Deepika Padukone has proved time and again why she is a bankable star. The leading lady has entertained viewers and critics with some solid performance in blockbuster films over the years.
This is precisely why it is not shocking when she wants a profit-sharing deal with a production house or when she charges a hefty fee for a project. A "bitchy actress" told DNA that Deepika is being paid a huge amount for 'Padmavati,' because the makers do not want to share the profit the film reaps. Only male actors are entitled to the deal, apparently.
"She may be in the position to demand but the industry doesn't believe in giving a share in profits to the ladies, only the male actors get that. Dips was paid Rs8 crores for Piku, plus a fraction of the profit. She asked for the same for Padmavati. She was denied a share in the profits and offered Rs10 crores flat, which she agreed to," the source further elaborated.
What else is up with the film?
From what has been reported so far, Deepika and Ranveer Singh have been pulled on board to play the queen and Alauddin Khilji, respectively. But, the makers are still on the lookout for her onscreen husband.
Rumour has it that it is Shahid Kapoor who has been finalised for the role. Apparently, the young actor has 200 days to spare, and the character has been re-written and his remuneration revised.
Vicky Kaushal and another TV actor were in the running for the role, but Deepika rejected them as she didn't want to share screen space with not-so-established actors.
Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan are two other A-listers whose names have been loosely associated with this Sanjay Leela Bhansali project. While the "Fan" star has shown interest in the script, the director is interested in pairing Hrithik and Deepika together.
