Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 22, 2015)
While Bollywood stars are known to command astronomic remuneration for films, industry sources tell us that Salman Khan made an exception for Sooraj Barjatya, with whom he has reunited after a decade and half for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo. The actor, we hear, did not charge a fee to be part of the upcoming release; he only decided to share the profit with the filmmaker.
A source says, “During their first meeting to discuss the film, Salman told Barjatya that he will not accept payment to act in the film and instead take 50 per cent of the profit.” Usually, an actor asks for a fixed payment as well as a percentage of the film’s profits. “A-listers often make concessions for producers or directors they are friends with, but Salman just wants a share in the profit. The film is expected to do well since it is releasing on Diwali and won’t have competition at the box office either,” says an insider.
Salman and Barjatya remained unavailable for comment.