Priyamani on Pay Disparity: ‘I Know My Market Value’

Over the years, many actresses have spoken about the issue of pay disparity in Indian cinema. Despite changes in the industry, the gap between male and female actors’ pay continues to exist. Actor Priyamani, who has worked across multiple languages, recently shared her practical take on the subject.

In a recent interview, the National Award-winning actor admitted that she has often been paid less than her male co-stars. However, she said she no longer lets it affect her. “Yes, it’s true that I’ve been paid less than my male counterparts. But that doesn’t bother me anymore. I know my market value and what I bring to the table. I will only charge what I believe I deserve, nothing more, nothing less,” she said.

Priyamani added that she sees pay as a reflection of market demand. “You ask for what you’re worth, and you’ll get it,” she explained, calling it her personal experience rather than a complaint.

She also pointed out differences in work culture between the South and Hindi film industries. “In the South, if shooting is scheduled to start at 8 am, it really begins at 8. Whereas in Hindi cinema, people usually arrive at that time,” she said.

Known for her performances in Telugu films like Yamadonga and Ragada, she was recently seen in Narappa, Virata Parvam, Custody, and Bhamakalapam 2. She was last seen in the Malayalam thriller Officer on Duty and Good Wife.

Up next, Priyamani will appear in Jana Nayagan, which marks Tamil actor Vijay’s final film before he enters politics. She will also return as Suchi in the third season of The Family Man, set to stream on Amazon Prime Video from November 21.