South Indian heroines have come a long way breaking stereotypes, but they are yet to break the wage bias that exists in the industry. Nayanthara who is the highest paid heroine is still no match to the highest paid actor, Ranjinikanth. Superstar receives a whopping 60 crore for his movies while Nayan is paid Rs. 6 crore! We list the highest paid actresses in South Indian film industry.
NAYANTHARA
Nayanthara is almost two decades old in the industry and she has risen to the top of her game. The actress demands Rs. 6 crore for a movie. Nayanthara has a massive fan base in all four south Indian languages, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. This makes it easy for the makers of her movie to dub her movie in different languages and cash in on her stardom.
ANUSHKA SHETTY
Anushka is very popular in Tamil and Telugu industry. Anushka’s screen presence is great and she can single handedly take on movie like Arundathi and Rudramadevi. Hits Baahubali and Singam series have put her in a much higher position. The actress is reportedly paid Rs. 4-5 crore for her movies.
TAMANNAAH
Tamannaah has a recognition in Bollywood and is a very famous actress in South Indian cinema. Her rates have increased after she starred in the magnum opus, Baahubali opposite Prabas. The actress gets Rs. 2-3 crores for a movie.
SHRUTI HAASAN
Shruti Haasan has a major fan following in Telugu industry and an extensive social media following. The actress is paid Rs. 1.5-2 crores. Shruti also endorses a range of brands like Fanta and Hotstar.
SAMANTHA
The 100 crore girl is currently on a high. Samantha delivered hat-rick hits with Theri, 24 and Aa..aa. The actress is paid Rs. 1 crore for a movie and Samantha is also the brand ambassador for various jewelry brands. Sam is extremely popular in Telugu and Tamil and is very active on social media.
TRISHA
Trisha has been in the industry for more than two decades and is still reigning the Tamil film industry despite heavy competition. Trisha too has endorsed a number of brands and is currently the brand ambassador for NAC jewelers. The actress is paid Rs. 1-2 crore for every film she signs.
HANSIKA MOTWANI
Hansika has been keeping herself busy shooting for movies back to back, that come her way. She has earned herself a place in the industry and is paid Rs. 75 lakh -1 crore for each movie. The actress too endorses various textile and jewelry brands.