Salman, SRK, Aamir Take 40% of Film’s Budget: Siddharth Roy Kapur
The Indian film industry is known for its elaborate productions, grand sets, and superstar actors. But have you ever wondered what kind of fees these top-tier actors command? According to film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan charge a whopping 30-40% of a film’s budget as their fees. This revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the industry, leaving many wondering how these actors manage to get away with such exorbitant demands.
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Siddharth Roy Kapur, the former CEO of Disney India and current producer of films like “Lunchbox” and “Barfi!”, spilled the beans on the industry’s secrets. When asked about the fees of Indian superstars, Kapur revealed, “It’s the same in Hollywood too. If Tom Cruise does a film, then a lot of the film’s budget becomes his fees.” He added that actors like Salman, SRK, and Aamir have a strong box office pull, which influences a film’s financial structure.
The revelation is not surprising, given the massive following and box office success of these actors. Salman Khan, in particular, has been a bankable star for decades, with his films consistently performing well at the box office. Shah Rukh Khan, known as the “King of Bollywood”, has been a dominant force in the industry for over two decades, with his films often breaking box office records. Aamir Khan, meanwhile, is known for his perfectionism and intense preparation, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most dedicated actors in the industry.
The 30-40% fee structure is not unique to Indian actors, however. Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Julia Roberts have also been known to command significant fees for their work. According to reports, Tom Cruise has been known to charge as much as $20 million for a single film, while Julia Roberts has reportedly earned as much as $20 million for her role in the 2019 film “Little Monsters”.
So, what drives these actors to command such high fees? According to Kapur, it’s their ability to guarantee a film’s success at the box office. “These actors have a massive following, and their presence in a film almost guarantees a certain level of success. The producers are willing to pay them a premium for that guarantee,” he explained.
But what does this mean for the film industry? For one, it means that smaller producers and directors may struggle to afford the fees of these top-tier actors. This could lead to a situation where only the biggest producers and studios can afford to make films with these actors, limiting opportunities for newcomers and smaller filmmakers.
Another consequence is that the focus of the industry may shift from storytelling and filmmaking to simply securing the services of these big-name stars. This could lead to a proliferation of formulaic, commercial films that prioritize box office success over artistic merit.
On the other hand, the high fees of these actors could also lead to a surge in innovative storytelling and filmmaking. With the stakes so high, producers may be more willing to take risks and experiment with new genres, themes, and styles in order to stand out from the crowd.
Ultimately, the impact of these high fees will depend on how the industry adapts and evolves. While it may be challenging for smaller producers and directors to compete, the presence of these superstars could also bring in a new wave of creative and innovative filmmaking.
In conclusion, Siddharth Roy Kapur’s revelation about the fees of Indian superstars has shed light on the often-shrouded world of film production. While the figures may seem staggering, they reflect the immense value that these actors bring to a film’s success. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these high fees shape the trajectory of Indian cinema.
