**Highest Paid Actress in India: A Look Back at Sridevi’s Legendary Status**
Currently, Priyanka Chopra is India’s highest-paid actress, earning approximately Rs 30 crore for each film. In comparison, actor Allu Arjun stands as the highest-paid actor in India, commanding an impressive Rs 300 crore for *Pushpa 2: The Rule*. This significant difference highlights the ongoing gender pay gap in the industry.
### Breaking Barriers: The Actress Who Surpassed Even Top Actors
At one time, there was an actress who not only topped the earnings chart among women but also out-earned several leading male actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Chiranjeevi, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rajinikanth. This legendary star is none other than the late **Sridevi**, often regarded as one of India’s pioneering female superstars.
### Rajinikanth’s Admiration and a Marriage Proposal That Almost Was
Sridevi’s charm and stardom were so immense that even superstar Rajinikanth had once wanted to marry her. The two shared screen space in films like *Ranuva Veeran*, *Pokkiri Raja*, and *Chaalbaaz*. According to filmmaker K. Balachander, Rajinikanth made a bold attempt to propose to Sridevi. However, just as he was arriving at her home, an unexpected power cut occurred. Being superstitious, Rajinikanth took it as a bad omen and left without expressing his feelings — an event that reportedly prevented him from ever revealing his emotions to her again.
### A Trailblazer Who Set New Records
In the 1990s, Sridevi was frequently recognized as one of the highest-paid actors in India. She made history by being the first Indian actress to demand Rs 1 crore for a film. It is believed she had set this precedent during the production of the 1993 film *Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja*, which was among the most expensive Indian movies of its time.
During this period, the only actor charging higher fees was Chiranjeevi. However, Sridevi quickly upped her prices, and by the mid-90s, even with established stars like Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan joining the 1-crore club, Sridevi’s remuneration was reportedly higher than theirs.
### Outearning the Khans and Defining an Era
While young stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sunny Deol, and Sanjay Dutt were still establishing themselves, Sridevi reigned supreme. A Hindustan Times report notes that from 1992 to 1997, these actors earned between ₹50-75 lakh per film — a figure significantly lower than Sridevi’s earnings. The Khans only managed to join the 1 crore club after Sridevi stepped away from films in the late 1990s.
### Versatility Across Industries
Sridevi’s unmatched versatility and pan-India appeal established her as a top figure across the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu film industries. She was one of the rare actresses capable of carrying films on her own, with notable solo-led hits such as *Chandni*, *Gumraah*, *Army*, and *Laadla*. She often secured more prominent roles than her contemporaries and commanded higher fees than many male co-stars in that era.
### A Hiatus and Triumphant Comeback
At the peak of her career, Sridevi took a voluntary hiatus after becoming pregnant with her first child, Janhvi Kapoor, with her husband, producer Boney Kapoor. Following the release of *Judaai* in 1997, she stepped away from films for nearly 15 years to focus on her family.
During this period, Sridevi made a brief return to the screen with the TV series *Malini Iyer* (2004-05). Her big-screen comeback came in 2012 with *English Vinglish*, which was met with critical acclaim. She later appeared in notable films such as *Puli* (2015) and *Mom* (2017).
### Legacy and Final Years
Sridevi’s life was tragically cut short in 2018 due to accidental drowning. However, her legacy as India’s highest-paid actress of the 1990s, a trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings and redefined stardom, remains unparalleled in Indian cinema history.
—
*From setting historic pay records to captivating audiences across multiple languages, Sridevi’s journey reflects the remarkable talent and groundbreaking achievements of one of India’s most beloved actresses.*
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/photos/this-actress-out-earned-shah-rukh-khan-and-salman-khan-rajnikanth-even-wanted-to-marry-her-3282748/