Ek Tha Tiger: 15 crores for Salman?

From the time Yashraj Films announced their first film – Ek Tha Tiger – with Salman Khan, several rumours have been floating around in the industry about Khan’s remuneration for the film. Some believe the actor has been paid 15 crores along with 10% of the film’s profits, others argue that the pay is 10 crores with Salman getting 20% of the box office profits after release. The truth, we shall never know.

However, Yashraj are known to be hard bargainers. Stars (superstars included) more often than not, don’t receive a sum that is even close to their market value. Ranbir Kapoor, who worked with Yashraj in Bachna Ae Haseeno, was first offered Band Baaja Baarat, which the actor eventually turned down. Reason? He wasn’t paid enough.

Ek Tha Tiger is an expensive spy-thriller, shot in half-a-dozen foreign locations and Yashraj wanted an established star who could pull audiences to theaters. Kabir Khan wanted SRK for the role, Yashraj approached him, but the actor rejected the offer due to date issues. Later they approached Salman, who agreed to do the film for an undisclosed amount.