Even in 2026, the fight for gender parity in Bollywood is far from over. The pay gap between male and female actors remains a sore point with stars Deepika Padukone and kareena kapoor previously called inequality. Now, an actor-producer Kriti Sanon he added his voice to the conversation, admitting that he himself has not been immune to financial imbalances. He noted that when budgets are tight, it’s almost always the female lead’s share that takes a hit, while the male actor’s share of the budget remains untouched.
Kriti Sanon on tackling financial inequality
In an interview with GQ India, Kriti talks about the gender pay gap. “There have been some struggles over money,” she said, acknowledging the financial disparity that female actors continue to face. She insisted that the fight for equality is far from over and the patriarchy in Bollywood is still very much alive, often manifesting itself in subtle everyday moments on film sets. Kriti revealed that while she has always stood up for herself, finding that voice wasn’t easy in the early days of her career. He also recounted situations where male co-stars, not necessarily seniors, were given better facilities and treatment. However, she quickly clarified that her concern was never about perks or privileges, but simply about being treated with the same respect as her male counterparts.
Kriti Sanon as producer about the bridge
While admitting that many producers and directors today have a more progressive outlook, deep-rooted biases have not completely disappeared, Kriti said. With his producer hat on, he talked about the change he hopes to bring to the table. It brought attention to a long-standing imbalance: Women are often cast in smaller supporting roles in male-led films, but it’s rare to see a leading male star take a supporting role in a female-led story. Kriti expressed hope that this mindset will eventually change. He was also careful to clarify that he has no reservations about being a part of male-centric films, but as a producer, his priority is to open more doors for women, given the dearth of well-written roles for female actors.
Kriti Sanon will next be seen in ‘Cocktail 2’
On the professional front, Kriti Sanon has an exciting project lined up. He will next be seen in “Cocktail 2”, the spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit starring Deepika Padukone. Saif Ali Khanand Diana Penty. It includes upcoming movies Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, with Kriti entering Ally’s character. the director Homi Adajoniathe film will hit theaters worldwide on June 19, 2026.
