In an interview with Mid-day, when questioned about the pay scale for these newcomers, Zoya Akhtar responded, “I can’t tell you that.” Reema Kagti, the producer of the film, interjected, saying, “It’s not very unequal. It’s pretty much all in the same range.” Zoya emphasized, “All seven of them were treated equally.”
Spotted: Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and Gauri Khan at Mumbai airport
The casting choices in “The Archies” reignited the nepotism debate, with Zoya defending her decisions by addressing issues of privilege, access, and social capital. While acknowledging the frustration stemming from unequal opportunities, she expressed that focusing on star kids might not be the solution to the broader challenges in the industry.
During a conversation with The Juggernaut, Zoya clarified her perspective on nepotism, stating, “Nepotism is when I take public money or someone else’s money and favour my friends and family. Nepotism cannot be when I take my own money! Who are you to tell me what to do with my money? It’s my money! If tomorrow I want to spend my money on my niece, it’s my problem. At the end of the day, if a director or an actor gets another job, it is solely on the audiences. Viewers decide if they want to see them or not.”
Zoya’s remarks shed light on the complexities of the entertainment industry, where discussions around fairness, opportunities, and talent continue to be at the forefront. The treatment of debutants in “The Archies” aligns with Zoya’s commitment to equality and fairness in her filmmaking endeavors.
