In an industry where discussions about gender pay gaps are finally coming to the forefront, Priyamani opens up about her own experiences with remuneration in films. Known for her versatility and powerful performances across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, the actress shared candid thoughts on how pay parity, or the lack of it, plays out behind the scenes. Speaking to CNN News-18 Showsha exclusively, she didn’t shy away from addressing a topic that many actors quietly navigate but few talk about publicly.
“It is true. But that’s okay. I believe that whatever is your market value, you ask for it and you will get paid for it. There have been times when I was paid lesser than my male co-star. It does not bother me though. I know my market value and my worth. This is my opinion and my experience. I will charge what I believe I deserve. I won’t ask for unnecessary hike,” Priyamani told us.
Many leading Indian actresses have openly addressed gender-based pay gaps in the film industry. Stars like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taapsee Pannu, and Richa Chadha have all spoken about how male co-stars often earn more, even when female leads contribute equally to a film’s success. While some, like Deepika and Priyanka, emphasised negotiating based on their market value, others, including Kangana and Taapsee, have highlighted the systemic undervaluation of women in Bollywood.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyamani will soon start shooting for Family Man Season 3 alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Priyamani made her acting debut with the 2003 Telugu film Evare Atagaadu and went on to appear in films such as Raam (2009), Puthiya Mukham (2009), Raavanan (2010), and Pranchiyettan & the Saint (2010). She earned widespread acclaim for her performance as a rape victim in the Tamil romantic drama Paruthiveeran (2007), winning both the National Film Award for Best Actress and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. She also won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for Thirakkatha (2008) and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada for Chaarulatha (2012).
In recent years, Priyamani has appeared in notable films including Idolle Ramayana (2016), Jawan (2023), Article 370 (2024), and Officer on Duty (2025), continuing to showcase her versatility across multiple film industries.
Priyamani Says Pay Parity Still Exists In Industry: 'I've Been Paid Lesser Than Male Co-Stars' | Exclusive
In an industry where discussions about gender pay gaps are finally coming to the forefront, Priyamani opens up about her own experiences with remuneration in films. Known for her versatility and powerful performances across Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, the actress shared candid thoughts on how pay parity, or the lack of it, plays out behind the scenes. Speaking to CNN News-18 Showsha exclusively, she didn’t shy away from addressing a topic that many actors quietly navigate but few talk about publicly. “It is true. But that’s okay. I believe that whatever is your market value, you ask for it and you will get paid for it. There have been times when I was paid lesser than my male co-star. It does not bother me though. I know my market value and my worth. This is my opinion and my experience. I will charge what I believe I deserve. I won’t ask for unnecessary hike,” Priyamani told us. Many leading Indian actresses have openly addressed gender-based pay gaps in the film industry. Stars like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Taapsee Pannu, and Richa Chadha have all spoken about how male co-stars often earn more, even when female leads contribute equally to a film’s success. While some, like Deepika and Priyanka, emphasised negotiating based on their market value, others, including Kangana and Taapsee, have highlighted the systemic undervaluation of women in Bollywood. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyamani will soon start shooting for Family Man Season 3 alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Priyamani made her acting debut with the 2003 Telugu film Evare Atagaadu and went on to appear in films such as Raam (2009), Puthiya Mukham (2009), Raavanan (2010), and Pranchiyettan & the Saint (2010). She earned widespread acclaim for her performance as a rape victim in the Tamil romantic drama Paruthiveeran (2007), winning both the National Film Award for Best Actress and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. She also won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam for Thirakkatha (2008) and the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada for Chaarulatha (2012). In recent years, Priyamani has appeared in notable films including Idolle Ramayana (2016), Jawan (2023), Article 370 (2024), and Officer on Duty (2025), continuing to showcase her versatility across multiple film industries.
