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Imagine this: You’re the one crafting the jokes, brainstorming the punchlines, building the entire vibe of a show—and then watching someone else pocket 100 times your paycheck just for reading those lines on stage. Sounds unfair? That’s exactly what award-winning writer Varun Grover is calling out.
In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Grover got real about his early days in the entertainment industry, when he was writing for the star-studded TV show Oye! It’s Friday! hosted by none other than Farhan Akhtar. Farhan, he revealed, was reportedly paid a jaw-dropping ₹45 lakh per episode. Grover? Just ₹45,000. “That’s when it hit me,” he said. “I realised my jokes are worth crores… I’m just not getting the crores!”
The irony would be hilarious if it weren’t so starkly tragic. Grover joked (sort of) that if he had stolen one fancy décor item from the swanky Yash Raj Studios set each day, he might’ve made up the difference. But behind the laugh was a bitter truth—and a sharp jab at how the entertainment industry continues to undervalue writers, the very people who give shape to stories, comedy, and characters.
And Grover isn’t alone. His story has lit a fire on social media, with netizens and fellow creatives nodding in agreement. In an industry where a superstar’s screen presence often overshadows the quiet genius behind the scenes, this pay disparity isn’t new—but Grover’s bold numbers have brought it into painfully clear focus.
Let’s do the math again for the backbenchers: ₹45 lakh vs ₹45,000. That’s a 100x difference. For the same episode. Based on jokes written by the guy being paid peanuts.
Grover’s takeaway? He walked away from TV and leaned into films and indie projects where writers are (slightly) more respected. And let’s be real—his body of work speaks for itself. Masaan, Sacred Games, All India Rank, and countless powerful poems later, he’s proven that the pen is mightier than the paycheck… at least when it comes to creating impact.
But here’s the catch: While Bollywood is evolving—with streaming platforms and new-age directors giving writers a bit more room—pay parity is still a dream. Star power pulls in the big bucks, while the minds behind the magic often go home with a modest cheque and no mention at awards shows.
Grover’s revelation is part comedy, part cautionary tale—and 100% relatable for every behind-the-scenes genius waiting for their dues. And if the industry’s listening, maybe it’s time to stop just laughing at the jokes and start respecting the jokemakers.
Because let’s face it: without writers, there is no story, no punchline, and certainly no ₹45-lakh moment.
