Bollywood's Budget-Driven Casting Exposed: A-Listers Earn ₹30 Crore+ Per Film
Image Source: Internet
Imran Khan, set to make his comeback with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, has shed light on Bollywood's casting process in a recent podcast conversation. He revealed that Vishal Bhardwaj cast him in Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola not because he was the right fit for the role, but because it helped secure a certain budget for the film. According to Imran, the casting approach in Bollywood is primarily driven by budget, with actors being chosen based on their market value rather than their suitability for the role. He claimed that A-list stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor earn a minimum of ₹30 crore per film, a staggering amount that raises questions about the pay gap between lead actors and other cast and crew members. Imran's comments have sparked debate about the commercialization of Bollywood's casting process. His upcoming film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, is set to release in theatres on January 16, 2026, and will feature a star-studded cast, including Vir Das, Amit Bhandari, Mithila Palkar, and Sharib Hashmi, with a special appearance by Aamir Khan.
