From Sai Pallavi to Rashmika; Top 10 Highest Paid South Indian Actresses (Instagram: @saipallavi.senthamarai / @rashmika_mandanna)
New Delhi: The South Indian film industry continues to grow fast. Big hits in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada cinema have pushed leading actresses' paychecks higher than ever. These stars are not just faces on screen, they are brands with massive fan followings and pan-India appeal.
Here's a look at ten of the highest paid South Indian actresses today and what sets them apart.
Sai Pallavi has become one of the most respected stars in South cinema. Known for her natural acting and strong performances, she has commanded big fees, especially for major projects like 'Ramayana'. Reports suggest she has earned up to Rs 12-20 crore for special roles, although her usual film fees are lower.
Rashmika Mandanna, often called the "National Crush," has seen her market value climb steadily. Her work in blockbusters such as 'Pushpa 2' and other pan-India films has reportedly brought her fees in the range of Rs 7-10 crore and higher on select projects.
Nayanthara, known as the "Lady Superstar," remains a benchmark in South Indian cinema. She has commanded around Rs 8-12 crore per film, with even higher earnings for special deals and documentaries.
With a career spanning decades, Trisha is still in demand. Current reports suggest her fee is around Rs 10-12 crore per film, keeping her among the top-paid actresses in the region.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu continues to be a major name in Telugu and Tamil cinema. She reportedly earns between Rs 3-7 crore depending on the project. Her strong fanbase and choice of roles help sustain her market value.
A veteran with a long list of hits, including international favourites like 'Baahubali', Anushka Shetty’s pay is estimated in the mid-range of the highest paid, around Rs 5-7 crore per film.
Tamannaah Bhatia has been a leading star for years. She continues to command substantial fees, estimated around Rs 4-5 crore per film thanks to her wide audience reach across languages.
Pooja Hegde works in both South and Bollywood films, and her pay reflects that versatility. Estimates place her fee around Rs 4-5 crore per project, keeping her in the top ten.
Keerthy Suresh has carved her own space with award-winning performances. Her film fees are estimated at around Rs 3-4 crore, strong numbers for today’s market.
Shruti Haasan works across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi films. Her versatility has kept her earnings in the higher bracket, with estimates of around Rs 3-5 crore per film.
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