The success of Piku and Tanu Weds Manu Returns has changed the game for Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut respectively. Thanks to the box office success of their films, the two have asked their managers to hike their fees, to match the remuneration of top male actors. While the producers we hear aren’t complaining — as long as they guarantee box office returns — it is the younger lot of male actors that seem to be threatened by the move.
Says a source close to Kangana, “Both Piku and TWMR have done fantastic business at the box office without the backing of male lead actors. It shows a changing dynamic of the industry. Kangana and Deepika are the only two actresses today who can quote the sum they want and decide which filmmaker they want to work with. It also goes on to show that you don’t necessarily need top banners to back you if you have a strong story and female lead.”
