Exclusive - Apoorva Arora on pay disparity in industry: 'Women are paid less than their male counterparts'

Apoorva Arora

Actress Apoorva Arora, who has worked in many Bollywood, Gujarati, Punjabi, and Kannada films, was recently seen as young independent girl Meher in Family Aaj Kal.

The actress has been loved for the diverse roles she chooses, which are quite opposite to the plain Jane girl one gets to play on screen.

In an exclusive interview with Money Control on Women’s Day, Apoorva spoke about the difficulties she has faced in the industry over the years, getting typecast, and also pay disparity.

Apoorva said, like many other female actresses, she is also paid less than her male counterpart, and that pay disparity is something that needs to be taken up seriously.

She also emphasised that the largely male-dominated film industry does not take seriously the recommendations made by women and that "in such cases, you have to be loud, assertive, and stand your ground." Although change is sluggish, the industry is changing.

Excerpts from the interview:

Ques: As we celebrate Women's Day, what message would you like to convey to young women who aspire to make a career in the entertainment industry?

Apoorva:  To young women aspiring to build a career in the entertainment industry, I would say: Stay true to yourself, be resilient, and never stop learning. The journey may not always be easy, but your passion, hard work, and authenticity will set you apart. Always remember, success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace your uniqueness, and don’t let anyone or anything dim your light.

Ques: What are some of the challenges you've faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?

Apoorva: Like many women in the industry, I have faced challenges like being underestimated or typecast in certain roles. Another major challenge is pay disparity—women are often paid less than their male counterparts for the same level of work. Also, suggestions from women actors are not always taken seriously, even when they come from a place of experience and humility. In such cases, you have to be loud, assertive, and stand your ground. The industry is evolving, but change is slow. I’ve learned to focus on my craft, work with people who value my input, and keep pushing boundaries. Staying patient and persistent has helped me overcome these hurdles.

Ques: How do you navigate the complexities of the industry, where nepotism and bias can often affect career prospects?

Apoorva: Navigating the complexities of the industry is not easy, especially when nepotism and bias can sometimes cloud opportunities. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control—my craft and my passion. It’s essential to build a strong work ethic, connect with people who appreciate your work, and trust that your time will come. Success is not just about luck; it’s about putting in the effort and being prepared when your moment arrives.

Ques: Rejection is a big part of the entertainment industry. How do you deal with rejection, and what keeps you motivated to keep going?

Apoorva: Rejection is tough, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. It takes years of training and experience to not take rejections personally. Sometimes, you just have to enjoy the moments so much that, even if you feel bad, you still keep moving forward. There have been times when I was replaced by someone better connected, related to someone influential, or had a huge social media following. It does make you angry, but that anger can be a driving force. Instead of letting it break me, I use it as motivation to work harder and prove my worth.

Ques: Recently, a TV actress said it is very, very difficult to get through in movies, as it is a guarded place. Do you agree? What are your thoughts?

Apoorva: Yes, it can be very difficult to break into films, as it’s a highly competitive and guarded industry. There are a lot of gatekeepers, and it takes more than just talent to get your foot in the door. It requires a mix of networking, timing, and perseverance. But I do believe that with the right mindset, focus, and determination, anyone can break through. The key is to stay grounded, keep working on your craft, and be prepared for when the right opportunity presents itself.

Ques: Can you share an instance where you faced rejection and how you bounced back from it?

Apoorva: There have been moments in my career when I faced rejection, and I remember auditioning for a role that I really wanted. I didn’t get the part, and it stung. But I took it as a chance to reflect on my performance and work on improving. It also takes a lot of mental training to not let rejections shake your confidence. I’ve learned that rejection is sometimes not even about talent—it could be about someone else being better connected, or fitting a certain image, or simply having a larger social media reach. These things can make you frustrated, but rather than dwelling on it, I’ve learned to channel that frustration into working even harder. Eventually, a role came my way that felt like a perfect fit, and it reminded me that setbacks are just setups for bigger opportunities.

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Ques: What role do you think perseverance plays in achieving success in the industry?

Apoorva: Perseverance is everything. In an industry like this, where rejection is common and competition is fierce, you need to keep pushing forward. It’s easy to get discouraged, but the ones who make it are those who keep going, even when things seem tough. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about the consistent effort you put in, even when you don’t see immediate results.

Ques: How do you prioritize your personal and professional growth, and what steps do you take to ensure you're continuously learning and improving?

Apoorva: Personal and professional growth go hand in hand. I make sure to stay grounded and continue learning both on and off-screen. I take acting workshops, read books, and watch films that challenge me. I also surround myself with people who inspire and support me. It’s important to not just focus on the work but to also grow as a person. Every experience teaches me something new, and I always strive to improve my craft.

Apoorva made her debut in the movie world with Kannada films; she was seen in Siddhartha, which starred Vinay Rajkumar in a lead role.

Initially after watching Siddhartha, many people mistook her for the daughter of noted Telugu actress Amala Akkineni.

She started working in ads at the tender age of 12 and became a face of many high-end brands, including Cadbury.

In 2012, Apoorva was seen in the role of an explorer in Discovery Kids' documentary television series, Mystery Hunters India. She has also been a regular part of the YouTube channel FilterCopy. Her video, Every School Romance, opposite Rohan Shah, got 7.5 million views in 5 days on YouTube. Apoorva was seen in a College Romance web series alongside Gagan Arora.