Amid Rajpal Yadav's jail term, 'Welcome' actor Mushtaq Khan reveals Akshay Kumar's staff was paid more than him: 'The payment isn't increased and...'

Rajpal Yadav, one of the most solid actors of Hindi cinema, recently surrendered himself in Tihar Jail over non-payment of Rs 9 crore. People from Bollywood are now lending helping hands but it also exposes the pay disparity of Bollywood, which was further highlighted by Welcome actor Mushtaq Khan in an interview last year.

The veteran actor revealed how he was paid less than Akshay Kumar’s staff and was quoted saying, “When we sign an agreement, we’re told it’s a 20-day or 25-day shoot. Based on that, we decide our payment. But when, after the 25-day shoot is over, they ask for 10 more days, and then another 15 days after that. I felt this was not right. The payment isn’t increased. When you are approached from the director’s side, the producer takes advantage of it.”

Mushtaq added, “I’ll tell you the reason. For us, it was fixed that we would do the film for ₹1 lakh, whether it took 20 days or 25 days. But the staff works on a per-day basis. Just imagine how much money we would have made if we were also paid per day.”

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Yadav, known for movies such as “Mujhse Shaadi Karogi”, “Waqt”, “Phir Hera Pheri”, “Partner”, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa”, “Hungama” and “Chup Chup Ke”, was sent to Tihar jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea seeking more time to repay outstanding amount in a cheque-bounce cases. The actor has to pay nearly Rs 9 crore.

Many from the film industry, including actors Sonu Sood,  Gurmeet Chaudhary and music composer Rao Inderjit Yadav, offered financial assistance to the family and urged others to do the same.

Asked about who all have reached out to them, Radha Yadav told PTI, “Everybody has stood by him. The industry has been supportive, a big thank you to everyone who is coming out to help.” Goldie Jain, Rajpal Yadav’s manager of 25 years, said from leading actors to directors and producers, many in the industry have offered assistance.