After Aparna Balamurali, Ramya Nambessan bats for pay parity

Entertainment

By Arjun Ramachandran

04/04/2023

Actress Ramya Nambessan has voiced concern about the remuneration paid to female actors in Malayalam cinema.

Entertainment

The discussion kicked off after National Award-winning actress Aparna Balamurali, a few months ago, sought pay parity in the film industry.

Entertainment

Producer Suresh Kumar commented that Aparna doesn’t know the financial values involved in films.

Entertainment

“It’s high time to check if we actresses are being paid what we deserve. In most cases, the respect we command is based on our remuneration,” Ramya asserted.

Entertainment

Her forthcoming flick B 32 Muthal 44 Vare is director Shruthi Sharanyam’s debut feature film. Ramya plays Malini, a social worker. 

Entertainment

Entertainment

More than 30 women were part of the crew, including five assistant directors and an associate director.

Entertainment

Shruthi noted that a woman filmmaker faces many struggles. “Things do get better when we carve a niche for ourselves but it’s a long and tough fight until then.”

Entertainment

Shruthi Sharanyam added that all the female and male actors in B 32 Muthal 44 Vare were paid the same amount. 

Entertainment

Entertainment

As regards the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), Ramya said the WCC has an important role to play while dealing with women’s issues in the industry.

Entertainment

“For example, the formation of an internal complaints committee was a welcoming change,” said Ramya.

Entertainment