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Madhuri Dixit recently addressed the issues of gender disparity and pay inequality in the film industry during a special session titled The Journey of Women in Cinema at IIFA 2025. Acknowledging that the pay gap still exists, the actress emphasized how women in cinema constantly have to prove their ability to draw audiences.
Madhuri Dixit On The Gender Pay Disparity
The session was organized in the wake of International Women’s Day on March 8. Speaking on the matter, Madhuri shared, “Women have to prove themselves time and again. We have to keep demonstrating that we are equal, that we can bring audiences to theaters just like our male counterparts. But unfortunately, we have to prove it every single time. Yes, the disparity still exists, and we have a long way to go. It’s a constant effort to bridge this gap.”
Joining the discussion, acclaimed filmmaker Guneet Monga also spoke about the ongoing pay gap in the industry. She urged the industry to create more opportunities for women both in front of and behind the camera. “Yes, there is a pay gap, and I want male actors to start addressing this issue too. Women are already on the receiving end. We need to create more opportunities for women in films. Look at Stree 2—if we have more successful women-led projects like these, we’ll get closer to closing that gap,” she stated.
Meanwhile, IIFA 2025 kicked off in Jaipur on March 8, with a star-studded lineup for the main awards night on March 9. This year, Shah Rukh Khan will take a break from hosting and instead perform on stage alongside Madhuri Dixit, Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Kriti Sanon. Karan Johar and Kartik Aaryan will anchor the grand event.
While IIFA is typically hosted internationally in cities like Dubai, this year’s celebrations are starting in Jaipur, paying homage to Indian roots. The awards will then travel to two more Indian cities before concluding in London, where the journey first began 25 years ago.
