Family Man's Priyamani on pay disparity: 'I will charge what I deserve, don’t ask for an unnecessary hike'

Family Man's Priyamani on pay disparity: 'I will charge what I deserve, don’t ask for an unnecessary hike'

Actor Priyamani, who impressed audiences with her performance in Jawan and is set to return in Prime Video’s The Family Man Season 3, has spoken candidly about the ongoing issue of pay disparity in the Indian entertainment industry. In a recent interview, she shared her perspective on compensation, self-worth, and navigating an industry that often favors male actors when it comes to salaries.

Speaking to News18, Priyamani admitted that she has experienced unequal pay firsthand. “Yes, it’s true that I’ve been paid less than my male counterparts. But that doesn’t bother me anymore,” she said. “I know what my market value is and what I bring to the table. I will only charge what I believe I deserve — nothing more, nothing less. I don’t see the need to ask for an unnecessary hike.”

Her response stood out for its calm pragmatism rather than outrage. Priyamani explained that she approaches pay not as a fight but as a function of market dynamics and individual merit. “You ask for what you’re worth, and you’ll get it,” she added. “That’s how I see it. It’s not about competing with anyone or demanding something out of proportion. It’s about being realistic and confident in your own space.”

Priyamani also drew attention to the cultural differences between the southern and Hindi film industries — particularly when it comes to professionalism and time discipline. “In the South, if shooting is scheduled to start at 8 am, it really begins at 8. Whereas here, when people say 8, they actually arrive at that time — so there’s a difference in approach,” she noted with a laugh.

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Known for her versatility, Priyamani continues to work across languages and genres. Recently, she appeared in the Malayalam thriller Officer on Duty and Revathy’s The Good Wife, the Indian adaptation of the acclaimed American legal drama. Her upcoming film Jana Nayagan is already drawing attention, as it’s set to be Tamil superstar Vijay’s final acting project before he steps into politics.

Meanwhile, Priyamani is also gearing up for one of her most beloved roles — as Suchi in The Family Man 3, alongside Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Nimrat Kaur. The series, created by Raj & DK, will premiere globally on November 21 on Prime Video, marking her return to one of India’s most celebrated streaming franchises.