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The enduring legacy of Sholay is well-documented, but the remunerations of its iconic cast provide a contrast.
Dharmendra, the veteran superstar, was the highest-paid actor in Sholay, taking home Rs 1.5 lakh for his portrayal of the mischievous Veeru. His co-star and friend, Amitabh Bachchan, was paid Rs 1 lakh for his role as Jai.
Hema Malini, who played the spirited Basanti, earned Rs 75,000, while Jaya Bachchan’s remuneration for the role of Radha was the lowest among the main cast at Rs 35,000.
Sanjeev Kumar was paid Rs 1,25,000. Amjad Khan received Rs 50,000.
Mac Mohan, who immortalized the character of Sambha with just a few lines, was reportedly paid Rs 12,000, while Sachin Pilgaonkar, a young actor at the time, received a gift instead of a monetary fee from the makers.
The decades following Sholay saw these actors’ careers skyrocket, and their paychecks grew exponentially.
Amitabh Bachchan’s earnings surged dramatically, and in the subsequent decades, he commanded fees in the crores. In recent years, his income from films, brand endorsements, and his popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati has placed him among India’s highest taxpayers, with his earnings reportedly reaching hundreds of crores in a single fiscal year.
Dharmendra and Hema Malini, already established stars, continued to command high fees for their roles in the peak of their careers, with Hema Malini’s highest fee in the late 70s being around Rs 5 lakh for Dillagi (1977).
