Lara Dutta talks about pay disparity in the industry, says 'most women still get paid one-tenth of what the actor gets paid'

Lara Dutta will be seen next in Akshay Kumar’ starrer 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Suryasgt', which are in post-production.

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta, who is shooting for the role of Rani Kaikeyi in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana', spoke about the long-discussed pay parity in the industry.

Lara Dutta, seen in the recently released hit series 'Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond', said female actors are only paid 'one tenth of what the male actor' is paid.

Lara Dutta told the Indian Express in an interview: "We work as hard, if not harder, than most of our male counterparts in the business, but most women still get paid, if they are lucky, one-tenth of what the actor gets paid.”

Besides speaking about the pay disparity, Lara, who was a former Miss Universe, said things have changed in the industry and so has the shelf life of actresses.

"It's in process, and there are a lot of wonderful women that have been a part of moulding that change in perception."

Lara Dutta also focused on the things that have changed for the better for female actresses in the industry. She added that earlier, the audience would have thought if you were 30, your career was over, but that is not the case right now.

“I never faced that. I am in my 40s now, and I haven’t stopped working," said Lara.

Lara Dutta made her debut with 'Andaaz' in 2003, and it has been 21 years since she started working. She said things have become more professional now as compared to when she started work.

Lara Dutta said: "The professionalism has come in with a lot of corporates and studios, and it has become more streamlined."

Lara Dutta will be seen in Akshay Kumar’s 'Welcome to the Jungle' and 'Suryast', which are in post-production.