult to be open about everything,” she said.

Recalling an example, she said that a male co-actor at the same level once got better facilities. “It wasn’t about the car, but about getting respect equally,” he said.

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Kriti, who made her debut in Telugu film 1: Nanocadine And entered Bollywood Heropanti Unlike Tiger Shroff, he said the journey has been one of gradual evolution.

Kriti is now preparing for release cocktail 2Directed by Homi Adajania. The film also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor, and is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026.