Veteran character actor Mushtaq Khan, who left an indelible mark as Balu in the hit Bollywood film ‘Welcome’, has recently brought attention to the issue of pay disparity in the entertainment industry. In a candid revelation, Khan disclosed that he received a paycheck that was smaller than what the personal staff of superstar Akshay Kumar earned, despite sharing screen space in the same movie.
This discussion took place on the Digital Commentary podcast, where Khan was invited to share his insights into Bollywood’s financial inequities. Even as Bollywood has been grappling with the broader conversation around gender pay gaps, Khan’s experience sheds light on the lesser-discussed economic challenges faced by character actors. Pointing to an industry trend, Khan highlighted the significant investment in lead ‘stars’ while support cast members, like himself, often experience a lack of financial recognition for their efforts.
Khan, who played Balu—a member of Uday Shetty’s gang in ‘Welcome’—recalled instances that emphasized the disparity. “We go everywhere on our own, we travel in economy and stay in the hotels provided by the makers,” Khan expressed his perspective on the varying treatment within the industry. Illustrating his point, Khan mentioned the accommodations during the film shoot in Dubai, where the hotel he was assigned was the same as that of Akshay Kumar’s staff, despite him being an integral part of the cast.
Despite these past experiences, Khan is optimistic about the current shifts occurring in Bollywood. He praised the team behind the upcoming film ‘Stree 2’, highlighting the respectful and fun atmosphere on set. His recent project ‘Railway Men’ also afforded him both respect and enjoyment. Khan’s optimistic experiences suggest a cultural shift within the industry. The new wave of filmmakers and production teams, as well as their actors, are seemingly more attuned to equitable treatment across all levels of a film’s hierarchy.
The problem of pay disparity in Bollywood is not a new issue. Nevertheless, it is one that has persisted over the years, with ‘Welcome’ offering a poignant case study. The film, which debuted in 2007 and was directed by Anees Bazmee, was declared a blockbuster and became one of the most loved comedies in Bollywood history. Besides Akshay Kumar, the movie featured Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Feroz Khan, and Nana Patekar, all of whom are considered heavyweights of the industry. The film’s success led to the creation of a sequel, ‘Welcome Back’, with John Abraham and Shruti Hassan taking on the lead roles.
Now, Bollywood fans are eagerly awaiting the third installment, ‘Welcome 3’, which has officially commenced production. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the new film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Disha Patani, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sanjay Dutt, and many others. The upcoming sequel further raises questions about whether the pay practices of the past will continue to be challenged, ensuring a more equitable environment for actors like Mushtaq Khan and others who contribute so much to the rich tapestry of Indian cinema.
In conclusion, while Bollywood’s glitz and glamour often captivate audiences worldwide, it’s important to acknowledge the underlying issues that actors like Mushtaq Khan face. With Khan shedding light on the matter and expressing hope for the future, perhaps Bollywood is on the verge of turning a new leaf, one where talent at all levels is valued and remunerated fairly. It is a future that industry insiders and fans alike can welcome with open arms.
