Akshay Kumar’s Witty Response to Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Salary Comparison: “I’ll Make the Film, Invest the Money…”
In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, discussions about pay parity and equal remuneration for male and female actors have often sparked intense debate. One of the most memorable moments in this ongoing conversation occurred between Kareena Kapoor Khan and Akshay Kumar, two of the industry’s biggest stars. The exchange, which took place during the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2019, remains a noteworthy example of the complexities surrounding actor salaries and gender equality in Indian cinema. Also Read- Uorfi Javed Reveals That Samantha Ruth Prabhu is Her Instagram Friend! Says “She’s Just Genuinely Supporting Me”; Read Now to Know More!
Kareena Kapoor Khan, a prominent actress known for her bold statements and versatile performances, had previously stirred controversy with her outspoken views on pay parity. During the summit, she made headlines again by expressing her desire to earn as much as her co-star Akshay Kumar. “As far as the paycheck goes, I just want to get paid as much as Akshay Kumar does. That’s all yaa!” she said, highlighting a widespread issue in the film industry where male actors often command higher salaries than their female counterparts.
Kareena Kapoor Khan talks about Pay parity and #AkshayKumar gives her a SOLID REPLY 👌🔥 pic.twitter.com/Sh2vrWvUaj
— CineHub (@Its_CineHub) August 27, 2024
Akshay Kumar, known for his quick wit and sharp humor, responded to Kareena’s remark with a blend of seriousness and jest. He proposed an intriguing condition that would make her wish a reality. “To begin with, I’m a partner with Karan Johar in Good Newwz. I’m ready in front of everyone to make a film where she does the hero’s role, and she will be a 50-50 partner with me. Is it agreed?” Akshay’s offer was both a challenge and a demonstration of his belief in equal pay, albeit with a unique twist.
Kareena, who had starred alongside Akshay in several successful films including Ajnabee, Tashan, and Kambakkht Ishq, responded with a defense of her position. She pointed out that she played a significant role in Good Newwz, implying that she already contributed significantly to the film’s success. However, Akshay was quick to clarify his stance. “Now don’t go back, mai film banaunga, mai film me paisa bhi lagaunga. Aap usme hero rahengi, aap usme remuneration nahi lengi. Jab hum us picture ko release karenge, jo kamayenge, 50-50% leke jayenge,” he said, underlining that his proposal was based on a fair split of profits and not just salaries.
The exchange between the two stars was a fascinating moment that showcased the nuances of salary discussions in Bollywood. Akshay Kumar’s offer was both a practical solution and a pointed remark on the existing pay disparity. By proposing a partnership where Kareena would play the lead role, he was essentially suggesting that she would earn equally based on the film’s performance, rather than receiving a fixed salary. Also Read- Stree 2: Rajkummar Rao Shares a Hilarious Deleted Scene, and Shraddha Kapoor’s Reaction is Unmissable! Read Now to Know More
Kareena Kapoor Khan, known for her strong-willed and independent nature, responded to Akshay’s challenge with her own perspective. She declined to sign any such deal, asserting, “I’m not signing any deal because I’m not a hero or a heroine, I’m an artist. So I just want to get what Akshay Kumar gets.” Her response highlighted her belief in the merit-based approach to remuneration, where pay should be based on the value and contribution of an artist rather than their role in a film.
This exchange between Kareena and Akshay brings to light the broader conversation about gender equality in Bollywood. Despite the progress made in recent years, the industry continues to grapple with issues of pay disparity and representation. The debate between these two stars underscores the ongoing struggle for equal pay and the need for more transparent and equitable practices in the film industry.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, the conversation around pay parity is likely to remain a central issue. The industry will need to address these concerns with concrete measures to ensure that all actors, regardless of gender, receive fair and equal compensation for their work. Kareena Kapoor Khan’s candid remarks and Akshay Kumar’s response serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues and striving for greater equality in the entertainment world.
Stay tuned to Filmiwave for more updates on Bollywood and the latest developments in the ongoing discussions about gender equality in the film industry.
