Dharmendra Charged Highest, Amitabh Bachchan Received ₹1 Lakh, Jaya Bachchan Lowest Among Leads
While Ramesh Sippy's Sholay (1975) became a
cultural phenomenon and a financial behemoth, costing a massive ₹3 crore
for its time and eventually grossing an estimated ₹35 crore, the
paychecks given to its legendary cast were surprisingly small. The remuneration
list offers a striking look at the economics and the star hierarchy of Hindi
cinema nearly fifty years ago.
Dharmendra: The Biggest
Star, The Biggest Salary
Dharmendra, already a reigning superstar when Sholay
was filmed, was the highest earner on the set, reflecting his strong market
value at the time. He took home ₹1.5 Lakh for his unforgettable
portrayal of Veeru. He was closely followed by Sanjeev Kumar,
whose intense performance as Thakur Baldev Singh earned him ₹1.25
Lakh.
Amitabh Bachchan and
the Rising Stars
Interestingly, Amitabh Bachchan, whose star was
rapidly ascending (and would soon explode after Sholay and Deewaar),
was paid less than both Dharmendra and Sanjeev Kumar. He received ₹1 Lakh
for playing the quiet, brooding Jai. Meanwhile, the actor who delivered
one of Indian cinema's most iconic villainous performances, Amjad Khan (Gabbar
Singh), was paid ₹50,000 for his debut role.
The Pay Disparity for
Actresses and Character Actors
The pay difference was starkest when looking at the leading
women's fees and the essential supporting cast:
- Hema Malini (Basanti): The popular 'Dream Girl' earned ₹75,000 for
her lively character.
- Jaya Bachchan (Radha): She was the lowest-paid among the main cast, earning
only ₹35,000 for her memorable, subtle performance as the widowed
Radha.
The fees for the beloved character actors were minimal: Asrani
(Jailor) earned ₹15,000, Viju Khote (Kaalia) received ₹10,000,
and the revered veteran AK Hangal (Imam Saab), whose performance was
profoundly moving, earned the lowest reported fee among the major roles at just
₹8,000.
Ultimately, for the cast of Sholay, the true enduring
reward was the immortality the film bestowed upon them, a legacy far
exceeding their modest salaries of 1975.
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