It pays to be in Bollywood! Amitabh Bachchan was once the highest paid actor in Bollywood, commanding a couple of lakhs.

Now, he takes home Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million).

Times have changed. Today, the highest paid actor commands a cool Rs 7 crore (Rs 70 million). That is Aamir Khan in Ketan Mehta’s The Rising.

Even newcomer Vivek Oberoi's remuneration went up to Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) on the strength of his first film, Company.

Some actors also acquire territory rights in addition to their fees. Ajay Devgan, who has had four hits this year (Bhoot, Qayamat, Gangaajal and Zameen) takes home Rs 2 crore (Rs 20 million) plus territory rights. The Deol brothers, Sunny and Bobby, always claim the territory rights of Punjab, where lies their biggest fan following.

rediff.com offers a closer look at the five highest paid actors in the industry today.

Note: The figures mentioned are approximate; there is no official confirmation.

Text: Ronjita Kulkarni
Design: Uday Kuckian

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