Kareena Kapoor On Equal Pay In Bollywood: “I Won’t Settle For Less”

Pay parity has become a significant topic in the entertainment industry in recent years. Many female actors have openly discussed it and taken a stand when necessary. Some well-known names who have stood up for this issue are Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, and many more. While it's widely understood that crowd-pulling power plays a role in this disparity, it's a matter that deserves more open discussion.

In an interview with NDTV, Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan once again addressed the struggle of pay parity in the industry. She expressed her determination to receive equal pay as her male counterparts, including the Khans and her husband, Saif Ali Khan. Kareena also spoke about actively striving to achieve compensation that reflects her true worth in the industry.

Speaking more about her stance, Kareena shared how she remains strong-willed and determined. When asked what advice she would give to women aspiring to be like her, she emphasized the importance of standing firm. “No means no,” she said, explaining that if a role isn’t worthy of her character or herself, she wouldn’t accept it. Kareena added that she believes in pushing herself to prove that she is just as capable as her male co-stars. She also referenced the industry’s ₹1,000 crore club, noting that while she’s still working towards it, her efforts are ongoing.

For Kareena, this approach isn’t just about her—it’s a message to young women. She believes saying "no" should be seen as a sign of confidence, not a lack of it. Whether it's a role, an outfit, or a job offer, Kareena emphasized that women shouldn't settle for less. “One should be so self-assured that they push themselves to achieve better,” she added.

This isn’t Kareena's first time advocating for pay parity. In the early 2000s, she famously asked for equal pay to Shah Rukh Khan for Kal Ho Naa Ho, but was replaced by Preity Zinta. Despite setbacks, Kareena has continued to thrive, starring opposite Bollywood’s biggest names.

Up next, Kareena will appear alongside Ajay Devgn in Singham Again, and her fight for equal pay is far from over.