Can Deepika Padukone's Alleged 20 Crore Paycheck Transform Bollywood's Gender Pay Gap?

In a significant shift in Bollywood’s pay scale dynamics, Deepika Padukone has reportedly secured a whopping alleged Rs 20 crore fee for her upcoming project, Spirit. Possibly making it the highest fee of her career so far. Buzz suggests that this fee might even surpass what her husband, Ranveer Singh, has been earning recently. Although there’s no official confirmation yet, reports claim that she agreed to do the film after the shoot schedule was pushed to October, following delays due to Prabhas' injury. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit is expected to release in 2027. This marks a noteworthy step in the growing trend of female actors closing the gender pay gap in the industry. Deepika’s impressive earnings reflect an evolving landscape where actresses are not only gaining more visibility but also leveraging their growing influence to command a pay similar to their male counterparts.

The news of her fee comes amid ongoing conversations about gender parity in the industry, where actresses have long struggled to match the pay that male stars typically receive. In a Bollywood where actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan dominate the pay scale, Deepika’s growing presence and success reflect the changing nature of the industry and its audience’s expectations. But, is this truly a sign of equal pay, or merely a step in the right direction?

A Closer Look at Current Bollywood Actress Fees vs. Actors

The wage disparity between male and female stars has been an open secret in Bollywood for years. Male actors, especially the A-listers, often receive astronomical fees for their roles, with some even demanding upwards of Rs 50–100 crore per film. According to Forbes, Shah Rukh Khan’s fee for Dunki ranges from Rs 150 crore to Rs 250 crore, while Salman Khan’s earnings for Tiger 3 ranged from Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore. Akshay Kumar, known for his consistent output, reportedly commands between Rs 60 crore and Rs 145 crore for films like Khel Khel Mein.

However, the rising earnings of female actors like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Alia Bhatt reflect a significant shift in this trend. For context, Deepika’s fee of Rs 20 crore for Spirit is among the highest for a female actor in Bollywood. While this gap still exists, the growing pay of actresses is a reflection of their increasing importance in the box office race and the recognition of their fanbase, which has gained immense clout in recent years.

In a notable shift towards pay equality, actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, in a 2024 interview with NDTV, spoke about her efforts to secure compensation that matches her male counterparts, including the three Khans and her husband, Saif Ali Khan. She emphasized the importance of demanding equal pay for her work, saying that she’s now more discerning about her roles. Kareena asserted that if the compensation or character doesn't match her worth, she is willing to wait for the right opportunities, aiming to demonstrate that her talent is just as valuable as that of her male peers. As she put it, the goal is to be included in the Rs 1,000 crore club, and her efforts in pushing for better pay reflect how female stars are asserting their place in Bollywood’s financial landscape.

Allu Arjun, who made waves with Pushpa, is also reported to have earned a massive Rs 300 crore for his role in Pushpa 2. Rashmika Mandanna, known for her role in Pushpa, reportedly earned Rs 10 crore for her role in Pushpa 2, which speaks volumes about her rising stature in the industry. While the disparity between male and female earnings remains, these developments show how industry is gradually recalibrating the financial dynamics in favor of women, signaling a shift in how female actors are valued in comparison to their male counterparts.

The Gender Pay Gap: Still Far from Equal

As many have pointed out, while female actors are steadily gaining ground in terms of pay, there is still a significant imbalance when compared to their male counterparts. In an interview with Netflix’s 2022 campaign Har Kahani Hai Zaruri, actress Taapsee Pannu raised the issue of gender inequality, stating, “There has been a shift in Bollywood, but we are still far away from equality. It's a universal truth. There are pay gaps.” She went on to share her frustration at the disparity in pay, highlighting how male actors often saw pay hikes after one successful film, whereas female actors had to maintain consistent success to secure better pay.

Tapsee Pannu’s words are echoed by other female stars who have spoken out against the industry’s pay gaps. Actress Tabu, in a candid conversation, pointed out that female actors are often asked about pay parity, but the real question should be directed to those who determine the pay rates. “Why don’t you ask the male actor why you are getting paid more?” she said, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in the conversation about pay inequality.

Despite these challenges, the fact remains that Deepika Padukone’s Rs 20 crore fee indicates that female actors are gaining leverage in an industry that has been historically male-dominated, both in terms of box office pull and salaries.

Changing Audience Clout: The Role of Female Stars in Box Office Success

What sets this moment apart is not just the size of Deepika’s paycheck, but the increasing role actresses play in the box-office success of a film. The days of male-dominated ticket sales are slowly being replaced by a more diverse and equally influential audience. Dua Padukone Singh’s mother, known for films like Padmaavat, Chhapaak, and Piku, has built a strong track record of drawing large audiences to theatres. With more women heading to cinemas, the demand for female-led films continues to grow.

Furthermore, audience preferences have also changed. While male stars still hold sway in certain genres, female-centric films have begun performing well at the box office. This trend is not just limited to big-budget epics or action films but spans genres like drama, romance, and thriller. It is clear that female stars, armed with their own dedicated fanbases, are able to contribute significantly to a film’s success.

In addition to Deepika, actresses like Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, and even newcomers like Janhvi Kapoor and Sara Ali Khan, are increasingly securing roles that command substantial pay. These women are not just a part of the ensemble; they are central to the narrative and have proven their star power.

The Bigger Picture: Female Empowerment and the Future

Despite the increasing paychecks, the reality remains that gender parity is still a distant goal. While Deepika's fee represents progress, it also highlights the ongoing struggle women face in being recognized equally in industries worldwide. The situation is not unique to Bollywood but is a global phenomenon where women continue to fight for equal pay and equal opportunities.

The disparity between men and women in leadership positions, both in Bollywood and in broader industries, showcases the long road ahead for true gender parity. But, as more women rise to the top and begin to close the pay gap, it’s evident that the tide is changing, and the future could look far more balanced.

In conclusion, Deepika Padukone’s Rs 20 crore fee is a milestone, but it also serves as a reminder of the progress still needed. Female actors are catching up with their male counterparts, but true equality in Bollywood will only be achieved when actresses and actors are on the same pedestal—not just in terms of pay, but in opportunities, representation, and leadership positions. The growing fanbase and influence of actresses like Deepika Padukone signify a changing landscape where female actors are beginning to take their rightful place at the top. But as we move forward, the question remains: how much longer will it take for true pay parity to be achieved in Bollywood? Only time will tell.