Salman Khan heroine, who was paid more than him reveals reason: ‘It is simple business…’

Released in 1989, Maine Pyar Kiya turned into the year’s most successful Hindi film and became a landmark romantic drama in Indian cinema. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the movie introduced Bhagyashree to the film industry and instantly transformed her into a household name. The film also played a crucial role in shaping the career of Salman Khan, who had appeared earlier in Biwi Ho To Aisi but had not yet achieved major commercial recognition. With the overwhelming success of the romantic entertainer, Salman rapidly rose to prominence and emerged as one of the most sought-after young stars of Bollywood.

Interestingly, the film also became notable for an unexpected pay structure that differed from the usual trend in the entertainment world. In the Hindi film industry, male actors have traditionally received larger salaries compared to actresses. Yet, reports surrounding Maine Pyar Kiya suggested that Bhagyashree earned a higher fee than Salman Khan, despite the project being her very first film appearance. Salman, on the other hand, already had acting experience before joining the blockbuster romance.

During a recent interaction with Zoom, Bhagyashree spoke about how remuneration in cinema is often guided by market dynamics rather than fairness alone. She explained that producers generally approach casting from a commercial standpoint, evaluating performers according to their perceived value, popularity, and affordability. In her view, decisions about salaries are strongly connected to demand within the industry and the willingness of filmmakers to replace actors if they find someone capable of delivering similar results for a lower fee."It is a simple business when we talk about money. A woman might put in hard work, but if the producer or director feels that she is replaceable by someone else who is offering a better price, then they will stick to the price that they are willing to pay to that particular actress.." she said.


The actress reflected on how women in cinema frequently face challenges when negotiating salaries because producers prioritize financial practicality over individual effort. She noted that actresses often must decide whether to accept the compensation offered or risk losing projects to someone else willing to work for less. Bhagyashree also emphasized that meaningful change in pay parity would only become possible if women across the industry collectively stood together and demanded fair compensation standards.

Soon after the release of Maine Pyar Kiya, Bhagyashree married Himalaya Dasani. Following a few films alongside her husband, she gradually stepped away from mainstream cinema to focus on raising her children and family life. After remaining away from films for several years, she returned to acting with Humko Deewana Kar Gaye. In recent times, she has continued appearing in projects such as Radhe Shyam, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, and Raja Shivaji.