The landscape of Indian cinema transformed significantly in the 1990s, marked by the liberalization of the Indian economy that opened doors to new opportunities. This period heralded the rise of actors as formidable stars, resulting in substantial increases in their earnings, particularly through endorsements and heightened visibility. Among those who made headlines was Sridevi, who broke barriers by becoming the first Indian actress to charge ₹1 crore per film, a remarkable feat she achieved in the early 1990s.
While Chiranjeevi was the first Indian star to earn over ₹1 crore per film, accomplishing this in 1992 with the film Aapadbandhavudu, Sridevi swiftly followed suit. Her earnings skyrocketed especially after she charged this amount for the 1993 film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, which at that time was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Notably, she was not just an actress; her unparalleled stardom eclipsed even the leading Khans during her career peak.
Sridevi’s entry into the ₹1 crore club was significant as it symbolized the recognition of female actors as equally valuable as their male counterparts. Before her first retirement from acting in 1997, she maintained the status of being the highest-paid actress in Bollywood, often earning more than many leading male stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, who during that period charged around ₹50-75 lakh for their films. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that the Khans began to reach the ₹1 crore benchmark.
In the mid-90s, Sridevi’s influence extended beyond Bollywood into Tamil and Telugu cinema, establishing her as a top star across multiple industries. Alongside other leading actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Jaya Prada, she managed to headline significant films such as Gumraah, Army, and Laadla. However, in a surprising turn of events in 1996, Sridevi announced her decision to retire from films to focus on starting a family, as she was expecting her first child. The announcement sent shockwaves through the industry, particularly as she was only 33 years old at the time.
Her last film before this hiatus, Judaai, was released in 1997. Although Sridevi made a brief return to television in 2004-2005 with the show Malini Iyer, her full-fledged comeback to cinema was not until 2012 with the critically acclaimed film English Vinglish. She continued to enchant audiences in films such as Puli in 2015 and Mom in 2017, proving her timeless appeal even after years away from the spotlight.
Sridevi’s passing in 2018 at the age of 54 marked the end of an era for Indian cinema. Her pioneering spirit continues to inspire actors, particularly women in the industry, as her legacy as the first actress to charge ₹1 crore per film remains a testament to her unparalleled impact on Bollywood. The milestone she achieved highlights not only her individual talent but also the evolving landscape of Indian cinema where female actors are recognized as leading forces alongside their male counterparts.
