Exclusive - Kaveri Priyam on pay disparity, says TV shows are female centric yet 'male actors get a huge amount of money while the female actors are getting half'

Exclusive - Kaveri Priyam on pay disparity, says TV shows are female centric yet 'male actors get a huge amount of money while the female actors are getting half'

Television actress Kaveri Priyam has steadily carved her space in the industry over the past few years. Starting out in 2017 with smaller appearances in shows like Naagin 2, Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil and Savdhaan India, she patiently built her craft before breaking through as Kuhu Maheshwari Rajvansh in Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke (2019). Since then, she has taken on strong lead roles—whether as Dr. Monami Mahajan in Ziddi Dil Maane Na (2021–22) or Amrita Brar in Dil Diyaan Gallaan (2022–23).

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Kaveri opens up about her journey, long working hours on TV sets, pay disparity, and her future Bollywood aspirations.

Early Years in the Industry

Reflecting on her journey so far, Kaveri said, “It hasn’t been many years for me. I think I am six years old actually. That’s when I started getting work. So, it was never in my mind that I would do TV alone. I was in fact trying for films and everything. But they say that when you come here without any support, without any guidance, you tend to meet all the wrong people. So, that is what happened to me initially in my initial years. But then, television pulled me towards it.”

Her Role in Dooriya

Talking about her character Sonia in the upcoming show Dooriya, Kaveri explained, “Sonia’s role is of a very powerful woman heading her father’s company with authority and confidence. Basically, someone who embodies a boss woman vibe. She is assertive and ambitious. But in her strong career, she feels weak in her personal life and has never gotten the kind of love she deserves. When she meets a maid for the first time, she realises her feminine side and falls in love with him. Without thinking what is wrong or right, she gets into that obsession zone.”

On Long Working Hours in TV

The actress admitted the demanding schedules of television take a toll on her. “If I tell you, it is very difficult for me. Because after 12 hours of work, it takes a toll on your health also, your mental health also, physical health also, and your personal life as well. Plus, it also affects your work—the kind and quality of work you give on screen. Nowadays, it has shifted to 13 hours. That’s why I have decided that as much as I can avoid television, I will avoid and choose such roles and projects where I can sit with them, work well, relax and enjoy. Work should never be a burden. Until the time you are enjoying it, it’s fine. But once you stop enjoying it, then there is no point.”

The Pay Parity Issue

Kaveri highlighted one of the biggest challenges women still face in the TV industry. “Especially in television, if you see, the entire show is focused on the female lead. It is on a female actor's shoulders and yet, when you look at the pay difference, it’s huge. The male actors get a huge amount of money while the female actors are getting half of what the male actors get. So, that is something which I fail to understand. Why is this discrimination even now?”
Bollywood Aspirations

On her plans for films, Kaveri revealed, “I am looking forward to it. Basically, all this while, I have been working in television. Every time it happened that I had already signed the contract, I couldn’t do films. I am more morally bind. I gave my commitment, my word, so I will do it. This is my flaw. But I haven’t got the time to approach the right people. Whenever I get a chance, I look for them and do that. I am sure, things will work out. As I said, my career has just started. It’s a long journey.”
Kaveri hopes her role in Dooriya will open the right doors. “I am really hoping this series—one of the prominent reasons behind doing this series—was to get the eye of those right sort of people. It’s already creating a hype. It will take time. It will happen.”