Our Bureau
Mumbai
Priyanka Chopra has ascended as India’s highest-paid actress, surpassing Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt with a staggering fee of Rs 30 crore for her role in the much-anticipated film ‘Varanasi’. Directed by SS Rajamouli and featuring stars like Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, the film marks a grand return for Chopra to Indian cinema and is expected to be one of Rajamouli’s most expansive projects yet. Known for his creative brilliance following the global success of ‘RRR’, Rajamouli’s latest venture has already sparked immense excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.
The ‘Varanasi’ promotional campaign is in full swing, with Chopra sharing behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram, including practicing Telugu, highlighting her dedication to the role of Mandakini despite the language challenge. The film brings together a powerhouse of talent and promises to set new benchmarks in Indian cinema, riding on the momentum of Rajamouli’s rising global acclaim and the star-studded cast.
Chopra’s landmark fee for ‘Varanasi’ places her ahead of contemporaries Padukone and Bhatt, signifying a shift in the industry’s highest remunerations for actresses. This development underscores her continued stature and commercial value in Indian cinema after years of international and domestic success.
The combination of Rajamouli’s directorial vision and a compelling cast has heightened expectations, anticipated to translate into a cinematic spectacle. As ‘Varanasi’ moves forward, it is poised to be one of the most eagerly awaited releases, reflecting evolving dynamics in the Bollywood and South Indian film collaboration landscape.
