Aamir Khan, Kiran Rao for ending gender bias in pay in Bollywood

Why should the leading ladies of the silver screen be paid less than their male counterparts? This question has often been raised in HT City and actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao came out in strong support for equal pay for equal work in Bollywood. Addressing the media in Ludhiana on Monday, they called for a change of the discriminatory mindset.

Why should the leading ladies of the silver screen be paid less than their male counterparts? This question has often been raised in HT City and actor Aamir Khan and his wife Kiran Rao came out in strong support for equal pay for equal work in Bollywood. Addressing the media in Ludhiana on Monday, they called for a change of the discriminatory mindset.

A fatter Aamir Khan spotted as he prepares for his role in Dangal. (Photo: Yogen Shah)

“The pattern is certainly unjust and the concept of equal pay for equal work needs to be pushed in the film world too,” said Aamir and Kiran strongly supported his view.

The two are here to shoot for Aamir’s next film ‘Dangal’, a biopic on Haryanvi wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. “This kind of discrimination is unjustified and can be very demotivating. If this culture is changed it will result in a lot of creative positivity,” held Kiran.
And are they following this in their own production house? They instantly nod in the positive and add that it is followed with pride. Kiran here takes the initiative to explain how.

“At our production house, we have always given a chance to those who deserve it and she/he may be a newcomer. If they do equal work, we never make any discrimination in payment on the basis of gender.”

Aamir was visibly emotional when he stressed on the need to respect women and said behind every successful man there was always a woman. “Kiran is my backbone and my biggest support. If I am able to give my best, it is because of her,” were his parting words.