Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon has spoken out about gender bias in the Hindi film industry, saying that female actors are often treated differently from their male counterparts and are sometimes made to feel “less” on film sets. She shared her views during a conversation with comedian and content creator Lilly Singh on her YouTube channel.
Reflecting on her career journey, Kriti said she has experienced greater challenges in the film industry compared to her earlier experiences in modelling and engineering college. She noted that when she entered Bollywood, opportunities for women were more limited, with many films largely centred around male protagonists and female characters often reduced to supporting or romantic roles.
The actor said that while the industry has gradually evolved and more substantial roles are now being written for women, unequal treatment still persists in subtle but persistent ways. She highlighted that female actors are often judged more harshly when they question scenes or engage in discussions about their roles on set.
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Kriti explained that when a woman asks questions about a script or character, it is sometimes seen as excessive or difficult behaviour, whereas similar actions by male actors are viewed as professionalism or involvement. She said this difference in perception reflects an underlying bias that still exists within the industry’s working culture.
She also pointed to differences in how male and female actors are treated in day-to-day production settings, including access to facilities such as rooms or transport. While she said such material differences do not personally bother her, she emphasised that the larger issue is the feeling of being undervalued or treated unequally.
Kriti further noted that assistant directors and crew members are often more hesitant around male stars, which can lead to female actors being taken for granted on set. She said her comments were aimed at highlighting these behavioural patterns rather than individual grievances, and stressed the need for greater equality and respect across all levels of film production.
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