Kriti Sanon speaks out on gender bias in Bollywood

Kriti Sanon, one of Bollywood’s most bankable female stars today, has openly addressed the persistent gender bias in the Hindi film industry, adding her voice to an issue that has been simmering for years. Recently appointed as UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, Kriti used the platform to share her own experiences of inequality on film sets, pointing out how male actors often receive preferential treatment.

“One example that always stays with me is that the male star automatically gets the bigger vanity van or the larger hotel suite,” she revealed. “It is almost as if these perks are assumed to belong to them, while actresses are expected to adjust.” Her words struck a chord because they cut through the glamour to highlight the subtle yet systemic ways in which the industry prioritizes male comfort.

The actress, who has balanced commercial entertainers like Housefull 4 with performance-driven films like Mimi, said that change is visible but slow. “We’ve started having conversations about pay parity and equitable treatment, but there’s still a long way to go. For every one female-led project, there are still ten male-led ones,” she emphasized.

Her candid remarks have reignited debate on Bollywood’s treatment of women both in front of and behind the camera. Social media platforms were quick to amplify her comments, with fans praising her courage to speak out despite being at the peak of her career. Younger actresses also echoed her concerns, saying that gendered assumptions about box-office value continue to limit opportunities for women.

Industry experts point out that the disparity Kriti highlighted extends beyond vanity vans and suites—it reflects deeper structural inequalities. From pay gaps to fewer female technicians being hired, the industry has historically leaned toward male dominance. However, the growing success of films led by women, combined with strong voices like Kriti’s, is gradually forcing change.

For Kriti, her position as UNFPA’s gender ambassador is not just a title but a responsibility. “If my voice can make even a small difference, then I must use it,” she said, adding that equality should not be viewed as a demand but as a basic right.

Her statement is being hailed as a much-needed push in Bollywood’s ongoing reckoning with inclusivity. By spotlighting something as everyday as vanity van distribution, Kriti Sanon has reminded audiences that gender bias often hides in plain sight.