Tillotama Shome who is known for her work like 'Paatal Lok', 'Lust Stories 2', 'The Night Manager' amidst many more recently opened up about an instance which made her break into tears. This clip of hers, has gone viral on social media and the internet cannot stop lauding the actress. Shome spoke about how a director once told her that she may be talented but the nature of the industry is such that she will never get paid a particular amount for her work which she has in mind.
The actress said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, "It was in stark contrast to a director I once worked with who paid me very low. At the wrap party, we were all talking when someone asked me, ‘what would be something that you really are lusting for?’ I mentioned a particular car that cost a certain amount, and said, ‘If I do a film where I’m paid this much, I could buy that car'."
She added, "The director then said, ‘I’m so sorry to break this to you, but you’re never going to earn that kind of money. It’s unfair, but that’s how this industry is. You’re very talented, but unfortunately, you’ll never make that much.’ He said it in a tone that felt like he meant well, but it stayed with me."
Shome revealed further, "And I remember, for my next film I negotiated for four months for the money, knowing that it's the best part I'm ever going to get.
I won't name the film. But, it was everything I wanted, creatively. But I fought for the money because it had to be double the amount I told the director and eventually, I got paid. When the contract was finalised, I messaged that director and said, ‘By the way, I just closed a deal and was paid this much. Thought you should know before you tell another actor what they can or can’t do.’ It was very important to me. I’m grateful I have friends who see my worth—because sometimes, potential is invisible. And sometimes friendship is about recognising what the world can’t yet see."
Jim Sarbh who was present with Shome in this interview, cheered for her as she recalled this story.