Deepika Padukone has once again proven her mettle in the Bollywood industry by becoming the highest-paid actress of 2024. This remarkable achievement comes 17 years after her debut in 2007, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. According to data compiled by IMDb and Forbes, Deepika now commands a fee between Rs 15 crore to Rs 30 crore per project, surpassing other top actresses like Kangana Ranaut, Alia Bhatt, and Katrina Kaif.
Deepika’s journey to the top has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. She burst onto the scene with a blockbuster debut but faced a series of commercial failures that threatened to derail her career. However, her fortunes changed dramatically post-2012 with the release of “Cocktail,” which marked the beginning of a dream run. Since then, she has consistently delivered stellar performances, cementing her status as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
Following Deepika on the list is Kangana Ranaut, who has also made a significant impact in the industry. The actress-turned-politician charges between Rs 15 crore to Rs 27 crore per movie. Priyanka Chopra Jonas, another powerhouse performer, ranks third with a reported fee of Rs 15 crore to Rs 25 crore per project. These figures highlight the growing financial clout of female actors in an industry traditionally dominated by male stars.
Deepika Padukone’s personal life has also been a subject of much public interest. She and her husband, Ranveer Singh, are one of Bollywood’s most adored couples. Their chemistry and mutual admiration are evident in every public appearance and social media post. Despite their hectic schedules, the couple makes a concerted effort to spend quality time together. Deepika recently opened up about the importance of making time for each other, emphasizing that it’s not the quantity but the quality of time that matters.
“Spending time with my husband is very important, and you have to make time,” Deepika shared in a recent interview with Vogue India. “He and I make the effort as it cannot be one-sided. We have to schedule it. In our professions, one of us will be traveling for a month at a time or sometimes he might have a late night and I have an early morning. There are also times when we are in the same city but hardly get time with each other. However, it’s not the quantum of time but the quality of time that we have together. We love it when it’s just two of us but we also love spending time with our family.”
This candid revelation came shortly after Deepika made headlines for her remarks about being in an “open relationship,” which sparked a flurry of reactions from fans. Despite the occasional controversies, the couple’s bond remains strong, serving as an inspiration for many.
The list of highest-paid actresses in 2024, as shared by Siasat Daily, also includes other notable names. Katrina Kaif, who charges between Rs 15 crore to Rs 25 crore per movie, and Alia Bhatt, with a fee range of Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore, are among the top earners. Kareena Kapoor Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Anushka Sharma, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan also feature prominently on the list, with their fees ranging from Rs 7 crore to Rs 18 crore per project.
This financial success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these actresses, who have broken barriers and set new benchmarks in the industry. Their achievements reflect a broader shift in Bollywood, where female actors are increasingly commanding higher fees and more significant roles.
Deepika Padukone’s rise to the top is particularly noteworthy given the challenges she has faced. From battling depression to navigating the complexities of a high-profile career, she has emerged stronger and more resilient. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a reminder that perseverance and talent can overcome any obstacle.
As Deepika continues to dominate the box office and win accolades, her journey is a testament to her enduring appeal and versatility as an actress. With several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including international ventures, she shows no signs of slowing down. Her status as the highest-paid actress of 2024 is not just a personal triumph but a significant milestone for the industry as a whole.
