Anil Kapoor says he still earns royalty from 18-year-old blockbuster film, reveals recent sum was Rs 3 lakh

Veteran Indian star Anil Kapoor recently shared that the success of the acclaimed 2008 film Slumdog Millionaire continues to bring him financial returns even today. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026 during a discussion session titled The Ageless Revel: Rewriting the Rules of Stardom, the 69-year-old performer reflected on how the globally celebrated project has continued to influence his professional journey years after its release. The film, directed by Danny Boyle, remains one of the most important milestones in his career.

During the conversation, Kapoor explained that he still receives royalty payments from the film. He mentioned that a cheque had arrived only a day before the conclave took place, highlighting how the project continues to generate income nearly two decades later. According to him, the most recent payment amounted to roughly £3,000, which converts to about ₹3 lakh. He added that when all the payments are calculated together, the total amount he expects to earn from the film will approach nearly £500,000.

The actor spoke about the moment with visible emotion, describing how surprising it feels that a film released over fifteen years ago continues to bring financial rewards. He emphasized that the payment he received shortly before the event reminded him of the film’s enduring popularity and global reach. Kapoor also clarified that he openly mentions the amount because he ensures all his taxes are paid properly. With the cumulative earnings expected to approach half a million pounds, he joked that the film has effectively made him a millionaire through royalties alone. He also pointed out that he never demanded these payments; they were provided voluntarily as part of the film’s profit-sharing structure.


Kapoor further explained the circumstances under which he joined the project. At the time, the production team did not have the financial resources to meet his usual acting fee. Rather than turning down the opportunity, he chose to participate without charging for his performance. His primary motivation, he said, was the desire to learn and grow as an artist. Working with an international team allowed him to expand his understanding of cinema and explore new creative approaches, which he believes has helped him remain relevant in the industry.

The film featured breakthrough performances from Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, while the ensemble cast also included notable actors such as Irrfan Khan and Saurabh Shukla. Kapoor played Prem Kumar, the charismatic host of a television quiz show. The story was adapted from the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup.

Released to worldwide acclaim, Slumdog Millionaire achieved remarkable success during the awards season. At the Academy Awards in 2009, the film received ten nominations and secured eight trophies, including Best Picture and Best Director, cementing its legacy as one of the most celebrated films of its time.