At the recent SheShakti 2025 event, prominent actresses Renuka Shahane and Shriya Pilgaonkar openly discussed the persistent issue of pay parity in the Indian entertainment industry. Both admitted that a disparity exists, sparking a conversation about the challenges and potential solutions for achieving equal compensation for women.
SheShakti 2025, organized by News18, centered around the theme of "From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat," highlighting the contributions of women in shaping India's future. The event showcased women who are driving change, creating opportunities, and fostering inclusivity across various sectors.
During a panel discussion, Shahane and Pilgaonkar shared their perspectives on the realities of pay disparity. They acknowledged that while progress has been made in recent years, a significant gap remains between the earnings of male and female actors, even when they hold similar roles and experience levels. The actresses emphasized that this disparity isn't limited to the entertainment industry but is a broader societal issue that needs to be addressed.
Renuka Shahane, a veteran actress known for her roles in both television and film, pointed out that the issue of pay parity is often linked to the perception of women's roles in society. She argued that until there is a fundamental shift in how women's contributions are valued, achieving true pay equity will remain a challenge. Shahane also stressed the importance of women supporting each other and collectively demanding fair compensation.
Shriya Pilgaonkar, a rising star in the industry, echoed Shahane's sentiments and shared her personal experiences with pay disparity. She noted that while she has been fortunate to work on projects that value her contributions, she is aware that many other female actors face significant challenges in negotiating fair pay. Pilgaonkar emphasized the need for greater transparency in the industry, so actors are aware of the pay scale of other actors. She also suggested the need for more female representation in decision-making roles, such as producers and directors, which could help level the playing field.
The discussion also touched upon the importance of having open and honest conversations about money, which can be a taboo topic in Indian society. Both Shahane and Pilgaonkar encouraged women to be more assertive in negotiating their fees and to not shy away from discussing their worth. They also emphasized the role of male allies in advocating for pay equity and creating a more inclusive environment.
The SheShakti 2025 event served as a platform for not only discussing the challenges but also exploring potential solutions. The panelists and audience members shared ideas such as implementing pay transparency policies, providing mentorship and training programs for women in the industry, and promoting gender-neutral hiring practices. The discussion highlighted the need for a multi-pronged approach involving individual action, institutional reforms, and societal changes.
The conversation with Renuka Shahane and Shriya Pilgaonkar at SheShakti 2025 underscores the ongoing struggle for pay parity in the entertainment industry and beyond. While progress has been made, significant challenges remain in achieving equal compensation for women. The event served as a reminder of the importance of continued dialogue, advocacy, and action to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
