Kriti Sanon Addresses Gender Bias In Bollywood, Admits Patriarchy Still Exists; Says, “Large Chunk Of Budget Goes To Male Actors”

Kriti Sanon has opened up about the gender inequalities that continue to exist in Bollywood, saying female actors still face unequal treatment both financially and professionally. The Mimmi actress revealed that patriarchy remains deeply rooted in the industry, often appearing in subtle ways on film sets. Kriti also shared that becoming a producer has pushed her to support stronger female-led stories and create better opportunities for women in cinema.

Kriti Sanon Admits Patriarchy Still Exists In The Industry

In an interview with GQ India, Kriti Sanon spoke candidly about the pay gap in Bollywood. She said, “There’s been some struggle around money. When they (producers) have to cut corners, they often negotiate down the female lead’s fee, even though a large chunk of the budget goes to the male actor.”

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The actress further explained how gender bias also reflects in everyday working conditions on film sets. She added, “Patriarchy is still deeply ingrained in the industry, and we have to keep shaking things up to move towards equality. It shows up in the smallest ways, too. For instance, there’s often a tendency on a film set to check if the female actor is ready first, so the male actor doesn’t have to wait. It’s subconscious, but it needs to change.”

Kriti also recalled instances from the early years of her career when male co-stars received better treatment despite not being senior actors. She admitted that speaking up was not always easy at the beginning.

Kriti Sanon On Male Co-Stars Receiving Better Treatment

“I’ve always tried to stand up for myself, but early in my career, it was difficult to voice everything. I remember small things, like a male co-star, who wasn’t a senior, getting a better car. Of course, it wasn’t about the car, but about being respected equally. Most producers and directors today are progressive, but these biases still exist,” she said.

Now stepping into production as well, Kriti says she feels drawn towards stories that centre women and offer them stronger representation on screen. Over the years, conversations around equal pay and workplace treatment have become more visible in Bollywood, with several actresses speaking openly about the challenges they continue to face in the industry. Kriti’s remarks add to that growing discussion around gender equality in cinema.

On the work front, Kriti Sanon’s last appearance on the big screen was in Tere Ishk Mein alongside Dhanush. She will next appear in Cocktail 2 with Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film will release on June 19, 2026. Reportedly, Kriti will also star opposite Vijay Deverakonda in a pan-India Telugu-Hindi project directed by Shouryuv.

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Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Paramvir Singh Cheema Jokes He’s Taller Than Kriti Sanon; Manifests Reuniting With Tere Ishk Mein Co-Star In A ‘Love Story’

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.