Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; September 15, 2015)

If sources are to be believed, Deepika Padukone has turned pricey. The actress is said to have hiked her fee by nearly Rs 2 crore to continue as the brand ambassador of a leading private sector bank, which had signed her on last year.

An industry insider says, “Deepika’s contract was recently extended by 18 months for which she demanded Rs 5.5 crore. That’s a hike of about Rs 2 crore.” The actress is currently enjoying her time in the sun, says another source and adds: “Therefore, an increase in her endorsement fee is well justified.”

Deepika was not available for comment while a source close to her says, “Yes, she has renewed her contract with the bank, but as far as the money part is concerned, we are not keen to get into the details. An annual hike in fee is standard procedure for all stars and it’s got nothing to do with her recent success at the box office.”

Her spokesperson says, “She has never commented on numbers and would refrain from doing so even now.”