Lara Dutta on pay disparity in Bollywood: I’m being paid higher than I used to be 10-15 years again

The trailer of Hiccups and Hookups, which featured Lara Dutta as single mom Vasu who’s rediscovering life at 40 by indulging in some sexual adventures, made followers sit up and take discover. Recently, the Miss Universe 2000 spoke to indianexpress.com and confessed that she had her personal set of inhibitions concerning the character. However, as soon as the actor had a heart-to-heart dialog with director Kunal Kohli, she was comfortable.
“Over the years, what I have learnt from my craft is to be clear about what I am comfortable with, what works for me and what doesn’t. I also know how willing I am about pushing the envelope in order to embrace a new character or project. When I was approached for this show, I was really intrigued by the idea. It was a fantastic opportunity to have a 40 something play the central character in such a big show being created by Lionsgate. It’s about a single mother who is rediscovering herself post the hiccups in her life. I did have my apprehension in a broad sense of how her character was moving ahead in the tale. And I had an honest conversation with Kunal about it. I am thankful that he was so welcoming and entertained me. Both of us did feel that we could work around the issues I had before I came on board. Once I had the assurance that I had an equal say on which way the character will go, I was all in. I think that confidence the makers had to make this as much my project as theirs was just amazing,” Lara Dutta stated.

The actor made her digital debut final 12 months with Hundred, the place she performed a cop. Recently, her efficiency in Call My Agent was additionally a lot appreciated. When we quizzed her if the online house is giving her the roles that Bollywood failed to supply over the previous couple of years, Lara smiled to say, “Absolutely, I think this is the best time for me. I am having more fun and finally getting the kind of roles and projects I always wanted. I didn’t come to the industry to become the top star or get into the number game. I wanted to be an actor, and now I am finally getting to do that.”
Lara Dutta additional opened up concerning the pay disparity within the trade. The actor stated that she has seen some ‘fantastic changes’ within the final couple of years, and issues have now develop into significantly better for ladies. “I think not just actors, but there are a lot more female technicians, directors, producers and even writers, who have all fought the disparity. And the change is happening for the ones who have managed to create a demand for themselves. From my experience, I can say that I am getting paid better than I was 10-15 years back.”
A nonetheless from Hiccups and Hookups. (Photo: PR)

While older heroes proceed to romance youthful feminine stars in movies, roles for 35-plus ladies are nonetheless scarce in Bollywood. Responding to the identical, the Andaz actor stated with a smirk, “The trend of older heroes paired with younger heroines still exists. Hopefully, common sense will prevail soon. I think things are changing but slowly. Actresses in their 30s were considered gharelu and not sexy, and I think that perception is also now changing. The writing has gotten better and fab roles are now written for women. And it’s also because a lot of females are now penning stories and thus it’s more nuanced and layered. I have been reading some amazing content, and hoping we can rewrite the trend soon.”

Lastly, given the present offers with courting apps and hookups, we requested Lara to share her opinion on new-age courting. “Well, I am past the prime of apps so thankfully I can’t say I missed out. It never existed in our times. However, I don’t mind them or have a problem as it’s a great way for people to connect. It has allowed younger people to have a choice and expand their playing field. And not just romance, they have even met friends for life on these apps, who have stuck around longer than any romantic relationship,” the model-actor stated.
Hiccups and Hookups, additionally starring Prateik Babbar and Shinnova, is streaming on Lionsgate Play.