Stars maange a lot more! From Farhan Akhtar to Saif Ali Khan: These actors are out pricing themselves

When Farhan Akhtar told a reputed filmmaker that he would do his film, the latter rejoiced. But only for a short while. Next, the producer was conveyed that the actor’s asking price was reportedly Rs 11 crore. Naturally, the guy thought he had been socked hard on the jaw.

Of course, even before the second round of negotiations could take place, Farhan’s Lucknow Central released. The all-India nett gross box office earning of the film was approximately around Rs 12 crore. So, the maths just didn’t add up. Consequently, the project didn’t take off.

As of today, Farhan is taking his time, leafing through scripts more carefully before he green-lights his next acting assignment. But trade sources say he also needs to think hard about his fee. Yes, every now and then, producers find actors/stars making outrageous price demands that are hard to justify, especially when their previous film outings come unstuck at the ticket windows. But Farhan is not the only one whose ‘reported asking price’ is considered ridiculous.

A source says, “Sanjay Dutt and Saif Ali Khan are also asking for remunerations that are not justified.” One hears Sanjay’s reported price is Rs 11 crore (seems to be everyone’s favourite number). Incidentally, there are a few producers who are willing to pay Dutt this amount because he has been a huge star and they feel he comes with a legacy. However, the 57-year-old actor’s last outing, Bhoomi, collected Rs 9.50 crore at the Indian box office. So, once again, there is no match between the asking price and the return on account of having Dutt in a film. Priyanka Chopra is an internationally known name in showbiz today. However, when she allegedly asked for Rs 14 crore for a Bollywood film, the makers found it unreasonable, especially in the domestic market.

Incidentally, at this moment, Deepika Padukone remains the highest-paid Bollywood actress. Her last outing Padmaavat, in which she played the title role, justified her demand. Interestingly, her fee is a little less than what Priyanka is reportedly asking for.

Saif Ali Khan has also been asked to reconsider his fees. The actor, who has been having a poor run at the ticket windows, has been reportedly quoting Rs 7-8 crore as his market price. However, his last two outings haven’t fared as well as expected. Chef collected less than Rs 7 crore in the domestic market, while Kaalakaandi garnered around Rs 5 crore, locally. Guess, Saif will have to sell himself ‘sensibly’ for the moment.