Varun Grover's shocking confession about working with top Bollywood star: He got Rs 45 lakh for speaking what I wrote for Rs 45,000
, now an acclaimed writer and filmmaker known for projects like Masaan, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, and
All India Rank
, began his career in India's television and comedy circuit. Before making his mark in cinema, he worked as a writer for popular shows such as The Great Indian Comedy Show and Ranvir Vinay Aur Kaun. However, it was his stint on the celebrity talk show
Oye! It's Friday!
, hosted by Farhan Akhtar, that made him question the industry's treatment of writers.
During an interview with
The Lallantop
, Grover revealed how he became aware of the glaring pay gap between performers and writers. He recalled that while Akhtar was reportedly paid Rs 45 lakh per episode, he earned only Rs 45,000 for writing the same material that he had written.
The Shocking Pay Gap
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Grover admitted he had some prior understanding of the earnings disparity but never imagined it would be so vast. He stated that while the actor merely delivered the lines he wrote, the compensation difference was staggering. 'It was my material, and he was just delivering the lines. There wasn't 100 times the value added,' he remarked.
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The lavish production of the show further highlighted the imbalance. Shot at Yash Raj Studios, the set was extravagant, with props so costly that Grover joked, 'Had I stolen one of those twinkling balls hanging there each day, my daily Rs 45,000 would've been sorted.' The contrast between the show's budget and his earnings left a lasting impression on him.
Growing Disillusionment with Television
Beyond financial disparities, Grover also expressed frustration with the lack of creative freedom in television. He mentioned that increasing censorship and the diminishing value of a writer's contribution led him to lose interest in the medium. 'By then, I had also lost interest in writing stand-up for television, particularly since censorship had also started,' he said.
This experience played a crucial role in his decision to shift focus from television to films and independent projects, where he felt his work was more respected.
Grover's revelations shed light on the systemic undervaluation of writers in the entertainment industry. Despite being the backbone of content creation, writers often receive minimal credit and compensation compared to on-screen talent.
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