Bollywood 2021: Meet the highest earning actresses, from Priyanka Chopra to Katrina Kaif

The tide is a-changing; from ageist name calling to unfair pay cheques – the inequality in showbiz is being called out and changes made. There are, for example, more women-centric projects now – just look at this year’s line-up: ‘Sherni’, ‘Rashmi Rocket’, ‘Tribhanga’ and ‘Thalaivi’. And with this shift in story-telling perspective, the take-home numbers have made a change as well. To prove our point, we look at the leading ladies of Tinsel Town and the moneys they are now handling, as per movie information site IMDb.

‘Citadel’ star Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the world’s sweetheart so of course she gets a boost in numbers; the ‘Barfi’ and ‘Mary Kom’ star allegedly charges Rs150 to Rs200 million per film.

Deepika Padukone: Fans have been eagerly awaiting upcoming sports biopic ‘83’, out in the UAE on December 23, especially since it features top actress Deepika alongside her husband Ranveer Singh. The celebrity reportedly charges Rs150 to Rs300 million per movie and is one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood.

Kangana Ranaut is a multi-hyphenate, having worked in production and even directing. The vocal celebrity also owns her own production house, Manikarnika Films. It’s said reportedly, that Kangana charges Rs150 to 270 million per film. Her next movie will be ‘Tejas’, where she plays an Indian Air Force fighter pilot.

Hong Kong-born Katrina Kaif has starred in slew of box office hits in the last five years, including 'Tiger Zinda Hai', 'Zero', and 'Bharat'. As per reports the newlywed actress and Bollywood’s hardest working star charges between Rs150 to 210 million per film and is fourth on the list.

Alia Bhatt, the 28-year-old star, is one of Bollywood's highest-paid actress. Bhatt's acting career has brought her accolades and acclaim and the star will be next seen in ‘Brahmastra’ alongside beau Ranbir Kapoor. The ‘Highway’ actress charges between Rs100 million to Rs230 million per film, according to sources.

Kriti Sanon made a splash in her Bollywood debut, opposite Tiger Shroff in 'Heropanti', in 2014. Kriti charges between Rs50 million to Rs110 million per film. The rising star has starred in a variety of films that are both diverse and commercially successful.

Kiara Advani is presently riding high on the success of 'Shershaah', one of the year's top films. She charges between Rs50 million to Rs80 million per film according to sources. Meanwhile you will see her next opposite Varun Dhawan, in 'Jug Jugg Jeeyo', slated for a June 24, 2022, release.

At 26, the royal blood of Pataudi family and one of the popular young actresses in Bollywood, Sara Ali Khan charges between Rs30 to Rs80 million per film. The actress is busy promoting her upcoming film 'Atrangi Re', which is all set to premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on December 24. The actress recently got her dream come true as the poster of 'Atrangi Re' was featured at Times Square in New York.

'Rashmi Rocket' and 'Haseen Dillruba' in 2021 were undoubtedly the most entertaining films from Taapsee Pannu. Pannu, who is gearing up for the release of 'Shabaash Mithu' has often opened up about existing pay disparities in women-centric films. The actress charges Rs50 million for a film.

Born to superstar Sridevi and producer-filmmaker Boney Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor charges between Rs30 million to Rs50 million according to sources. She made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with 'Dhadak', opposite Ishaan Khatter, and has been on a roll ever since.

Anushka Sharma is gearing up for a role in the biopic featuring female cricketer Jhulan Goswami, as well as a movie called 'Kaneda'. Fans can soon expect her back on cinema screens. The actress reportedly charges Rs80 million to Rs120 million per film.