Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon, a prominent personality in the Indian film industry, has shed light on the financial inequalities that existed in the 90s, a time when pay disparity between male and female actors was a common yet under-discussed issue. Reminiscing on her more than thirty-year illustrious career, Tandon reflected on the stark contrast in earnings between her and her male counterparts, bringing to light the gender pay gap.
During an engaging discussion with the media outlet Jist, Tandon conveyed the financial challenges female actors faced in the 90s, a period when their male counterparts were earning substantially more. She revealed, “The money wasn’t great for actresses in those days.” Far from equivocating, Tandon highlighted the pronounced disparity: “Male stars got much more. What they would make in one film, I would make in, say, 15 films. I had to do nearly 15–20 films to make as much money as my male counterparts.”
Tandon’s early tenure in the film industry saw her share the silver screen with Salman Khan and Aamir Khan, two of Bollywood’s most illustrious figures. She illustrated the comparative advantage held by male actors who could afford to select fewer roles and still amass significant wealth. “In those days, Aamir and Salman were doing selective films while heroines would be working with many more heroes. But for everybody overall, the money was much less than today’s situation,” shared Tandon, emphasizing the increased financial opportunities currently available to actors.
Raveena Tandon has established herself as one of the most celebrated actresses in Hindi cinema, particularly during the glorious 90s. Entering the cinematic world at the tender age of 19, she captivated audiences with her debut hit film ‘Patthar Ke Phool’, directed by Anant Balani, with Salman Khan playing the leading man opposite her. Tandon’s journey in Bollywood was punctuated by a mix of successes and moderate hits, eventually leading her to make her mark in Telugu cinema with a hit debut in ‘Bangaru Bullodu’.
Fast-forwarding to the present day, the baton of cinematic glory seems poised to pass on within the Tandon family. Rasha Thadani, daughter of Raveena Tandon and producer Anil Thadani, is set to make her foray into acting. Under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Abhishek Kapoor, Thadani Jr. will star in an upcoming action-adventure movie alongside Aaman Devgn. With confident support from Kapoor, Rasha is seen as the perfect fit for what has been described as a distinctive and unique role.
Through the reflection on her experiences, Tandon acknowledges that the industry has progressed over the years, with more women present on set and a slow but positive closure of the pay gap between genders. This observation is a testament to the changing times and the ongoing efforts to achieve parity in an industry once dominated by patriarchal norms.
The struggles faced by Raveena Tandon and her contemporaries in the face of financial inequity underscore a deeper systemic issue that permeated Bollywood. While the wage issue remains a topic of contention, stories like Tandon’s give voice to the often-overlooked tribulations of female actors in the entertainment industry. It is through these candid revelations that awareness is spread and momentum is gained towards more equitable compensation practices.
Film enthusiasts and industry analysts alike continue to scrutinize the evolution of Bollywood, from its practices to the stories it chooses to tell. As the industry moves forward, the contributions and experiences of veterans like Raveena Tandon shape the collective understanding of its history, shining a light on both the struggles and the triumphs that have paved the way for the next generation of talent. With the industry’s younger blood, like Rasha Thadani, ready to leave their mark, there’s a hope that they will tread a path with fewer disparities and more celebration of talent, regardless of gender.
