Actor Kirti Kulhari is facing backlash on social media after resurfacing an old interview clip where she talked about the cost of hiring a domestic worker, and specifically referred to a maid charging ₹10,000 (approximately $135) per month to provide two hours of work (potentially worth around $1 an hour).
The clip has been re-shared widely across multiple social media channels, with many individuals accusing the actor of being out of touch with reality. The interview and the recent video re-sharing have reignited conversations about fair wages for domestic workers within urban communities, and particularly against the backdrop of India’s deteriorating economic and labor standards.
Viral Clip Sparks Online Debate
In the interview clip, the actor discusses her experience of hiring a household staff member after moving into a new residence, and how she was shocked by the rates that were quoted to her by a cook and a maid. Kulhari states that the maid was expected to complete all tasks listed within a two-hour work time frame—this included all of the required chores, such as sweeping, mopping, washing dishes, dusting, and sorting clothes.
The video, originally taped months ago, has recently gone viral after being brought back to light in the form of the viral social media discussion about what has now become known as the Kulhari Incident.
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Social Media Reaction to Kulhari’s Comments
Users on various forms of social media appeared to have collectively reached a consensus that the ₹10,000 per month figure originally discussed in the Kulhari Interview is a relatively small amount for a domestic worker to be compensated in Mumbai, given the high cost of living in the area.
Multiple commenters indicated that most domestic workers often travel across long distances to go to their multiple households and perform physically labourious tasks day in and out with little or no time to themselves to relax from the rigours of their work.
Another group of commenters indicated that, compared to other areas of Mumbai, the monthly compensation rate of ₹10,000 is actually on the low end of the scale.
Several commenters called attention to the fact there are no health insurance benefits, no paid sick days and/or paid vacation days, and no pension or retirement security; and therefore, fair monthly compensation is critical to the ongoing well-being of the domestic worker(s).
Another point made by many users was that the majority of work done as household workers to run homes has always been historically under-appreciated despite the amount of work it takes to keep homes running daily in urban centres.
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Mini Mathur’s Comments Spark Controversy
Television show host and actress Mini Mathur was one of the several well-known people who reacted to the claims about the Kulhari Interview. Mathur indicated that the amount she discussed in her comments about what is considered to be reasonable monthly compensation for domestic workers should be regarded as being fair.
She was purported to say that people need to assess based on how many opportunities domestic workers provide to the employer over the same length of time. Additionally, she noted that this figure did not meet minimum wage requirements in many places globally. Many of those who commented on this topic on social media felt her comments had struck a chord and helped to create momentum within what is now an ongoing conversation.
Mathur’s words took the discussion further away from remarks made by celebrities and put it on a more general scale about the value, dignity, and pay of labor.
A Broader Discourse about Domestic Worker’s Salaries
With the controversy comes an increased level of discussion and analysis around the financial implications of domestic labor throughout urban areas of India. Rising rents, increased transportation costs, inflation, and the rising cost of living have all had an adverse effect on the poverty level of the workforce in every sector, including domestic workers.
Supporters of domestic workers claimed that the number of ₹10,000 for two hours of work might be seen as high if that figure was isolated. However, those that support domestic workers would indicate that a single domestic worker will be working for many families at once over the course of the day and will have to pool her total earnings in order to feed her family.
This debate has also opened up the question of how domestic work is primarily informal and that wages are negotiated and not set through a standardized process. This paradox has resulted in employers and workers having a differing opinion on what constitutes a fair wage for domestic labor.
A Debate Beyond Bollywood
Kulharis’ comments started an important dialogue regarding class privilege and the cost of living in urban areas, as well as wages for domestic helpers; some felt sympathetic towards those who struggle to keep up with increasing household bills, while others felt domestic help needs to be paid according to the type of work performed and the cost of living in cities where domestic help are employed.
This continues to be a topic online, but this situation also highlights the increasing concern over wage equity and domestic labour in India. Kulharis’ repeated comments have opened a discussion for other industries as well as the question of dignity and fairness in the workplace.
