Sudhir Mishra Advocates Equal Pay for Deepika Padukone in Bhansali Films

Insights from Sudhir Mishra

In a recent podcast with Cyrus Braocha, Mishra discussed the importance of pay equity in cinema, referencing Kareena Kapoor’s remuneration for the film Chameli. He indicated that if a female actor’s role equals or surpasses that of a male actor, then compensation should reflect that. “If Deepika Padukone brings in the audience and is as significant a star as any male actor, she should be compensated accordingly,” he stated.

He further elaborated that the star’s payment often correlates with their box office pull, explaining, “In cinema, actors typically receive a share of the profits rather than a fixed salary.” Mishra believes that if Deepika, a key player in many Bhansali films, is considered at par with her male counterparts, her pay should reflect her role’s significance.

Deepika’s Recent Project Exits

In May, Deepika made headlines when she stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit due to disagreements over shooting hours and profit-sharing. Following her decision, reports indicated that she was not included in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.

Upcoming Projects for Deepika Padukone

Looking ahead, Deepika is set to star in Shah Rukh Khan’s film King, which is currently in production under Siddharth Anand’s direction. The film also features notable actors like Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Additionally, fans can anticipate her role opposite Allu Arjun in the upcoming sci-fi action film AA22 x A6, produced by Sun Pictures.