Maine Pyar Kiya, the 1989 blockbuster starring Salman Khan and Bhagyashree, marked a rare instance in Bollywood where the female lead was paid more than her male counterpart. Bhagyashree, in a recent interview, explained that this was a result of the simple economics of demand and supply in the entertainment industry.
According to Bhagyashree, producers make casting decisions based on the value an actor brings to a project and the fee they quote. She noted that if another actor offers similar qualities at a lower price, producers would not hesitate to replace the original choice.
Bhagyashree compared film remuneration to buying a house, stating that added value plays a major role in determining cost. She said that when working with someone, it's not just about pay, but also about liking the person. She added that it's a business strategy, where producers are willing to pay more for added value.
Bhagyashree's comments come as a refreshing perspective on the long-standing gender pay gap in the entertainment industry. Her insights highlight the importance of negotiation and compromise in the industry, where someone is always ready to bargain and take a step back.
