Leading the pack is the Kapoor scion, Ranbir, 29, the most saleable name under the age of 30. According to trade analyst Komal Nahta, he charges Rs. 8 to Rs. 10 crore per film, the highest among his contemporaries. Even his endorsements fetch him a handsome Rs. 1.5 to Rs. 2 crore per ad per day. Nahta says, "Ranbir represents the youth. His charm and following hit a new high after Rockstar (2011)."
Close on his heels is Priyanka Chopra, 30, who bought three flats in Mumbai and had them converted into one big house. The actor owns a BMW 7 Series and a Porsche Cayenne. Nahta estimates that she charges Rs. 2 to Rs. 3 crore per film and Rs. 65 to Rs. 75 lakh per ad per day, making her the most successful actress in the age bracket. Katrina Kaif comes close (Rs 3 to Rs. 4 crore per film, and Rs. 1 to Rs. 1.5 crore per ad per day), but she doesn't own a big property in the country yet.
Meanwhile, Ranbir hasn't gone on an ad-signing spree yet. Indranil Das Blah, Ranbir's manager says, "When Ranbir started out, he was very clear about having an approach similar to that of Aamir Khan's — quality over quantity. The brands he is associated with are youthful and have mass appeal. He is never going to do multiple (10 to 15) advertisements at the same time. He has a long-term vision." The actor has smartly straddled the bridge between commercial cinema and films that showcase his acting talent.
Trade analyst p Adarsh says, "From masses to classes, people react well to his performance even if his film doesn't do well. Anurag Basu's Barfi! will cement his position."
Under-30 club
Who's making the most money? Who's endorsing what brand? Who's driving what car? Here's the lowdown on Bollywood's young stars:
Priyanka Chopra (30)
Rate per film: Rs 2 cr - Rs. 3 cr
Rate per ad: Rs. 65 lakh - Rs. 75 lakh per ad per day
Major endorsements: Nokia, Dabur, Dabur Amla, Garnier, Samsung, Bru, Nikon, Hero Honda, Asmi
Assets: Three flats in Mumbai have been converted into one big flat
The wheels: BMW 7 Series, Porsche Cayenne
Priyanka says: "I'll be lying if I say it's not important to be on top, but that doesn't determine the way I work."
Industry speak: "Priyanka has grown as an actor. She takes chances and pushes the boundaries," says Siddharth Roy Kapoor, MD, Studios, Disney-UTV Motion Pictures. UTV is producing PC's upcoming film, Barfi!.
Trade talk: "Priyanka is versatile, a good actor and she's also very hot," says trade analyst Komal Nahta.
Ranbir Kapoor (29)
Rate per film: Rs. 8 cr - Rs. 10 cr
Rate per ad: Rs. 1.5 cr - Rs. 2 cr per ad per day
Major endorsements: Panasonic, Pepsi, Tata Docomo, Nissan, Ranco Leone shoes, Hero Moto Corp, Lenovo
Assets: Not known
The wheels: Red Audi R8, Range Rover Sport, Dahon foldable cycle
Industry speak: "He's a brilliant actor, and everyone in the industry wants to work with him," says director-producer Anurag Kashyap, who has recently signed Ranbir for his ambitious project, Bombay Velvet.
Trade talk: "Ranbir reminds the audiences and film industry of the energy Raj Kapoor had. I am sure he will make the clan proud in the years to come," explains Vajir Singh, editor, Box Office India.
Katrina Kaif (28)
Rate per ad: Rs. 1 cr - Rs. 1.5 cr per day
Major endorsements: Barbie, Choc-on, Linc Uniball, Lux, Nakshatra, Olay, Panasonic, Pantene, Slice, Titan, Wrigleys, Yardley, Veet
Assets: Owns property in London
The wheels: Audi Q7
Katrina says: "It's difficult to take the numbers game seriously. I try not to get too attached or overwhelmed by it."
Industry speak: "Her attention to detail is phenomenal. She's lovely to work with," says Rafiq Gangjee, VP Marketing, YRF. Kat stars in Yash Chopra's untitled next.
Trade speak: "She understands the business of films, and keeps a tab on the money her films are making," says trade analyst Vajir Singh.
Imran Khan (28)
Rate per ad: Rs. 1 cr - Rs. 1.5 cr per ad per day
Major endorsements: Levis, Coke
Assets: Not known
The wheels: Porsche Cayenne, Ferrari California, Volkswagen Beetle, BMW 3-series
Industry speak: "There's this innocence about him; and as an actor, he's very good," says Ekta Kapoor, who is producing his upcoming Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai 2.
Trade speak: "He's experimenting and moving away from his lover boy image with films like Delhi Belly (2011) and Vishal Bhardwaj's upcoming movie, Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola. He's not using his star uncle's (Aamir Khan) name to bag films," says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
Deepika Padukone (26)
Rate per film: Rs. 1 cr - Rs. 2.5 cr
Rate per ad: Rs. 50 lakh - Rs. 75 lakh per ad per day
Major endorsements: Nescaf , Sony Cybershot, Parachute, Tissot, Fiama Di Wills, Wrigleys, Pilot Pens, Marico
Assets: Owns two houses: one in Prabhadevi and one in Bandra
The wheels: Audi Q7
Deepika says: "I consider myself fortunate for the opportunities I've got. My intention has always been to do good work with honesty, passion and commitment."
Industry speak: "Cocktail has positioned her in a new paradigm," says Indranil Das Blah of KWAN, the talent management company that represents her.
Trade talk: "She is popular with the youth and is a fine actor and dancer," says trade analyst Komal Nahta.
Anushka Sharma (24)
Rate per film:
R1 cr - R1.5 cr
Rate per ad: R25 lakh - R40 lakh per ad per day
Major endorsements: TVS Scooty, Nivea, Reliance Communications, Parachute, Canon, Gitanjali Jewels
Assets: Not known
The wheels: Range Rover and Audi
Anushka says: "I don't believe in the numbers game. The only way I see it is that people are appreciating my work. That gives my professional choices the needed confidence."
Industry speak: "She brings something new to each shot. A gutsy performer, who keeps her co-actors on their toes," says Nikhil Advani, who directed her in Patiala House (2011).
Trade talk: "Anushka's charm and energy are what place her at the top," says trade analyst Vajir Singh.
Sonakshi Sinha (25)
Rate per film: Rs. 75 lakh - Rs. 1 cr
Rate per ad: Rs. 25 lakh per ad per day
Major endorsements: D'damas for Gitanjali, Red Label Tea, Provogue, Fem and Gulabari for Dabur, Colgate, Pantene
Assets: Not known
The wheels: The family owns more than five cars
Sonakshi says: "I have a long way to go. I work hard on all films, treating each like my first. I am constantly learning."
Industry speak: "She has carved a niche for herself as an actor who appeals to the masses," says Siddharth Roy Kapoor, MD, Studios, Disney-UTV Motion Pictures. UTV produced Rowdy Rathore, and her upcoming, Joker.
Trade talk: "She is talented and in it for the long run," says trade analyst Komal Nahta.
Sonam Kapoor (27)
Rate per ad: Rs. 25 lakh - Rs. 50 lakh
Major endorsements: L'Oreal, Spice Mobile, Montblanc, Electrolux, Indian Gems and Jewellery Exhibition
Assets: Not known
The wheels: The family owns more than five cars Industry Speak: "She is improving day by day. She's a very nice girl," says director Anees Bazmee, who worked with her in Thank You (2011).
Trade speak: "She's a style icon. She may have been awkward in Saawariya (2007) but her recent performances have been better. Give her some time and she will be among the top actors," says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.
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