article' Money Matters for tv actors!

TV actors were paid exorbitant amounts, but that's changed post-recession and they are all naturally cribbing about it. Not everyone's willing to admit it on record though. Lisa Antao spoke to some of them and here's what they had to say...

Gone are the days when Indian television actors and actresses rolled on thick wads of cash up their sleeves. Around three years ago they were all paid handsomely. Some were given Rs 20,000 a day, some Rs 30,000 and a few even walked away with more than Rs 40,000 per day! But recession changed it all!

Well-known actors today are being offered anywhere between Rs 7,000 and Rs 12,000. Only a few lucky ones are able to stretch it and get a good Rs 15,000 or even Rs 20,000 a day. The fraternity is naturally complaining, but when BT spoke to them, many tried to put up a front saying they were still paid their original price (nevermind the fact that they are hardly seen on TV these days). Well anyway, this is what the actors said:

Yash Tonk
Whatever changes came in the salaries of artists, came due to the recession. But at the same time, producers want to make profit anyhow. They bully whichever artists they can, to make profits but bend to those who they can't bully. In the end, only if you are good you'll get paid well, otherwise you won't. Its the survival of the fittest.

Aamir Ali
I don't think the recession has affected me at all. People get what they deserve. I see it as a realistic growth. I never overprice myself. You'll get paid for your worth. Some people exaggerate about how much money they make. If you expect too much that what you actually deserve, you will get disappointed.

Sudha Chandran
Today most actors feel underpaid and it's alright. Back during the boom, where artists got overpaid, they did not complain. So right now there is a kind of levelling process going now. Budgets are tight and competition is fierce. So I think we are getting paid right.

Sanjeeda Sheikh
I think the current scenario is quite ok, it's not bad that's why I'm working. About a year back, when the telly industry was badly hit, I decided not to take up anything because I did not want to compromise on my worth. Why should I settle for something lesser when deserve much more? So I waited for the right time and things are looking good now, so I'm back to acting!

Iqbal Khan
I'm happy with the money I'm getting. Yes, there has been a slight decrease in the remuneration standards of the industry but its not much. Others may complain about about their drastic cut in salaries but I don't think its true. The recession did not affect me.