Vijayashanti Reveals She Was Cheated of ₹2,000 From Her First Film Paycheck
Vijayashanti recalls being cheated of ₹2,000 from her first film paycheck and later becoming one of India's highest-paid stars, joining the ranks of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth.
Dumtika Editorial
July 24, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Vijayashanti says she was paid ₹3,000 instead of ₹5,000 for her first film
She reportedly became one of the first female actors to earn ₹1 crore per film
At her peak, she matched remuneration with Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth
Her journey reflects both industry struggles and major milestones
Veteran actress Vijayashanti—now celebrated for her powerful roles and political presence—recently took a nostalgic detour, sharing some lesser-known moments from her early film career. In a candid interview, she reportedly revealed that her first-ever film remuneration was supposed to be ₹5,000. However, she was handed only ₹3,000, with the remaining ₹2,000 allegedly withheld. The buzz suggests this early setback didn’t deter her; instead, it seemed to fuel her determination to carve out a place for herself in the industry.
Despite this rocky start, Vijayashanti’s career trajectory saw a remarkable rise. As per sources, she worked tirelessly, eventually becoming one of the most sought-after stars in Indian cinema. The industry grapevine has it that she proudly broke through the ₹1 crore remuneration ceiling—a feat considered extraordinary for a female actor in the early 1990s. This achievement placed her in the elite league of the highest-paid stars, alongside stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth.
Vijayashanti’s story is a reminder of the hurdles many actors face behind the glitz and glamour. Her journey from being shortchanged to commanding top billing is not just inspiring but also a testament to her resilience. With her legacy firmly established, it’ll be interesting to see what new chapters she adds to her already illustrious career.
