Over-the-top (OTT) streaming content in India has evolved dramatically from its modest beginnings with low-budget slice-of-life dramas. Pioneered by platforms like The Viral Fever (TVF), Indian shows truly achieved cinematic scale with the launch of Amazon Prime Video’s Inside Edge and Netflix’s Sacred Games. This transition not only elevated production values but also significantly increased the fees of Indian actors. Today, the highest-paid Indian OTT actors earn more than top Bollywood stars.
Priyanka Chopra has emerged as India’s highest-paid actor on OTT, thanks to her lucrative deal with Prime Video’s Citadel. Created by the Russo Brothers, Citadel was produced on a staggering budget of $250 million (over Rs 2000 crore). For the first time, Priyanka received equal pay to her male co-star, Richard Madden. While the exact figures are undisclosed, international trade sites estimate that both Priyanka and Madden earned between $25-30 million (Rs 200-250 crore) each. This payday surpasses the entire production budget of India’s most expensive series, Heeramandi.
Before Priyanka’s deal, Ajay Devgn held the title of India’s highest-paid OTT star, earning Rs 125 crore for Disney+ Hotstar’s Rudra: Edge of Darkness. Other actors in the OTT space typically command fees in the Rs 10-15 crore range. For example, Manoj Bajpayee reportedly received Rs 10 crore for The Family Man, Kareena Kapoor charged Rs 12 crore for Jaane Jaan, and Alia Bhatt earned Rs 15 crore for Darlings. Saif Ali Khan is another high earner, reportedly making over Rs 25 crore for his role in Tandav.
In addition to her role in Citadel, Priyanka Chopra continues to be a significant force in both Hollywood and Bollywood. She is set to star in the romantic comedy Love Again, alongside Sam Heughan and Celine Dion, which is slated for release later this year. Priyanka is also returning to the big screen in the much-anticipated Bollywood film Jee Le Zaraa, directed by Farhan Akhtar and co-starring Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif.
Recently, Priyanka wrapped up shooting for Heads of State, an action-packed thriller where she shares the screen with John Cena and Idris Elba. Additionally, she continues to be an influential figure off-screen, advocating for various social causes and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Priyanka’s achievements continue to pave the way for gender pay parity and increased recognition for Indian actors on international platforms.
