The remuneration of actors in Indian cinema is often shrouded in secrecy; however, occasionally, news articles and credible rumors reveal the staggering sums that our leading stars command for their performances. While male superstars have begun to demand over ₹100 crore per film, their female counterparts are also making significant strides in this arena. Recently, the title of the highest-paid actress in India shifted, as one actress secured an impressive ₹30 crore for what is primarily her return to the screen.

India's highest-paid actress

Priyanka Chopra is making her return to Indian cinema after nearly six years, starring in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film alongside Mahesh Babu. This project also signifies her re-entry into South Indian cinema after more than two decades. Earlier this year, Bollywood Hungama reported that Priyanka commanded an impressive fee of ₹30 crore for this role, setting a record as the highest payment ever received by an Indian actress for a single film. A source familiar with the situation revealed, “The announcement of her involvement took time because she was firm on her fee, and rightly so. Why should only male actors receive double-digit salaries in our industry?”

Notably, Priyanka had previously earned a higher sum of $5 million (over ₹41 crore) for her role in the Amazon Prime Video series Citadel, which was justified due to its six-hour duration. Her ₹30-crore fee for SSMB29, the title given to Mahesh Babu and Rajamouli's upcoming collaboration, marks the highest compensation for a female lead in any Indian film.

Who Priyanka Chopra beat

Before Priyanka finalized her contract for Rajamouli's jungle adventure, Deepika Padukone held the title of the highest-paid Indian actress, earning ₹20 crore for her role in Kalki 2898 AD. In comparison, Alia Bhatt, often referred to as their 'junior', is said to command fees of up to ₹15 crore per film. Additionally, other prominent actresses such as Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, and Samantha Ruth Prabhu each receive ₹10 crore or more for their projects.

Priyanka Chopra's 'comeback' to Indian cinema

Since relocating to the United States in 2015, Priyanka Chopra has made very few appearances in Indian cinema. Following the release of Jai Gangaajal in 2016, she featured in only one Indian film, Shonali Bose's The Sky Is Pink, which came out in 2019. Her upcoming all-female road trip movie, Jee Le Zaraa, alongside Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif, has been postponed indefinitely, resulting in a six-year absence of her presence in Indian films, whether in theaters or on OTT platforms. During this time, Priyanka has remained active in her career, starring in projects such as Citadel, The White Tiger, The Matrix Resurrections, and Love Again. Additionally, she has Heads of State, featuring Idris Elba and John Cena, set for release this year. However, SSMB29 is anticipated to mark her significant return to Indian cinema.

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