5 Bollywood Divas who were Paid More than their Male Co-Stars

In an industry where the spotlight often shines brighter on male stars, a new narrative is emerging, challenging the status quo and setting the stage for a more equitable future.

Bollywood is witnessing a shift as some of its leading ladies are not just stealing the show with their stellar performances but are also topping the charts when it comes to their paychecks.

This article celebrates the triumphs of five Bollywood actresses who have shattered the glass ceiling, proving that talent knows no gender and that equality can be more than just a dream.

These trailblazers have not only captivated millions with their acting prowess but have also been paid more than their male co-stars, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards gender parity in the Indian film industry.

Their stories of success and resilience are rewriting the rules of the game, heralding a new era where pay equity is not an exception but a standard.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone stands tall as one of Bollywood’s highest-earning actresses, her star power rocketing with each spectacular performance.

Year after year, Deepika has dazzled audiences and critics alike, cementing her status as a top-tier talent in the industry.

With a commanding fee of approximately Rs 26 crore per film, Deepika’s compensation reflects her unparalleled contribution to cinema.

Notably, for her role in the blockbuster Padmaavat, she out-earned her male counterpart, Ranveer Singh, by a significant margin.

While Deepika’s pay-check was a whopping Rs 12 crore, Ranveer Singh received a sum in the range of Rs 7-8 crore, underscoring the shifting dynamics in Bollywood’s pay structure.

Adding to the narrative of her financial triumphs, Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary actor himself, revealed in an interview that Deepika was the higher earner for their critically acclaimed film Piku.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt, a shining star among Bollywood’s younger brigade, has consistently demonstrated her acting prowess through a diverse array of roles.

Her journey in the film industry is marked by a series of box office hits, establishing her as a force to be reckoned with.

Commanding a fee of approximately Rs 22 crore per film, Alia’s financial remuneration reflects her significant contribution to the cinematic world.

Notably, for her critically acclaimed performance in Raazi, she outpaced her male counterpart, Vicky Kaushal, with a compensation of Rs 10 crore, while Kaushal’s fee hovers around Rs 3-4 crore per film.

Looking ahead, Alia’s financial prospects continued to shine brightly with her project, Sadak 2.

In this venture, she reportedly received a compensation surpassing that of her co-star, Aditya Roy Kapur, who typically commands a fee of Rs 4 crore per film.

Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut, currently hailed as Bollywood’s highest-paid actress, commands an impressive fee of Rs 27 crore per film, a testament to her string of recent box-office successes.

Her commanding presence and unmatched talent have made her the go-to star for leading roles, ensuring that her paycheck reflects her substantial contribution to the film industry.

In the psychological thriller Judgementall Hai Kya, Kangana’s compensation significantly surpassed that of her talented co-star, Rajkummar Rao, who typically commands a fee ranging between Rs 7-9 crore.

This disparity not only highlights Kangana’s star power but also her ability to draw audiences and generate substantial box office revenue.

Further cementing her status as a trailblazer, Kangana has previously out-earned her male counterparts in the critically acclaimed film Rangoon, where she shared the screen with Shahid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan.

Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan made a spectacular return to the silver screen post-maternity break, captivating audiences with her dynamic performances in hits like Good Newzz.

Her journey back to the top was marked by not just her acting prowess but also her commanding presence in the industry’s financial echelons.

With a reported fee of Rs 20 crore per film, Kareena’s market value is a reflection of her enduring appeal and versatility as an actress.

In the ensemble cast of Veere Di Wedding, she not only played a pivotal role but also topped the payroll, securing a hefty Rs 7 crore, which starkly contrasts with Sumeet Vyas’s Rs 80 lakh, showcasing the weight her name carries in the industry.

Moreover, in the gender-role-reversal drama Ki & Ka, Kareena’s compensation once again surpassed that of her co-star and the film’s producer, Arjun Kapoor, who usually charges between Rs 5-7 crore per film.

This financial dynamic underscores Kareena’s unparalleled stature and influence in Bollywood.

Shraddha Kapoor

Shraddha Kapoor, a luminous presence in the new wave of Bollywood talent, has quickly ascended the ranks to become one of the industry’s sought-after actresses.

With a string of significant box office successes under her belt, Shraddha’s compensation per film is rumoured to be around Rs 23 crore, reflecting her growing influence and appeal.

In the horror-comedy hit Stree, Shraddha’s pay-check reportedly stood at Rs 7 crore, slightly edging out her co-star Rajkummar Rao, who took home Rs 6 crore.

This pay differential not only highlights her market value but also underscores the critical and commercial acclaim she brings to her projects.

Furthermore, in the much-loved film Chhichhore, it’s believed that Shraddha’s remuneration surpassed that of the late Sushant Singh Rajput, who had a fee range of Rs 5-7 crore.

This trend of Shraddha commanding a higher fee is indicative of her stellar track record in delivering performances that resonate well with audiences and critics alike.

The stories of these Bollywood stars stand as beacons of change.

Their achievements are not just personal victories but are also a collective win for the industry, signalling a shift towards more equitable practices.

As Bollywood continues to evolve, the hope is that this becomes the norm rather than the exception, paving the way for a future where talent and hard work are the only metrics of success, irrespective of gender.

These actresses have rewritten history, and their legacy will undoubtedly inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps.