Varanasi: Priyanka Chopra Ascends to the Throne as Highest Paid Indian Actress
In a significant shift in Bollywood's pay structure, Priyanka Chopra has reportedly surpassed Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt to become the highest-paid Indian actress. This milestone is attributed to her role in the upcoming film Varanasi, directed by SS Rajamouli and starring Mahesh Babu. Chopra's fee for the project is rumored to be ₹30 crore, a figure that exceeds the previous benchmarks set by her contemporaries.
The news has ignited discussions about gender parity in the Indian film industry, where male actors have traditionally commanded significantly higher salaries. Stars like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have often earned around ₹100 crore per film, dwarfing the paychecks of leading female actors. Chopra's recent deal signals a potential change in this long-standing disparity, suggesting a move towards recognizing the value and marketability of female stars.
Prior to Chopra, Deepika Padukone held the top spot among female actors, reportedly earning ₹20 crore for her role in Kalki 2898 AD. Alia Bhatt, known for her versatility and critical acclaim, reportedly charges around ₹15 crore per film. Other leading actresses, including Katrina Kaif and Kareena Kapoor, earn around ₹10 crore or more per project.
Chopra's rise to the top of the pay scale comes after a hiatus from Indian films. Since The Sky Is Pink in 2019, she has focused on building a career in Hollywood, with roles in films like The White Tiger and The Matrix Resurrections, as well as the Amazon Prime series Citadel. For Citadel, she reportedly earned over ₹41 crore, demonstrating her earning potential in the global entertainment market. Her upcoming film Heads of State, featuring Idris Elba and John Cena, further solidifies her presence in Hollywood.
Varanasi marks Chopra's return to both Indian cinema and South Indian films after a considerable gap. This pan-Indian project is anticipated to be a major release, adding to the excitement surrounding her comeback. The film's massive budget of ₹1100 crore has already generated substantial buzz, with reports about the cast's salaries adding to the anticipation. While Mahesh Babu and SS Rajamouli are reportedly foregoing upfront fees in favor of a profit-sharing arrangement, Chopra's ₹30 crore paycheck underscores her value to the project.
Beyond her acting career, Chopra has established herself as a global icon with diverse ventures. She is a UNICEF ambassador, a producer, and an entrepreneur. Her estimated net worth is around ₹650 crore, reflecting her success in Bollywood, Hollywood, and various endorsements. Her entrepreneurial ventures include her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures, which supports emerging talent and produces content across various platforms.
The financial success of Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt is also noteworthy. Padukone's net worth is estimated to be around ₹540 crore, with earnings from films, endorsements, and her skincare brand, 82°E. Bhatt's net worth is estimated at ₹550 crore, stemming from her acting career, brand endorsements, and her clothing label, Ed-a-Mamma. These actresses have also diversified their income streams through strategic investments and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Priyanka Chopra's ascent to become the highest-paid Indian actress is not just a personal achievement but also a symbolic moment for the industry. It highlights the increasing recognition of female actors' contributions and market value, potentially paving the way for greater gender pay equity in the future. As she embarks on this new chapter with Varanasi, her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring actresses and a testament to her global influence.
