In a candid conversation, veteran Bollywood actor Mushtaq Khan discussed the significant pay gap in the film industry. His insights included a personal experience from the set of the movie “Welcome,” featuring Akshay Kumar.
Mushtaq Khan’s Insights from ‘Welcome’
Khan expressed surprise by revealing that his earnings for “Welcome” were even less than what Akshay Kumar’s staff received. Furthermore, he noted disparities in treatment, such as being lodged in a different hotel from the lead actor. “In Dubai, I stayed in the same hotel as Akshay’s staff. This is quite common in big-budget films,” Khan remarked. He highlighted the industry’s tendency to allocate substantial funds towards top stars, often overshadowing the supporting cast. Khan, himself often traveled economy class and accepted accommodations arranged by the film producers.
Despite these challenges, Khan observed a positive shift in recent times. He noted that contemporary producers are more inclined to ensure equitable treatment for all cast and crew members. Reflecting on his recent work, including the shooting of “Stree 2” with Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, Khan shared his satisfaction with the respect and camaraderie he experienced on set. “We create great memories together, and there’s a lot of love and respect among the cast and crew,” he said.
Towards Fair Treatment and Equity
Khan has also been involved in other projects like “Railway Men,” where he appreciated the respect and professionalism shown by the new generation of producers and actors. This change, according to Khan, is a welcome development in the industry.
Famous for his role as Ballu in the 2007 comedy “Welcome,” which also starred Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, and Katrina Kaif, Khan’s performance and his memorable line, “Meri ek taang nakli hai, main hockey ka bohot bada khiladi tha…” have made a lasting impression on audiences. His experience sheds light on the evolving dynamics of Bollywood, where the focus is gradually shifting towards the more inclusive and equitable treatment of all artists involved in a film.
