It Disappoints Me That Even Today Women In The Film Industry Don't Have Wage Parity: Zeenat Aman

Zeenat Aman has addressed the topic of salary inequality in Hindi film. The actress posted an old clip of her interview from when she was practising for 'Laila O Laila' on Instagram.

New Delhi: After making her Instagram debut, actress Zeenat Aman has addressed the topic of salary inequality in Hindi film. The actress posted an old clip of her interview from when she was practising for 'Laila O Laila' on Instagram. The interview took place during the filming of "Qurbani."

In the video, the actress, who is wearing the film's attire, discusses how female performers were used as ornaments 90% of the time in Hindi films at the time.

Zeenat Aman also penned a long note with the video that reads as, "In the late 70s, Keith Adam from the Australian Broadcasting Commission popped by the set of Qurbani, where I was rehearsing for 'Laila O Laila', and snagged himself an interview."

Talking about the progress of Hindi cinema in terms of sketching substantial roles for female actors, she wrote: "It's been nearly 50 years since this footage was shot, and the industry has changed immensely since. The roles available to women are clearly not just ornamental anymore."

However, the pay gap is something that still plagues Hindi cinema as she further mentioned in the caption: "What hasn't changed though is the gender pay gap. In my time I was lauded as the "highest paid female actor", but the disparity in the pay cheque between my male co-stars and myself was so vast it was laughable."

"The Zeenat you see in this clip was quite certain that half a century would be enough time to even the scales. So it disappoints me that even today women in the film industry don't have wage parity. Women have consistently put in the work, and I really think that the onus is now on our men - actors, directors, producers - to ensure that their female co-workers (not just stars) are paid fairly. It seems such a simple and obvious thing, and yet it would be revolutionary if any man actually did this," she concluded.

Sanjay Kapoor and Shweta Bachchan lauded the actress for sharing her thoughts on a topic that still persists in the entertainment industry.

Sanjay Kapoor wrote, "Well said 🙌 , Wat a outstanding film" while Shweta Bachchan commented, "So well said and put!!! ♥️"

Television actress Ridhima Pandit also commented on the post by writing, "The epitome of grace and beauty that’s you ma’am I had seen this interview before as well… you truly are an inspiration ☺️🙏❤️"

Zeenat Aman has been receiving all the love and praises for her insightful thoughts on issues and topics persisting in the Hindi film industry.