Discussions around pay structures in the industry have long been a topic of debate. Conversations often centre on whether actors are paid fairly based on the length and importance of their roles or whether someone with a smaller role but higher star value ends up earning more.

Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya, who has worked in the industry for several decades and has appeared in multiple films and web series, recently shared his views on the much-discussed issue of payment disparity. Dibyendu, who was last seen in Maamla Legal Hai, spoke about how fees are determined and why inequality continues to exist.

What Dibyendu Bhattacharya Said

Speaking about payment structures, Dibyendu told NDTV, “Fees structure always depends…Zindagi bhar ek sensitive mamla rehta hai ki kisko ki basis pe fees diya ja raha hai, itna kyun diya ja raha hai, etc. Disparity toh hota hi hai, hierarchy ke hisaab se cheezein hone lagta hai. Ye toh hai hi. Jo young actors honge, struggle kar rahe honge unke saath, phir bohot saare aise log bhi hain jinko paise kam do par role achchhe do toh kar dete hain. Bohot saari cheezein hoti hain.”

(The fee structure always depends… it remains a sensitive issue throughout one’s life – on what basis fees are being paid, why someone is paid more, etc. But disparity does exist. Things start functioning according to hierarchy. This is a reality. Young actors who are struggling have to deal with this. There are also many people who are willing to work for less money if the role is good. Many things are involved.)

Elaborating further, he added, “For a beginner, har tareeke ki manipulation toh chalti hai. Par jab aapko kaam milta hai aur platforms milte hain jo aapka talent dikhate hain, toh dheere dheere situation change hota hai, fees badhta hai. Kaam ka quantum badh jaata hai toh paise aane lagte hain.”

(For a beginner, all kinds of manipulation happen. But when you start getting work and platforms that showcase your talent, the situation gradually changes. Fees increase. As the amount of work increases, money starts coming in.)

He also said there is no fixed formula when it comes to pay. “Aisa kuch fixed nahi hai. Kabhi kabhi budget ke upar bhi depend karta hai. Wahan aapko kam price mein kaam karna padhta hai.”

(Nothing is fixed. Sometimes it also depends on the budget. In such cases, you have to work for a lower fee.)

When asked whether women face greater pay disparity than men in the industry, Dibyendu said, “I can’t comment on this much. I am not a producer, so I have never handled actors based on their gender or paid them. Hierarchy is there, and male chauvinists are there. I have never seen it. If I see it, I will always protest. But I haven’t seen it.”

He further spoke about unequal treatment on sets, saying, “Payment and treatment hierarchy are there. Now, crew members are trying to respect everyone. Things are changing. If a star comes, there is different treatment – these things are everywhere, and we have to go with it. But general respect towards actors has improved. The same food is given, not different. Especially after OTT, things have changed a lot.”

Sharing how he personally deals with such issues, Dibyendu said, “I deal with these very casually. It’s not difficult for me. I have come from a place and reached here. I knew it from the beginning, but fortunately not much serious bad behaviour happened. Yes, things like cars not being sent happened, but nothing major.”

He concluded by saying, “I never gave much importance to this. I don’t take these things very seriously. I don’t take life also very seriously as such. If you start taking yourself very seriously, then ego comes. That’s why I don’t get bothered by these things.”

Dibyendu Bhattacharya will be next seen in Alia Bhatt’s Alpha. 

Also Read: Maamla Legal Hai 2 Review: Ravi Kishan Anchors A Light-Hearted Courtroom Drama With A Dhurandhar 2 Easter Egg

Veteran Telugu director and producer Tripuraneni Chittibabu died at the age of 71.

Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep sorrow after learning of his death on Wednesday.

Describing his death as an irreparable loss to the film industry, he said that Chittibabu had carved a unique identity as a producer and analyst through his deep understanding of cinema and sharp analytical vision, which guided many in the field.

YS Jagan conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that they find the strength to cope with this profound loss.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy also paid his respects.

“The news of the demise of Chitti Babu garu, the renowned Telugu film producer, political analyst, and my close friend, Tripuraneni, has deeply shaken me. His multifaceted talent and unwavering commitment to society, along with the powerful voice he raised on various issues, were truly remarkable. I pray for eternal peace for his noble soul and extend my deepest condolences to his family,” Kishan Reddy wrote on X.

ప్రముఖ తెలుగు సినిమా నిర్మాత, రాజకీయ విశ్లేషకులు, నా ఆప్తమిత్రులు త్రిపురనేని చిట్టిబాబు గారి మరణ వార్త నన్ను తీవ్రంగా కలచివేసింది. బహుముఖ ప్రజ్ఞాశాలిగా సమాజం పట్ల ఆయనకు ఉన్న నిబద్ధత, సమస్యలపై ఆయన గళం ఎంతో గొప్పవి. ఆయన పవిత్ర ఆత్మకు శాంతి కలగాలని ప్రార్థిస్తూ, వారి కుటుంబానికి నా… pic.twitter.com/utOVFh8zjn

— G Kishan Reddy (@kishanreddybjp) April 22, 2026

Reportedly, Tripuraneni Chittibabu died of a cardiac arrest.

He made his directorial debut with Santhanam in 1984 and went on to helm several notable films, including Na Peru Durga, Pralayam, Preminchi Choodu, and Raitu Bharatham.

ALSO READ: Haryanvi Actor Divyanka Sirohi Dies At 30 In Ghaziabad

Haryanvi actress and social media personality Divyanka Sirohi died at the age of 30, leaving fans and the regional entertainment industry in shock.

Born in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, Divyanka had built a name for herself through her work in the Haryanvi music scene and her strong presence on social media. 

She was residing in Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad, at the time of her death.

According to initial reports, Divyanka’s health deteriorated suddenly late on Tuesday night. Her family members rushed her to a nearby hospital, but doctors declared her dead upon arrival. 

The exact cause of her death has not yet been confirmed.

About Divyanka

Divyanka had featured in more than 50 Haryanvi songs during her career and was particularly known for her collaborations with popular singer Masoom Sharma. 

Her on-screen presence and performances helped her carve a niche in the regional entertainment space.

Apart from her work in music videos, Divyanka had also amassed a significant following on social media, with over 1.3 million followers on Instagram. 

Her last rites were performed at Moksh Sthal Hindon in Rajnagar Extension, Ghaziabad, at 9:30 AM. Her brother, Himanshu Sirohi, carried out the final rites.

(Inputs by Pintu Tomar)