Bollywood has long had its share of glitzy movie stars, big blockbuster films and loyal followers worldwide. Traditionally most of the highest-paid movie stars were men, however, over time, it has changed and, nowadays, many of the top-earning actresses earn significant salaries and contribute to the overall commercial success of movies. These actresses all have great acting talent, significant box office power and tremendous influence as a brand; therefore, they have shown they can be just as valuable as their male counterparts. Below are five of the highest-paid Bollywood actresses and the amounts they are said to charge per film.
1. Deepika Padukone
Actress Deepika Padukone is still considered one of the highest-paid and most successful female actors in Indian cinema today. She has been part of the Indian film industry since 2007 and has provided many successful films, including her critically acclaimed works. Some of her most well-regarded films include Padmaavat, Chennai Express, Piku and Bajirao Mastani.
According to reports, Deepika receives between ₹15 crore to ₹30 crore per film (depending on the film and the role), and her success and popularity within both India and across multiple countries through the film xXx: Return of Xander Cage have influenced her growing reputation internationally. Through her many endorsements and production, Deepika earns a great deal of revenue; because she produces both commercial blockbuster films as well as films that are focused on the storyline, she continues to be one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses.
2. Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt has quickly become one of Bollywood’s most bankable actresses. Having debuted in 2012 with Student of the Year, Alia has demonstrated versatility and acting depth through a wide variety of films including Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Highway, and Gully Boy.
Alia currently charges approximately ₹15 crores to ₹25 crores per film and has grown in popularity internationally since her appearance in the Hollywood film Heart of Stone. In addition to acting, Alia also owns a production company and has numerous endorsements with large brands. Due to her combination of commercial appeal and great performances, she is one of the most in-demand actresses in Bollywood.
3. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan has been one of the most recognizable actresses in all of Bollywood for over 20 years. Her iconic roles in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, and Talaash have ensured that she remains one of the top actresses in the industry.
As an experienced performer, Kareena continues to demand high rates of pay and is a favourite choice for directors. She has been reported to charge between ₹8 crores to ₹18 crores per movie. In addition to acting in films, she has also made a significant amount of income through television shows, OTT, and brand endorsement deals, as well as her books and thus has maintained her status as one of the highest-earning actresses in Bollywood.
4. Katrina Kaif
Another actress who consistently appears among the group of top earning actresses in Bollywood, Katrina Kaif is renowned for her performance on-screen, her dancing ability, and her roles in major motion pictures. She has been worth her salt as a result of numerous blockbuster films.
She has been responsible for some of the biggest films ever made, such as Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, Dhoom 3 and Bang Bang. Katrina gets between ₹10 crores to ₹20 crores per film also has a successful cosmetic company with many endorsement deals making her one of the richest actresses in Bollywood.
5. Kangana Ranaut
With her bold persona and her powerful portrayals in a number of women-led movies, Kangana has built a name for herself as a leading lady who is the focus of the story. Her ability as an actress has been shown at its best in movies like Queen, Tanu Weds Manu, Manikarnika and Thalaivii.
Kangana’s fee to act in films is between 15 – 27 crores based on whether she is the lead role or not. Her willingness to act in unusual film genres, as well as being an actress with up-to-date and modern acting techniques, adds to her worth.
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Bottom line:
The growth of these actresses is indicative of a trend that has been taking place in Bollywood the past few years. There are an increasing number of female stars being recognized for their work and getting paid higher than previously expected; however, the pay gap does still exist between female superstars and male superstars, but it is steadily decreasing due to the growing demand for films telling stories from the female perspective.
Through their talent, hard work, and box office success, Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Kangana Ranaut have each developed a strong, independent, and unique presence in the industry today. The fees these actresses charge to perform in films is not simply reflective of how well they can act, but also represents their power, following, and the impact they have had on the success of modern Bollywood movies.
