The talk-of-the-town series, Heeramandi, has not only captivated audiences with its opulent sets and lavish costumes but has also stirred discussions around the hefty budget allocated to its production. Being one of India’s most expensive series to date, the financial investment didn’t stop at the grandeur of the sets; it extended to the remuneration of the extensive lead cast.
According to reports from Hindustan Times, the project’s budget soared to an astounding INR2 billion, with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself pocketing between INR600 million and INR700 million. The cast salaries, as detailed by Money Control, shed light on the substantial earnings of the stars, though these figures are yet to be independently verified.
Leading the pack in terms of earnings is Sonakshi Sinha, who portrayed the double role of Rehana and Fareedan, commanding a hefty fee of INR20 million. Addressing criticisms of historical inaccuracies in the show, Sinha defended Bhansali’s vision, stating it wasn’t meant to be a history lesson.
Following closely behind Sinha is Aditi Rao Hydari, whose earnings ranged between INR10 million and INR15 million for her portrayal of Bibbojaan. Manisha Koirala and Richa Chadha both earned INR10 million for their roles as Mallikajaan and Lajjo, respectively, while Fardeen Khan, in his comeback as Wali, charged INR7.5 million.
Sanjeeda Sheikh earned INR4 million for her role as Waheeda, while Sharmin Segal, also Bhansali’s niece, received INR3 million for her portrayal of Alamzeb.
Despite its staggering budget, Heeramandi hasn’t escaped criticism, particularly regarding Urdu pronunciation and historical accuracy. However, for the cast, it has undoubtedly been a lucrative venture amidst mixed viewer reactions.
