14th November 2023, Mumbai: Bollywood’s fascination with biopics has captivated audiences, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary lives of famous personalities. However, behind these cinematic masterpieces lies a financial reality – the substantial amounts charged by these individuals for sharing their life stories. From cricket legends to real-life heroes, here’s a look at the shocking figures demanded by some personalities for their biopics.
M.S. Dhoni – The Untold Price Tag
In the realm of cricketing legends, M.S. Dhoni stands tall, both on and off the field. When it came to his biopic, “M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story,” the cricketer reportedly didn’t hold back. Charging a staggering Rs 45 crores, Dhoni secured a hefty sum for the portrayal of his life on the silver screen. The late Sushant Singh Rajput stepped into his shoes, portraying the journey of one of India’s most successful cricket captains.
Laxmi Agarwal – Priceless Courage, Not So Pricey Rights
The story of Laxmi Agarwal, an acid attack survivor, unfolded in the film “Chhapaak,” with Deepika Padukone bringing her inspiring tale to life. However, the price for the motion picture rights was surprisingly modest. Laxmi reportedly charged a nominal Rs 13 lakhs, making her story an exception in the realm of high-priced biopic rights.
Paan Singh Tomar’s Nephew Takes the Spotlight
When it came to the acclaimed film “Paan Singh Tomar,” the real-life nephew of the eponymous character found himself in an unexpected spotlight. Reportedly receiving around Rs 15 lakhs as royalty for the film, the family of the late Paan Singh Tomar witnessed the financial recognition of their family member’s story. The late Irrfan Khan’s stellar portrayal added depth to this gritty biopic.
Milkha Singh’s Nominal Price for Immortality
Bollywood witnessed the exceptional tale of Milkha Singh in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” a film that earned critical acclaim and box office success. Surprisingly, the legendary athlete reportedly charged a mere Re 1 for the ownership of the film, symbolizing his commitment to the cinematic portrayal of his life. Farhan Akhtar’s stellar performance immortalized the Flying Sikh on the celluloid.
Mary Kom’s Ringside Deal
The story of Mary Kom, the Manipuri boxing champion, unfolded on screen with Priyanka Chopra donning the gloves. In a notable financial agreement, Mary Kom reportedly received a cheque of Rs 25 lakhs for lending the film rights. The film not only showcased the challenges faced by the champion but also shed light on the financial negotiations that precede the making of such biopics.
Sanju’s Priced Autobiography
Ranbir Kapoor stepped into the tumultuous life of Sanjay Dutt in the biopic “Sanju.” The controversial actor reportedly charged a substantial Rs. 9-10 crores, in addition to a share in the movie’s profits. The film not only delved into Dutt’s personal struggles but also mirrored the financial stakes involved in telling a celebrity’s untold story.
Sachin Tendulkar – A Billion Dreams, A Hefty Price
Cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, often considered the god of Indian cricket, demanded a godly sum for his biopic, “Sachin – A Billion Dreams.” The iconic cricketer charged an impressive Rs. 40 crores for permitting the producers to delve into his life. The film’s box office success, earning Rs. 17 crores in just two days, reflected the enduring love for the Little Master.
Mohammad Azharuddin’s Generous Gesture
In a surprising turn of events, former Indian cricket skipper Mohammad Azharuddin reportedly chose not to charge a penny for the biopic “Azhar.” Emraan Hashmi portrayed the cricketer’s life on screen, capturing the highs and lows of Azharuddin’s cricketing career without a hefty financial transaction.
Mahavir Phogat’s Dangal Dollars
Aamir Khan’s “Dangal” shattered records at the Bollywood box office, portraying the incredible journey of grappler-turned-mentor Mahavir Phogat. The financial aspect of this biopic was no small feat, with Phogat reportedly charging Rs. 80 lakhs for the film rights. The film’s success not only highlighted Phogat’s contribution to wrestling but also the lucrative nature of well-made biopics.
In the realm of biopics, the staggering amounts demanded by these personalities not only reflect the commercialization of storytelling but also the intrinsic value attached to sharing one’s life journey on the big screen. From nominal gestures to multi-crore deals, the financial dynamics behind these cinematic endeavors add an intriguing layer to the narratives that have left an indelible mark on Bollywood.
-by Kashvi Gala