Global sensation Priyanka Chopra, who has firmly established herself from the bustling film set of Bollywood to the glittering marquees of Hollywood, is no stranger to captivating audiences with her versatile acting skills. Yet, beyond her celebrated on-screen performances, Chopra is equally recognized for her vocal advocacy on various social issues. Her latest discourse centers on a topic that has garnered significant debate—pay disparity in the entertainment industry.
During a candid interview with India Today, while promoting the insightful documentary “Women of My Billion” (WOMB), Chopra recounted an instance that led her to a surprising realization about the longstanding issue of pay inequality. “When my agents told me that we were going to ask for pay parity, even I was surprised. I was like, ‘What? No, that doesn’t happen in our industry.’ And they were like, ‘Let’s just ask the question.’ So, I didn’t even know that I had that power. I did not know I could aspire for more because I was desensitized. I was told this is normal,” explained Chopra.
This revelation was not her first encounter with the sobering reality of pay parity. In a previous interview with BBC’s ‘100 Women’ series in 2022, Chopra expounded on her personal experiences with the wage gap in Bollywood, which seemed insurmountable at times. “I’ve never had pay parity in Bollywood. I would get paid about 10% of the salary of my male co-actor. It’s (the pay gap) large, substantially large. And so many women still deal with that. I’m sure I will too if I worked with a male co-actor now in Bollywood,” she declared.
The pay gap issue is part of a larger narrative that Chopra is keen to highlight, one that touches on the systemic injustices that women face daily in India. Directed by Ajitesh Sharma, “Women of My Billion” courageously illuminates the array of trials encountered by Indian women. Through the journey of its protagonist Srishti, each step taken symbolizes a potent message dedicated to empowering women to overcome daunting challenges. Embodying the spirit of hope and resilience, the documentary premiered on May 3, 2024, exclusively on Prime Video in India.
Chopra has fervently expressed her stand on the significance of the documentary and its mission to bring to light the silent struggles of women. “Women have borne the brunt of gender bias for far too long, enduring a silent struggle against entrenched social injustices that seek to suppress their voices. With WOMB, the aim is to transcend these struggles—to be a beacon of hope,” she articulated.
As Chopra opens up about her unexpected awakening to the issue of pay disparity, which she once accepted as the norm in the industry, her narrative is evolving into one of advocacy and empowerment. Her journey mirrors the transformative paths of countless women in India and across the globe, who are now challenging the status quo with an emboldened voice.
The candidness in her discourse on pay parity underscores a necessary shift towards transparency in the industry. Furthermore, her support for projects like “Women of My Billion,” which shed light on the broader spectrum of challenges faced by women, marks a decisive move towards greater gender equality.
While Priyanka Chopra continues to grace screens with her charismatic presence, it is perhaps her off-screen role as an advocate for equality that will indelibly imprint her legacy. Through her actions and words, she empowers, inspires, and stands as a testament to the fact that change is born not only through recognition of an issue but also through the audacity to confront it head-on. As “Women of My Billion” beams into living rooms across India, it carries with it the hope that gender parity, both in paychecks and perspectives, becomes less of an aspiration and more of a reality.
