Shaikh Ayaz in Mumbai
With the economics of the film business changing rapidly, it is becoming increasingly difficult to identify the accurate money Bollywood stars take away home after Friday's earnings.
However, taking into consideration the estimates and revenues his recent blockbusters have generated, the jury is out on the highest paid actor at least -- it is Salman Khan followed closely by friend Aamir Khan.
Encapsulating the structure of our remuneration system, Siddharth Roy Kapur of UTV Motion Pictures says, "Actors at the top of the game are confident of their ability at the box office and because of that they have adopted the principle of taking an upfront amount which is a kind of figure that's comfortable with the producer.
Mostly, top actors share the revenue with the producer. As such, the stars enjoy the profitability and the producer's risk is capped."
Read on to know if your favourite actor makes the cut:
Salman Khan
With four blockbusters (Wanted, Dabangg, Ready and Bodyguard) on the trot, Salman is going through the best and most productive phase of his career. His earnings have multiplied manifold. Says trade analyst Taran Adarsh, "Salman has proved that he is the hero of the masses. His films are doing phenomenal business and he's at the very top of his popularity."
Watch out for: Yash Raj's Ek Tha Tiger and Sher Khan
Aamir Khan
Trade analyst Atul Mohan, however, believes it's unfair to put a price to Aamir. "He works only if he finds the subject exciting and is known to turn down big money." Yet, when he does say yes, expect a CEO-like command over the economics.
Watch out for: Reema Kagti's next
Shah Rukh Khan
Lying low for a while, you can never write SRK off. He just needs that one blockbuster and that will be enough to silence his critics.
Yet, his rough patch at the box office has not made a dent to his price. "He is unshakeable and continues to command a huge following.
Unlike others, it's not just about a salary for him anymore. It's more about a share in the profits," says Taran.
Watch out for: RA.One and Don 2
Amitabh Bachchan
It is believed the superstar picked up a territory or two for Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap.
Watch out for: Power
Hrithik Roshan
Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, especially, brought him back into the reckoning after two straight flops (Kites and Guzaarish).
Taran points out that his stakes are always high and that, "he is in the top price bracket no matter how his films fare."
Watch out for: Agneepath and Krrish 2
Ajay Devgn
Indeed, Ajay has been going from strength to strength. "Ajay's popularity stems from his conviction in what he does -- people see him as an actor who can do just about anything," says his friend and director, Rohit Shetty.
Watch out for: Rascals and Bol Bachchan
Akshay Kumar
Photographs: Pradeep Bandekar
There are rumours that he has cut down his price on account of all the flops that have been piling up but let's not dismiss the Khiladi so easily. He remains a major draw.
Watch out for: Housefull 2 and Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2
Ranbir Kapoor
Says Taran, "He is a very profitable actor in terms of box office."
Watch out for: Rockstar, Barfee
Imran Khan
Imran was introduced to big bucks right after debut Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na and it was around that time that his price touched Rs 7 crore.
More hits on the way would have meant more zeroes to that figure.
Watch out for: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
Shahid Kapoor
That film may not have materialised but nobody can deny that Shahid is a safe bet. Says Taran, "Both Imran and Shahid are bankable stars. They have a young fan following."
Watch out for: Mausam
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