Legend and politician(BJP MP) Hema Malini recently dismissed long-standing claims that she was Bollywood’s highest-paid actress in the 1970s and 1980s.
Amidst an interview on the podcast’Hindi Rush’ the “Dream Girl” revealed that her generation earned modest fees and never aggressively negotiated with filmmakers, stating that money was never her primary motivation.
Recalling her work on Gulzar’s 1979 classic “Meera”Hema shared that the production faced financial struggles. Rather than demanding a set salary, she accepted a small amount presented in an envelope, describing the experience as being “like bhiksha” (alms).
She further added that her mother handled all financial dealings and frequently told producers to pay whatever they could comfortably afford. While she acknowledges today’s stars earn exorbitant paychecks compared to her time, Hema stated she would gladly return to the screen if offered a truly meaningful role.
The Legend highlighted that her career was driven by her love for acting and meaningful roles rather than money. She noted that actors of her era focused on the craft rather than negotiating massive paychecks.
Even when she did Meera, the producer didn’t have any money at all. Never asked for money then. Just took home whatever money the producer gave in an envelope, like a “bhiksha.”
Producers and directors liked her a lot, but she never worked for money.
News Edit KV Raman
