A New Record in Indian Cinema
Priyanka Chopra, the internationally acclaimed Indian actress, has now become the highest-paid heroine in India. The milestone was achieved after she reportedly signed SS Rajamouli’s upcoming film, tentatively titled SSMB29, starring opposite South Indian superstar Mahesh Babu. For this high-profile project, Priyanka has charged a whopping ₹30 crore, surpassing the earnings of top actresses such as Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Nayanthara.
Collaboration with SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu
The project SSMB29 is directed by SS Rajamouli, who is widely regarded as one of the most successful and visionary filmmakers in India. With blockbuster hits like Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali: The Conclusion, and RRR, Rajamouli has become a brand in himself, known for creating cinematic spectacles that break box office records worldwide.
SSMB29 is expected to be no different. The film is being touted as India’s most expensive production to date, with an estimated budget of ₹1,000 crore (₹10 billion). With such a massive investment, the film is being positioned as a pan-India and potentially international release, likely to elevate Indian cinema to a new global standard.
Priyanka Chopra’s Return to Indian Cinema
Priyanka Chopra’s return to Bollywood has been highly anticipated. The actress has been away from the Indian film industry for nearly four years, focusing on her career in Hollywood. Her last Hindi film was The White Tiger (2021), in which she starred alongside Rajkummar Rao. Since then, Priyanka has primarily worked on international projects, including films, television, and streaming series.
Her return to an Indian film of such magnitude — and opposite a superstar like Mahesh Babu — is significant not only for fans but also for the overall visibility of the project. Industry analysts predict that her involvement will boost the film’s global appeal and draw significant attention from international audiences, especially considering her established presence in Hollywood.
Who Did Priyanka Surpass?
The title of India’s highest-paid actress has historically been shared among a few top-tier performers:
- Deepika Padukone, known for her roles in Padmaavat, Piku, and Pathaan, has previously commanded fees ranging between ₹15-₹25 crore.
- Alia Bhatt, the powerhouse performer from films like Raazi, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and RRR, is one of the youngest highest-paid actresses in India.
- Nayanthara, dubbed the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema, has also achieved monumental success and high remuneration for her roles in Tamil and Telugu blockbusters.
However, none of them have reportedly crossed the ₹30 crore mark for a single film, a record now set by Priyanka Chopra.
Global Success and ‘Citadel’
Priyanka Chopra has successfully transitioned to the global entertainment scene. One of her most notable recent projects was Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Citadel’, an international spy thriller series produced by the Russo Brothers (of Avengers: Endgame fame). For her role as Nadia Sinh, Priyanka reportedly received a staggering ₹41 crore for the season, making her one of the highest-paid Indian actresses in a global production.
The series solidified her status as a bankable international star and increased her visibility in Western media. Critics praised her performance, and the show is expected to return for a second season.
Life in Los Angeles and New Ventures
Since marrying American pop star Nick Jonas in 2018, Priyanka Chopra has been based in Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband and their daughter, Malti Marie Chopra Jonas. Apart from acting, Priyanka has taken on several business ventures and advocacy roles:
- She owns a haircare brand, Anomaly, which is sold globally.
- She continues to be a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and speaks frequently on women’s rights and education.
- She recently opened Sona Home, a lifestyle and home decor brand inspired by Indian aesthetics.
Why SSMB29 is Generating Massive Buzz
The upcoming film SSMB29 is already being hailed as a game-changer for Indian cinema. Some of the reasons for the buzz include:
- SS Rajamouli’s reputation for grand storytelling and technical innovation.
- Mahesh Babu’s massive fanbase across South India and his pan-India appeal.
- Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian cinema after an extended hiatus.
- The unprecedented budget, reportedly crossing ₹1,000 crore, which may include cutting-edge visual effects, global locations, and a stellar supporting cast.
Industry insiders believe that the film could rival or even surpass the box office success of RRR and Baahubali.
Public Reaction and Industry Impact
The news of Priyanka’s record-setting fee has sparked widespread discussion in the film fraternity. Many see this as a progressive sign of the increasing market value of female stars in the Indian entertainment industry. Traditionally, actresses have been paid significantly less than their male counterparts, even in lead roles.
However, as films increasingly target international markets and streaming platforms, star power and global recognition have become more valuable. Priyanka’s casting, thus, reflects a shift in the industry’s priorities — one that emphasizes global marketability, acting caliber, and fan following.
Conclusion: A Historic Milestone for Priyanka Chopra and Indian Cinema
Priyanka Chopra’s return to Indian films with SSMB29 not only marks a career milestone but also signals a new chapter for female actors in Indian cinema. By becoming India’s highest-paid actress with a ₹30 crore paycheck, she has set a precedent that could pave the way for other actresses to demand and receive better compensation for their talent and contribution.
Her pairing with Mahesh Babu under the direction of SS Rajamouli has all the ingredients for a blockbuster cinematic experience, and fans across the globe eagerly await further announcements about the film.
With a career that bridges Bollywood and Hollywood, business and activism, Priyanka Chopra continues to be a trailblazer and trendsetter, both on-screen and off.
