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Upala KBR (DNA; August 21, 2015)

Kangana Ranaut’s’ publicist recently announced that she is the highest-paid actress and has been paid Rs 11 crore for her last film. Says a trade expert, “A lot of actresses are offered large sums of money for films that they wouldn’t otherwise consider for various reasons from date issues to co-star to the filmmaker. But that doesn’t mean that’s their price.” The last film she was offered is Ketan Mehta’s Rani Lakshmibai, an Indo-British production.

Not viable
Says a trade insider, “Rani Lakshmibai is said to go on the floors next year sometime but the project appears to be still up in the air. On paper, it doesn’t look economically viable and with Kangana asking for Rs 11 crore, it’s not a feasible project. The producers have not agreed for that price. Sushmita Sen tried to produce a film on Rani Lakshmibai a few years ago, but had to finally shelve the project because of the steep budget.”

Consistency, please!
Another trade analyst argues that Kangana can be called the highest paid actress in Bollywood if she gets Rs 11 crore for all her films now and not just one. “Deepika (Padukone) has been the highest paid (Rs 7 crore/film approx) actress till now and there is no doubt about that. Deepika has been consistent in the price she charges. Kangana can’t call herself the highest paid actress if she gets Rs 11 crore for one project and reduces her price for her other films. For Rangoon she was apparently paid under Rs 5 crore. ”

Still doubtful
Trade analyst Komal Nahta adds, “In Bollywood, the market doesn’t allow the capacity for a producer to pay any actress in double digit figures — be it Deepika, Kareena, Katrina or Kangana. Deepika and Kangana are both at the top — Deepika given the hits she’s delivered and Kangana because of TWMR. Also, she adds her own to every film. In the double role, she plays two such diverse characters and has proved that she can pull off any role today.”