The world of Bollywood is often perceived as glamorous and lucrative, but the journeys of its biggest stars often begin with humble earnings and significant hard work. While established actors command hefty fees, the debut films of these stars reveal a different story. Let's take a look at how much some prominent Bollywood figures earned from their first film ventures.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone, who made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with "Om Shanti Om" opposite Shah Rukh Khan, reportedly did not charge any fee for the film. She considered it an honor to debut alongside the superstar. The film was a massive success, grossing ₹1.49 billion (US$18 million) worldwide and catapulting her to stardom. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut for her performance. Today, Deepika is one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry, charging ₹15 crore for films and ₹7-10 crore for brand endorsements. Her net worth is estimated to be around ₹497 crores.
Ahaan Panday
Ahaan Panday recently debuted in the romantic action drama "Saiyaara". The film has become a surprising box office success, earning ₹304.60 crore in India within 19 days and surpassing the lifetime collection of "War". Worldwide, "Saiyaara" has grossed over ₹500 crore, making it the second Indian film of 2025 to achieve this feat, after "Chhaava". It's also been declared the "highest grossing love story in the history of Indian cinema". The exact remuneration Ahaan Panday received for his debut is not publicly available. However, the film's ₹22 crore opening suggests a promising start to his career. Among recent debuts in Bollywood, Ahaan Panday's launch has proven to be one of the most successful.
Other Bollywood Stars and Their Debut Earnings
Several other Bollywood stars had relatively modest beginnings in terms of their first film earnings.
The Disparity in Pay
There is a considerable difference in pay between debut actors and established actors in Bollywood. Debut actors typically receive much lower salaries compared to established stars. Some may even work for minimal or no pay to gain exposure and experience. Established actors, particularly A-list stars, command significantly higher fees, sometimes earning crores per film, along with a share of the profits.
Conclusion
The earnings from the debut films of Bollywood stars vary greatly, ranging from no remuneration to a few lakhs. While some debutants start with modest paychecks, success can lead to substantial career growth and increased earnings. The recent success of Ahaan Panday's "Saiyaara" demonstrates the potential for newcomers to make a significant impact.
