Actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been sacked from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Baiju Bawra' for demanding equal remuneration as her husband Ranveer Singh, who is playing the titular role in the musical drama.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Deepika is no longer a part of Bhansali's ambitious project. She was supposed to play the role of Ranveer's love interest in the film.
The report states that Deepika had demanded equal pay as Singh. However, Bhansali turned down the request.
A source quoted in the report said, “Apparently, Deepika wants the same remuneration as her husband. Not a penny more, not a penny less."
Filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced 'Baiju Bawra' in 2019.
It is based on the revenge story of a maverick maestro. Bhansali's film is reportedly the remake of a 1952 musical megahit of the same name starring Meena Kumari, Bharat Bhushan, and Surendra. The plot of the original film revolves around the tale of a common man Baiju, who is on a mission to defeat Tansen in a musical duel to avenge the death of his father.
The news gave way to a conversation on equal pay and sexism in Bollywood. Many criticised Bollywood directors for encouraging and practising pay disparity based on gender.
Soon the conversation turned towards Ranveer Singh's duty as a husband. Many opined that he should resign from the film to stand by his wife.
Here's how people are reacting. Have a look.
