Huma Qureshi says male actors get paid Rs 45 crore while she doesn’t, even though Maharani is a top show
Huma Qureshi, known for her powerful role as Rani Bharti in the hit series Maharani, recently spoke up about an important issue—unequal pay in the entertainment industry. Even though her show is one of the most-watched on OTT platforms, she says she is not paid nearly as much as male actors.
Male actors earn way more, says Huma
In an interview with India Today, Huma proudly talked about the success of Maharani, calling it possibly the most-loved and most-viewed show. But she also expressed her frustration. Despite being the lead actor, she doesn’t get paid anything close to what male actors earn for similar work.
She shared that while some male stars are making as much as Rs 45 crore for OTT projects, women—even those carrying entire shows—are not paid equally.
When asked why this pay gap exists, Huma said no one really gives a clear reason. “It’s just the way it is,” she said. Still, she hopes that by speaking up, the conversation around equal pay will continue and eventually bring change.
More meaningful stories, but OTT needs fresh ideas
Huma also spoke about how OTT platforms have given actors like herself, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Shefali Shah more chances to shine in meaningful roles. She’s glad that people now want better content and aren’t settling for average shows anymore.
However, she also pointed out that a lot of OTT content is starting to feel repetitive. She believes creators need to bring in new ideas and fresh stories to keep things exciting and valuable for viewers.
What’s next for Huma?
Huma Qureshi is all set to return as Rani Bharti in Maharani Season 4. The show has already had three successful seasons and is known for exploring the political and social life of Bihar. It’s also inspired by real-life events, which makes the story even more interesting.
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