Exploring Pay Disparities in Bollywood: Bhagyashree's Insights

In a recent discussion, Bhagyashree addressed the pay disparities in Bollywood, particularly her own experience during the filming of 'Maine Pyar Kiya.' She emphasized the importance of collective action among actresses to achieve salary equality. The article also highlights other actresses from the 90s who broke pay barriers, such as Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit. As the debate on gender pay gaps continues, Bhagyashree's insights provide a valuable perspective on the ongoing challenges faced by women in the film industry. Discover more about the evolving landscape of pay in Bollywood and the strides being made towards equality.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 20:24 IST

The Impact of 'Maine Pyar Kiya' on Pay Structures

The film 'Maine Pyar Kiya,' released in 1989, sparked significant discussions, particularly regarding the pay disparity between its lead actors, Bhagyashree and Salman Khan. It was surprising to many that Bhagyashree received a higher fee than Salman, especially since this was her debut film while it was Salman’s second.

Bhagyashree Addresses Pay Disparity

When asked about the truth behind her higher salary compared to Salman, Bhagyashree explained, "It depends on supply and demand. If producers and directors feel they can replace someone with another actor willing to work for less, they will stick to that price. At that moment, the actress must decide whether she wants to work or not. Until women collectively assert that they deserve equal pay, true equality will remain elusive."

Notable Actresses with High Fees

In the 1990s, superstar Sridevi commanded a staggering ₹1 crore for her role in the 1993 film 'Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja,' a fee that far exceeded that of her contemporaries. Interestingly, in her early career, she earned only ₹5000 for the Tamil film 'Moondru Mudichu,' while superstar Rajinikanth received just ₹2000.

Madhuri Dixit was also among the highest-paid actresses of the 90s. In the 1994 film 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun,' she earned more than Salman Khan, receiving approximately ₹2.7 crore compared to his ₹2.2 crore. Additionally, she earned more than her male co-stars in films like 'Dil,' 'Beta,' and 'Dil To Pagal Hai.'

Karishma Kapoor, another leading actress of the 90s, was known for her beauty and high fees. For her blockbuster 'Raja Hindustani' in 1996, she was paid around ₹5.07 crore. She also received nearly ₹1 crore for films like 'Biwi No. 1,' 'Dil To Pagal Hai,' and 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain.'

Ongoing Debate on Pay Equality in Bollywood

Over the years, the gap in pay between male and female actors has widened significantly. The stark contrast in salaries for actors and actresses in Bollywood is no longer a surprising topic, and it often leads to heated discussions.

On the work front, Bhagyashree recently appeared in the film 'Raja Shivaji,' directed by Riteish Deshmukh, where she played the role of his mother, earning her considerable acclaim.