Many actresses have spoken about pay disparity. What’s your take on it?
Priyamani: Yes, it’s true that I’ve often been paid less than my male co-stars. But that doesn’t bother me anymore. I know my market value and what I bring to the table. I will only charge what I believe I deserve, nothing more, nothing less.
So, do you see pay as a reflection of market demand?
Priyamani: Absolutely. You ask for what you’re worth, and you’ll get it. This is my personal experience rather than a complaint. It’s about knowing your value and standing firm.
Are there differences in work culture between the South and Hindi film industries?
Priyamani: Yes, definitely. In the South, if shooting is scheduled to start at 8 am, it really begins at 8. Whereas in Hindi cinema, people usually arrive at that time.
How do you manage your career across multiple languages?
Priyamani: I focus on selecting roles that challenge me and allow me to grow. From Telugu films like Yamadonga and Ragada to recent projects like Narappa, Virata Parvam, Custody, and Bhamakalapam 2, I try to bring authenticity to every character.
Any advice for upcoming actresses regarding pay negotiations?
Priyamani: Know your worth and don’t undervalue yourself. Salary is a reflection of demand and talent. Stand firm, negotiate confidently, and charge what you truly deserve.
How do you feel about the progress in gender pay equality in cinema?
Priyamani: The industry has evolved, but there’s still a long way to go. I’m hopeful that with more awareness and transparency, talented women across cinema can receive fair compensation.
You’re returning to South cinema after almost 13 years. What attracted you to Junior? This project came to me three years ago, and at first, I wasn’t sure whether to take it up. Ritesh spoke positively about the story, and after hearing it, I decided to go ahead. The way the director explained my role and the story made it even more exciting.
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You’ve spoken about feeling insecure in the early days of your career. Can you share more about that journey and how it shaped you? In the beginning, I was very insecure about my looks, especially my hair and eyebrows. I didn’t have the confidence to speak up about things that bothered me. But over time, I realized that being an actress comes with the responsibility of meeting audience
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You are one of the busiest actresses in Telugu cinema right now. How does it feel? It feels wonderful. After Virupaksha, I received several offers but I am very selective about what I choose. I signed Bimbisara, Virupaksha, Sir, and Bheemla Nayak around the same period, though they released at different times. Later I signed Swayambhu, Naari Naari, and then Akhanda 2. After that, I worked in Puri sir’s film. I always choose stories based on content and how much it connects with audiences. How di
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Lavanya, can you tell us about your experience while filming Sathi Leelavathi? Lavanya Tripathi: Filming Sathi Leelavathi was an incredible experience. The most interesting part was that I found out I was pregnant while we were shooting. It wasn’t easy, but with the full support of the team, I was able to continue shooting without any issues. Despite some minor injuries, I managed to complete the shoot, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. How did you manage filming while you were pre
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How do you feel about the failure of Adipurush? Ashwin Kumar: Adipurush was an attempt that went wrong, and that’s all I’ll say. There’s a lot of science and math involved that’s already out there, but I understand what they were trying to do. Still, it was a learning experience for the industry, the people, and the makers.
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Parvathy Thiruvothu is awaiting the release of Puzhu, in which she co-stars Mammootty. In this interview with Vishal Menon, she talks about her acting
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Why did you choose the title "The 100"? Initially, we started the project like any other film. But when the title “The 100” came up, it brought emotion and meaning. It reflects our urge to do good for society. After watching the film, the audience will understand why it had to be titled The 100. What is the central theme
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How does it feel to be making an action-adventure film like Ghaati in your 20th year in filmmaking? It’s very exciting. The character of Sheelavathi in Ghaati is amazing. I’ve never done anything like this before. Sheelavathi is a character with many beautiful shades, and this film takes me out of my comfort zone. It's a strong role, just like the ones I’ve done in
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How did participating in The Traitors affect you emotionally? Lakshmi Manchu: It hit me like a whack. I had no idea what I was signing up for emotionally. I’m someone who genuinely enjoys meeting new people and making friends. But suddenly, I was in a game where those people were talking behind my back. After the show, I actu
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What inspired you to make Kubera? Sekhar Kammula: It’s an emotionally rich story about a billionaire and a beggar. Their worlds collide, and that contrast really fascinated me. Was Nagarjuna your first choice for the role? Kammula: Absolutely. He fits the layered
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