96. Rajnikanth, 58
Actor
Why
He is god to his fans, a phenomenon for millions. If his last film, Kuselan, bombed at the box office, it was because the audience didn’t get enough of him—he played a cameo. With a pay cheque of around Rs 15-20 crore, Rajni was said to be the highest paid Indian actor in 2006. Now, he’s paid Rs 40 crore per movie, plus distribution rights in a few markets.
Power punch
“Not even God can save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa comes back to power,” he thundered in 1996, adding wind to the then anti-AIADMK tide and leading the DMK-TMC combine to electoral victory in state elections.
What next
His fanatic followers continue with their demand that he enter active politics. Some even floated a party on his behalf, with the flag and insignia carrying his image. His film-in-progress, Enthiran, is being made at a cost of Rs 150 crore—that makes it the most expensive Indian movie ever.
97. Akshay Kumar, 41
Actor, Producer
Why
Inane comedies become box office hits when Akshay Kumar stars in them. He gets Rs 50 crore a film as fee plus profit percentage. Of all Bollywood stars, Akshay Kumar has paid the highest advance tax of Rs 19 crore.
Power punch
The producers were so sure of Akshay Kumar’s star power that for Singh Is Kinng—in which Akshay rapped with Snoop Dogg—they did away with the outdoor publicity and hoardings, a first for any Bollywood film.
What next
... contd.
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