When we think of Bollywood actresses in big-budget, star-studded films, many assume they’re earning hefty paychecks. It’s a common belief that roles in these big-hero movies come with higher pay, but that’s not always true. In fact, some actors earn more for projects where they take the lead, rather than in blockbusters featuring major stars.
In an interview, Taapsee Pannu, who has worked in big-budget films like Dunki, Mission Mangal and Judwaa 2, shed light on this very misconception. Addressing the rumours about her paychecks, she busted the myth that big films equal big money for her.
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“Funnily, people think I do films like Judwaa or Dunki for money, that I get paid a lot. But no, it is the opposite- I get paid to do more for films that are headlined by me, like a Haseen Dilruba, and other films don’t really pay me much because they feel they are doing a favour by taking me up in that kind of a film. They feel, ‘There is already a big hero, why do we need anybody else for that?’ I fight these notions on a daily basis,” NDTV quoted her saying.
Taapsee’s frustration with this unfair setup goes beyond just pay. She’s struggled to find roles in big films, even though she’s made a name for herself as an actress known for unique and powerful roles.
“Now even the audience knows that heroes decide who the heroine is going to be in most of their films, until you have a very big, super successful director, who has his or her own audience. Then the director will take a call no matter what.”
She revealed that in most big movies, casting is often controlled by the heroes, not the directors or producers.
“But 75 percent of the times, it is the hero who has a big say on who the heroine is going to be. Now, obviously the hero would want someone who is more in trend, someone who is getting more audience attention right now. Some are secure, others think, ‘Let me cast someone who will not overshadow me,” she added.
This dynamic hasn’t stopped Taapsee Pannu from taking on projects that are meaningful to her. Though she’s been part of big films, she’s still fighting the industry’s tendency to downplay her value in these roles.