Even in 2026, Bollywood’s battle for gender parity remains far from over. The pay gap between male and female actors continues to be a sore point, with stars like Deepika Padukone and Kareena Kapoor having previously called out the disparity. Now, actress-producer Kriti Sanon has added her voice to the conversation, admitting that she herself has not been immune to the financial imbalance. She pointed out that when budgets get tight, it is almost always the female lead’s fee that takes the hit, while the male actor’s share of the budget remains largely untouched.
Kriti Sanon on facing financial disparity
In an interview with GQ India, Kriti opens up about the gender pay gap. “There’s been some struggle around money,” she said, acknowledging the financial disparity that female actors continue to face. She stressed that the fight for equality is far from over and that patriarchy in Bollywood is still very much alive, often showing up in subtle, everyday moments on film sets. Kriti revealed that while she has always made it a point to stand up for herself, finding that voice was not easy in the early days of her career. She also recounted situations where male co-stars, not necessarily seniors, were given better facilities and treatment. However, she was quick to clarify that her concern was never about perks or privileges but simply about being treated with the same respect as her male counterparts.
Kriti Sanon on bridging the gap as a producer
While acknowledging that many producers and directors today carry a more progressive outlook, Kriti maintained that deep-rooted biases have not entirely disappeared. Stepping into her producer hat, she spoke about the change she hopes to bring to the table. She drew attention to a long-standing imbalance: women are frequently cast in smaller, secondary roles in male-driven films, yet it is rare to see a top male star take on a supporting part in a woman-led story. Kriti expressed hope that this mindset will eventually shift. She was also careful to clarify that she has no reservations about being part of male-centric films, but as a producer, her priority is to open more doors for women, given that well-written, substantial roles for female actors remain few and far between.
Kriti Sanon to next be seen in ‘Cocktail 2’
On the professional front, Kriti Sanon has an exciting project lined up. She will next appear in ‘Cocktail 2’, a spiritual sequel to the 2012 hit that starred Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, and Diana Penty. The upcoming film brings together Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in lead roles, with Kriti stepping into the character of Ally. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film is set to hit theatres worldwide on June 19, 2026.