Bollywood’s biggest stars are known for their hefty paychecks, but there have been instances where actors like Deepika Padukone, Shahrukh Khan, and more took on roles without charging a penny.
Here’s a look at Bollywood celebs who worked in films purely out of passion and goodwill.
1- Shahrukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan did not take any fee for his cameo in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022), where he played Mohan Bhargav, a scientist wielding the Vanarastra in Ayan Mukerji’s fantasy epic. Over the years, SRK has appeared in several films without charging anything, including Hey Ram, Bhoothnath, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.
2- Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone did not get paid any fee for Om Shanti Om (2007), marking her Bollywood debut. Directed by Farah Khan and starring Shah Rukh Khan, the film became a massive blockbuster. Deepika impressed audiences with her dual roles as Shantipriya and Sandy, earning widespread praise and skyrocketing to stardom overnight.
3- Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor reportedly took a token fee of just ₹11 for her role in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) as a symbolic gesture. Portraying Biro, Milkha Singh’s love interest, her role was brief yet impactful. Sonam chose to do the film for a nominal amount as a tribute to the legendary athlete and out of her deep respect for director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
4- Salman Khan
Salman Khan made a special appearance in Pathaan (2023) without charging a fee. Reprising his iconic role as Tiger, he joined Shah Rukh Khan in an adrenaline-pumping train sequence that became one of the film’s biggest highlights. His cameo thrilled fans and set the stage for an epic crossover in the YRF Spy Universe.
5- Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar reportedly worked in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) without charging a fee as a tribute to the legendary athlete Milkha Singh. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra revealed that Milkha Singh accepted just ₹1 for the film rights, and in response, Farhan chose to waive his acting fee as a gesture of respect. The film went on to become a huge box-office success.
6- Amitabh Bachchan
One such film is Black, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and co-starring Rani Mukerji. Inspired by the life of Helen Keller, Amitabh Bachchan revealed on the film’s 12th anniversary in 2017 that he chose to forgo his fee purely out of his desire to work with Bhansali.
7- Rajkummar Rao
Reflecting on some of his most acclaimed roles, Rajkummar Rao shared that he worked on Vikramaditya Motwane’s Trapped without charging a fee. The Shahid actor explained that he selects certain films to leave a lasting legacy. “Some films aren’t made for the box office; they are made for life,” he said.
