Two iconic Bollywood actors, Asha Parekh and Tanuja, spoke candidly about the issues of pay disparity, ageism, and lack of hygienic conditions on sets in the film industry during a recent interview. These problems have persisted for decades and are still prevalent in Bollywood today, according to the veteran actors.
Asha Parekh, who started her career as a child artist under the screen name Baby Asha Parekh, has starred in several noteworthy films such as Dil Deke Dekho, Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai, and Kati Patang. Tanuja made her debut in the film Chhabili and went on to star in several acclaimed films, including Deya Neya, Chand Aur Suraj, and Jewel Thief.
During a conversation on Maitri: Female First Collective on YouTube, the two actors discussed the persistent issue of pay disparity in Bollywood. They noted that men always had a higher standing and that Hollywood had not been able to address this problem either. Asha and Tanuja added that they couldn’t blame the men as they were given the power to rule.
Furthermore, the actors also discussed the issue of ageism in Bollywood, stating that even though Mr Amitabh Bachchan was still being written roles at his age, they weren’t receiving the same opportunities. Asha asked why they weren’t receiving important roles in films, and Tanuja pointed out that they were now being given grandmother roles.
Asha Parekh also highlighted the lack of proper bathroom facilities on film sets, revealing that they were told to remain silent about the fact that there were no bathrooms available. The studios often had only one bathroom for everyone, which was in terrible condition most of the time.
These issues are not new to the film industry. In fact, actor-politician Hema Malini recently spoke about the ageism in Bollywood and the lack of author-backed roles written for women of her age, despite the booming OTT industry. These actors’ remarks shed light on the long-standing issues that still need to be addressed in Bollywood.
The lack of proper hygienic conditions on film sets was another issue that Asha Parekh brought up during the interview. She revealed that there were no proper bathrooms available for the actors and crew on sets, and they were told to remain silent about it. The studios only had one bathroom for everybody, and it was usually in a horrible condition.
It’s not just Asha Parekh and Tanuja who have spoken out about these issues. Recently, actor-politician Hema Malini also highlighted the issue of ageism in the film industry. She pointed out that even though the OTT industry has seen a boom in recent times, there are still no author-backed roles being written for women of her age.
The issues of pay disparity and ageism in Bollywood are not new. These issues have persisted for decades, and it’s high time they were addressed. It’s not just a matter of fairness and equality, but also a matter of talent and creativity. The film industry can only benefit from a diverse and inclusive culture that values the contributions of all its members, regardless of their age or gender.
Pay disparity, ageism, and lack of hygienic conditions on film sets are serious issues that must be addressed in Bollywood. It is essential to create an inclusive work environment that values every individual’s contributions and provides equal opportunities to all. This will not only benefit the actors but also improve the quality of films produced in the industry.
In conclusion, Bollywood must take action to address these issues, and it’s time for the industry to be held accountable. The conversation around pay disparity, ageism, and lack of hygienic conditions on film sets must continue until these issues are resolved.
