10 Bollywood celebs who didn’t charge for films

Be it short films or blockbusters, we always expect celebrities to charge truckloads of money for their films. However, we often forget they’re human too and have a soft side to them. Compiled from The Indian Express, here is a list of 10 leading Bollywood stars who did not charge a penny for the films and songs they featured in. And mind you, we’re not only talking about movies that didn’t fare well at the box office – but projects such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Haider and Om Shanti Om have also made the cut.

1. Kareena Kapoor Khan


The hit number Marjaani from Billu was for free by Kareena for Shah Rukh Khan. When he sent her a cheque following the shoot, she politely sent it back. Her generosity also exceeded to Salman Khan, when she performed the viral song Fevicol Se for Dabangg 2 for free. She had to keep up the legacy of Munni Badnaam Hui from the film's prequel, and boy did she nail it!

2. Priyanka Chopra


Seems like the leading ladies of Bollywood are always head over heels in love with King of Bollywood SRK and we’re not surprised at all. Priyanka did not charge a penny for her item song You Get Me Rocking And Reeling, as a token of her friendship with the megastar.

3. Deepika Padukone

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The world went gaga over Deepika in her debut film, Om Shanti Om. Interestingly, she did the role for free, as she considered it a great fortune to kick-start her Bollywood career opposite Shah Rukh. Well, the stars really worked in her favour.

4. Katrina Kaif


Next in line to join the list of free cameos is none other than the Bang Bang! star who performed on Chikni Chameli for free, as a friendly gesture for Karan Johar. The film-maker gifted her a Ferrari in return.

5. Sonam Kapoor

PHOTO: INDIA TIMES

Out of sheer belief in the strong script and as a token of appreciation for being roped in for the film, Sonam only charged INR11 for her cameo in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. 

6. Shahid Kapoor

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He was overwhelmed when Vishal Bhardwaj offered him Haider. Shahid believed in the film with such strong sincerity, that he didn't charge a single penny for his role. The film changed Shahid's career for the better.

7. Rani Mukerji

PHOTO: COOL SPOTTERS

Karan Johar is one of her best friends and Rani has given several brief appearances in his films. She reportedly didn’t charge a penny for her role of Shah Rukh's childhood friend in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

8. Sonakshi Sinha


She has starred in countless films with Akshay Kumar including Rowdy Rathore, Joker, Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, Dobaara and Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. Hence, she didn’t demand any money while shaking a leg in a song for Akshay’s film, Boss.

9. Salman Khan


Salman never refuses a cameo role requested by his friends in the industry. He featured in films such as Son Of Sardaar, Tees Maar Khaan and Fugly; all for free!

10. Shah Rukh Khan

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Last but definitely not the least, SRK apparently did not charge a dime for his extended role in Bhoothnath Returns, since he was a part of its prequel as well.

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