Our Bureau
Mumbai
Ranbir Kapoor’s record-breaking fee for Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming mythological epic, Ramayana, has ignited widespread discussion about pay disparity in Bollywood. Kapoor, cast as Lord Rama, will reportedly earn Rs 75 crore per instalment, totaling Rs 150 crore for the two-part film—marking the largest paycheck of his career. In stark contrast, Sai Pallavi, portraying Goddess Sita, is set to receive Rs 6 crore per part, amounting to Rs 12 crore for both films.
The staggering difference—Kapoor’s fee is over 12 times higher than Pallavi’s—has drawn sharp reactions online, especially considering both actors have comparable experience and box office successes. This pay gap has reignited conversations about gender inequality in the Indian film industry, with many netizens questioning why such disparities persist even in high-profile projects.
The Ramayana franchise, with a reported budget of Rs 1,600 crore, is among the most ambitious productions in Indian cinema. The cast also features Yash as Ravana (reportedly charging Rs 50 crore per film), Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and a host of other prominent names. The film’s scale is further elevated by the involvement of Oscar-winning VFX company DNEG and music composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman.
Ramayana Part 1 is currently in production, with a release planned for late 2026. While fans are excited about the film’s grand vision and star-studded lineup, the debate over actors’ salaries has overshadowed early buzz, highlighting the ongoing struggle for pay equity in the entertainment industry.
