Acclaimed director Sudhir Mishra has thrown his weight behind Bollywood star Deepika Padukone in the ongoing debate over gender pay parity, asserting that she deserves remuneration on par with top male actors for her pivotal roles. Speaking on Cyrus Broacha's podcast, Mishra, known for directing films like Chameli (2004), Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005), and the recent Afwaah (2023), addressed the industry's persistent wage gap head-on. "Deepika should be paid equally. In all the Bhansali films she did, she's the main character," he said, referencing Padukone's standout performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epics Padmaavat (2018), Bajirao Mastani (2015), and Ram-Leela (2013).

These collaborations not only propelled Padukone to superstardom but also grossed hundreds of crores worldwide, underscoring her box-office draw. Mishra's comments come amid reports that Padukone recently exited high-profile projects, including the sequel to the sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's action thriller Spirit, citing demands for higher fees and an eight-hour workday—standard protections in many global industries but rare in Bollywood's gruelling schedules.

The conversation highlights a broader crisis in Indian cinema, where female leads often earn 30-50% less than their male counterparts despite carrying narrative weight, according to a 2023 FICCI-EY report on media and entertainment. Padukone, one of Bollywood's highest-paid actresses with an estimated net worth of over ₹500 crore, has long symbolised empowerment through her advocacy for mental health and women's rights via her Live Love Laugh Foundation.

Yet, her fee hikes—reportedly seeking ₹20-25 crore per film—spark backlash, with critics labelling them "unrealistic" amid rising production costs post-pandemic. Mishra dismissed such views, framing equal pay as essential for talent retention. "Pay parity is a never-ending debate... it's going to take decades," he acknowledged, echoing sentiments from actors like Vidya Balan and Taapsee Pannu, who have similarly challenged the status quo. His stance aligns with global movements, such as Hollywood's Time's Up initiative, which has pushed for transparency in salaries since 2018.

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Mishra's intervention could catalyse change in an industry where women directors and producers remain under-represented—less than 10%, as per recent NFDC data—exacerbating pay inequities. As Bollywood rebounds with 2025 releases like Singham Again and Housefull 5, stakeholders hope his words pressure producers to prioritise equity. Padukone's team has yet to respond, but the discourse underscores a pivotal moment: will Hindi cinema evolve, or cling to outdated norms

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