In a revelation that's sending shockwaves through Bollywood circles, the fee structure for the upcoming sequel De De Pyaar De 2 has exposed a massive pay disparity between its lead actors. Veteran superstar Ajay Devgn is reportedly taking home an amount that's nearly ten times what his female co-star Rakul Preet Singh is being paid for the same project.
The Staggering Numbers Behind Bollywood's Pay Gap
According to industry insiders, Ajay Devgn has been signed for a whopping ₹35 crores for the romantic comedy sequel. In stark contrast, Rakul Preet Singh, who plays a significant role in the film, is receiving approximately ₹3-4 crores for her participation.
What This Pay Disparity Reveals About Bollywood
This significant difference in remuneration highlights several ongoing issues within the Indian film industry:
- Experience vs. Gender Pay Gap: While Ajay brings decades of star power, the ratio raises questions about gender parity
- Box Office Draw Power: Producers justify higher fees for established male stars who they believe guarantee opening numbers
- Industry Hierarchy: The pay scale reflects the traditional power structure in Bollywood
The De De Pyaar De Franchise Context
The original De De Pyaar De, released in 2019, was a commercial success that earned over ₹140 crores worldwide. The film featured Ajay Devgn alongside Tabu and Rakul Preet Singh in a story about a middle-aged man falling for a younger woman.
The sequel promises to continue the entertaining saga with the same lead cast, though the behind-the-scenes financial dynamics tell a different story about value assessment in the industry.
Broader Industry Implications
This isn't an isolated case in Bollywood. Several recent instances have highlighted similar pay disparities between male and female actors, even when the latter have significant screen time and critical roles. The conversation around equal pay in Indian cinema continues to gain momentum, with this latest revelation adding fuel to the ongoing debate.
As De De Pyaar De 2 goes into production, the focus isn't just on the on-screen chemistry but also on the off-screen financial equations that continue to define Bollywood's power dynamics.
