It’s been only two decades since South Indian superstar Chiranjeevi became the highest-paid actor in India after he charged Rs. 1.25 crore for the 1992 film, Aapadbandhavudu. This move not only shook the industry but also earned him the Samman Award for the Highest Income Tax Payer of the decade. Fast forward to today, the numbers have not just increased, they have exploded. Actor salaries have skyrocketed from crores per film to crores per minute, and too, for a blink-and-miss appearance.
Today, the Indian entertainment industry is obsessed with numbers, be it comparing the opening weekend figures to star salaries in big-budget movies. However, while Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are considered the highest-paid actors of present times, Ajay Devgn topped them all when he signed for SS Rajamouli’s 2019 magnum opus, RRR. Do you know how much the Sooryavansham actor got for his 8-minute cameo in the pan-Indian film? Let’s break it down for you.
Ajay Devgn’s flashback sequence in RRR made him the highest-paid actor in India
In 2019, the legendary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, basking in the colossal success of his 2017 film, Baahubali 2, launched yet another pan-India mega-project, RRR. The film featured a multi-star cast, including some of the biggest names in Bollywood and regional cinema, including Jr NTR, Ram Charan, Alia Bhatt, and more. Ajay Devgn was also one of the actors that Rajamouli roped in for a special role in a flashback sequence, for which he was paid a staggering Rs. 35 crore.
Now, we know what you are thinking. There’s no way that Rs. 35 crore can make someone the highest-paid Bollywood actor, given that stars like Salman Khan charge up to a whopping Rs. 100 to 150 crore per project. But here’s the catch: contrary to others, Ajay Devgn’s total screen time throughout RRR was just 8 minutes. That boils down to a whopping Rs. 4.35 crore per minute, making it the most expensive cameo in the history of Indian cinema.
For context, the amount that Ajay Devgn charged per minute in RRR would have earned him Rs. 300 crore had he starred in a full-length film like Jawan with 70 minutes of screen time. Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 billing would touch more than Rs. 250 crore, and Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD would need a jaw-dropping Rs. 300 crore.
Ajay Devgn’s humble Bollywood debut
Ajay Devgn has captivated audiences for over three decades with his intense screen presence and charismatic personality. Known for his brooding roles and daredevil stunts, he has carved a niche as one of Bollywood’s most versatile stars. Born to Punjabi parents, stunt choreographer, Veeru Devgan, and his wife, Veena Devgan, Ajay has found his calling in acting and movies since his childhood days.
Ajay Devgn began his journey in cinema as a child artist in Pyari Behna, portraying the younger version of Mithun Chakraborty’s character. Ultimately, in 1991, Ajay made his acting debut opposite Madhoo in the action-romance film, Phool Aur Kaante. The film became a box office hit and he was shot to success with more iconic films like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Suhaag, Diljale, Ishq, and Major Saab.
Today, Ajay Devgn is not just a bankable celeb but also one of the highest-paid actors in India. He has earned massive praise in recent years for his stellar acting in Singham, Drishyam, Raid, and Raid 2.
What are your thoughts on Ajay Devgn charging Rs. 4.35 crore per minute for RRR?
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