More than three decades after Maine Pyar Kiya became one of Bollywood’s biggest romantic blockbusters. Bhagyashree has opened up about the film’s pay structure and the conversation around gender pay disparity in the industry. The actress, who made her debut opposite Salman Khan in the film, addressed reports claiming she earned more than her co-star and explained why payment in Bollywood often depends on business decisions and market value.
Bhagyashree Reveals Why She Was Paid More Than Salman Khan For Maine Pyar Kiya
According to old reports surrounding the film, Bhagyashree reportedly received Rs 1 lakh for her role in Maine Pyar Kiya, while Salman Khan, who was still new to the industry at the time, earned around Rs 25,000. The film later emerged as the biggest blockbuster of 1989 and became a turning point in both actors’ careers.
Speaking to Zoom, Bhagyashree discussed why such salary differences exist in the film industry. She said, “It relies on various factors of supply and demand. It’s a straightforward business when discussing finances. A woman may exert significant effort, but if the producer or director believes she can be replaced by someone else willing to accept a lower fee, they will pay that actress. At that moment, the actress must decide if she is willing to forgo opportunities for someone else. Unless women collectively advocate for fair compensation, change will not occur.”
The actress further explained that producers usually prioritise business practicality while deciding salaries. According to her, many people in the industry agree to compromises, which makes it difficult for pay structures to change.
“There will always be someone willing to negotiate and step back. This is the norm. It doesn’t happen, and it won’t change. There will always be individuals ready to compromise on their work and skills. This market is quite unpredictable. When collaborating with someone, it’s not solely about payment; it’s also about enjoying the partnership. It’s a business strategy,” she added.
About Maine Pyar Kiya
Maine Pyar Kiya, directed by Sooraj Barjatya, marked the debut of Bhagyashree and established Salman Khan as a leading star in Hindi cinema. The romantic drama also starred Mohnish Bahl, Alok Nath, Reema Lagoo, and Laxmikant Berde in important roles.
During the filming of her debut movie, Bhagyashree married businessman Himalay Dassani. After marriage, she stepped away from films for several years to focus on family life before gradually returning to acting.
Recently, Bhagyashree appeared in Raja Shivaji alongside Riteish Deshmukh, where she portrayed Rajmata Jijabai. The Marathi version of the historical drama performed strongly at the box office, bringing the actor back into the spotlight once again.
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Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.


















