Priyanka Chopra has emerged as the highest-paid actress in Indian cinema, charging INR30 crore for her role in director S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film SSMB29, alongside Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.
The Bollywood-turned-global star also reportedly earned INR41 crore for Amazon Prime Video’s international spy thriller series Citadel. With her rising influence in both Hollywood and Indian cinema, Chopra has now outpaced leading actresses Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Nayanthara in terms of pay.
Chopra, who resides in Los Angeles, was last seen in an Indian production four years ago, in The White Tiger opposite Rajkummar Rao. Her return to Indian cinema with SSMB29 marks a major comeback. The actress became a mother in January 2022 through surrogacy, welcoming daughter Malti.
Previously, Deepika Padukone held the title of highest-paid Indian actress after charging INR20 crore for Kalki 2898 AD, which released just before the birth of her daughter Dua in November 2024. She had earlier earned INR15 crore for Pathaan.
Alia Bhatt, who gave birth to daughter Rhea in November 2022, earned INR15 crore for her recent films. Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani performed well at the box office, while her film Jigra, which she also produced, failed to make a mark.
Meanwhile, Nayanthara, who became the mother of twins via surrogacy in 2022, has been commanding high fees as well. She earned INR12 crore for Jawan and INR11 crore for Annapoorni, cementing her status as a pan-India star.
Despite the strong competition, Priyanka Chopra's crossover appeal and global stature appear to have set a new benchmark in remuneration for actresses in Indian cinema.
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