Shaikh Ayaz in Mumbai
Unlike their male counterparts, Bollywood actresses still go by a fixed price and most often, they don't enjoy the privilege of earning shares in the revenue.
According to trade analyst Taran Adarsh, most actresses are very aware of the remuneration system and are business-savvy. "You could be surprised how much they know of the trade and how wonderfully they manage their money," says Taran.
Kareena Kapoor made news recently when she signed up for Madhur Bandarkar's Heroine for a fee of Rs 8 crores. "She's taking a share in the profits in Heroine which no actress has commanded before," says trade analyst Atul Mohan.
This, even before her latest film Bodyguard became a huge blockbuster.
With Kareena leading the pack, here's a look at the other highest paid actresses in the film industry.
Katrina Kaif
Image: Katrina KaifPhotographs: Pradeep Bandekar
Watch out for: Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and Ek Tha Tiger
Priyanka Chopra
Image: Priyanka ChopraPhotographs: Reuters
The infamous IT raids haven't dented her image and she continues to be amongst the busiest actresses around.
Watch out for: Agneepath and Don 2
Deepika Padukone
Image: Deepika PadukonePhotographs: Courtesy Tonic
For a rather young actress who made her debut only four years ago, Deepika's rise to the crore club is as startling as commendable.
Watch out for: Desi Boyz
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Image: Aishwarya Rai BachchanPhotographs: Reuters/Vincent Kessler
"Aishwarya is the only actress to have a great fan following in India as well as in the West and that helps her brand tremendously," says Taran.
Watch out for: Hasn't signed any film because of her pregnancy
Vidya Balan
Image: Vidya BalanPhotographs: A still from The Dirty Picture
The turnaround in her career has been an amazing story and according to the trade, her charges have shot up correspondingly.
Watch out for: The Dirty Picture
Bipasha Basu
Image: Bipasha BasuWord is that she commands Rs 3 crore a film. She apparently demanded Rs 1 crore a song in Murder 2 alone.
Watch out for: Players
Sonakshi Sinha
Image: Sonakshi SinhaPhotographs: Reuters/Mike Cassese
After the success of Dabangg, Salman's discovery is now reportedly charging Rs 2 crore for the Kamal Hassan film Viswapooram.
It seems Salman himself is guiding her through her career which must explain the steep rise in her stock.
Watch out for: Viswapooram
Rani Mukerji
Image: Rani MukerjiShe figured in the highest tax payers list from Bollywood last year. It is believed her fee ranges from anything between Rs 3 to 5 crore.
Watch out for: Reema Kagti's next
Preity Zinta
Image: Preity ZintaThough she has slipped in numbers because of a whole line-up of flops Preity cannot be dismissed as a pushover yet.
Watch out for: Ishq in Paris
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