# Bollywood's Fee Frenzy: Imran Khan Calls Out Stars Exploiting the System – And Praises Aamir Khan's Integrity **Imagine a film where one actor's paycheck alone could fund an entire indie movie.** That's the explosive reality Bollywood's facing, according to Imran Khan, who's slamming A-listers for burdening budgets with massive fees while spotlighting his uncle Aamir Khan as the rare exception who never demands crores just to show up.[1][2] In a candid podcast revelation that's shaking up Tinseltown, Imran Khan didn't hold back on how casting decisions are driven purely by bankability, not talent fit. He shared that even acclaimed directors like Vishal Bhardwaj picked him for *Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola* not because he was perfect for the role, but because his name tag unlocked a specific budget tier – all while Ajay Devgn was the original choice.[1] Fast-forward to today, and Imran estimates that **A-listers like Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor command no less than ₹30 crore per film**, turning movies into financial gambles before a single shot is fired.[1][2] But it's not just the numbers – Imran questions the jaw-dropping **pay gap** between leads and the crew grinding behind the scenes. "It doesn't make sense," he quipped, highlighting how one star's scale dwarfs everyone else's combined efforts.[1][2] Reflecting on his own rollercoaster ride from ₹5 lakh for *Kidnap* to a whopping ₹12 crore peak, Imran admitted the sudden wealth at 27 created a "strange" disconnect, especially since his famous uncle Aamir's success never translated to family handouts.[3] And here's the mic-drop: While many stars "exploit the system" with huge demands, **Aamir Khan has never done that – he's never going to say 'give me ₹60 crore'**, Imran emphasized, praising his principled approach.[1]
Bollywood's glittering facade hides budget battles – Image via Unsplash
Citations
1.https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/imran-khan-shares-massive-fees-of-a-listers-like-ranbir-kapoor-ranveer-singh-exposes-bollywoods-budget-driven-casting-101766839421524.html
2.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/imran-khan-questions-pay-gap-and-reveals-how-a-listers-like-ranbir-kapoor-ranveer-singh-shahid-kapoor-are-not-earning-less-than-rs-30-crore-per-film-it-doesnt-make-sense/articleshow/126203268.cms
3.https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/from-5-lakh-to-12-crore-pay-cheques-imran-khan-opens-up-on-sudden-fame-in-bollywood-earning-in-crores-at-27-101766845981144.html
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