There is a little bit of confusion: Farhan Akhtar

Recently, several actresses have raised their voice against gender discrimination in the industry and talked about being paid lesser than the heroes. Anushka Sharma has gone a step ahead and opened up about sexism in Bollywood. We spoke to actor-producer-director Farhan Akhtar, who is also the founder of MARD (Men Against Discrimination and Rape) for his reaction... 

In an interview, Anushka Sharma said that if her role is lengthier than the hero’s in a film, none of the guys will do the film. Is it true? Would you be part of such a movie?
I did Dil Dhadakne Do, in which my involvement was really because of Priyanka’s (Chopra) character. I played a supporting part to her and I was happy to do it. Even Luck By Chance was about Konkona’s (Sensharma) struggle. My character comes into her life, changes things and goes out. I don’t have these issues, I want to be a part of good movies. But yes, I have to make a contribution to the story — it can’t be just one song and go. It has to be meaty, that’s all. It doesn’t matter to me if the heroine or somebody else’s role is lengthier than mine.

Several actresses complain about being paid lesser than the heroes. What is your take on it?
In all honesty, there is a little bit of confusion in this area. Everybody has the right to demand what is fair for themselves. The producer has the right to say yes or no. It’s a personal thing. There’s no guild to say who has to be paid how much except for the technicians and manual workers. Rest, is a process of negotiation. You have to take a stand. If you are truly loved by people and the maker wants you in the film, he will do it.

Didn’t you earlier say that you support actresses who demand equal pay?
Yes, I think they deserve the same pay. But just because I say it, will somebody do that for them?

As a producer, would you do it?
Whenever we cast actors, we discuss what they are comfortable with and pay accordingly. The actors have to be happy to work comfortably.

What about the treatment of male and female actors? Is it different for male actors in terms of more perks than their female counterparts?
I can only talk about my production house. Whether they are newcomers, established actors, boys or girls, we treat everybody on par. At the end of the day, these are tags or designations given to them by people or themselves. Everybody has to be treated nicely and feel wanted and we do that.