Like many countries across the globe, India’s showbiz industry also organizes multiple award functions every year to recognize and celebrate the contributions of film stars, singers, and entertainers.

For fans, one of the most exciting parts of these events is the star-studded live performances. But a question that often arises is: how much do Bollywood celebrities, who already charge crores for films and songs, earn for performing at these award ceremonies?

The Changing Trend

According to a recent report in Indian media, there was a time when organizers used to offer actors an award in exchange for performing or hosting the show. Financial compensation was not always part of the deal.

However, this trend reportedly changed when a famous Bollywood superstar demanded payment for his stage performance.

Who Started It?

During a talk show, actor Anil Kapoor was asked: “Who was the first Bollywood actor to demand payment for performing at an award function?”

Without hesitation, Anil Kapoor revealed that it was Salman Khan who broke the old tradition and set the new standard of charging for performances at award shows.

Anil Kapoor’s Own Experience

Anil Kapoor also shared a personal anecdote during the discussion. He said:

• “I was among the first actors to perform at an award function, but I never charged anything. I wasn’t even aware that actors were paid huge amounts for such performances.”

His revelation highlighted how the industry evolved from awarding performances as a token of recognition to offering hefty paychecks to stars for their appearances on stage.

The Present Scenario

Today, top Bollywood stars reportedly charge anywhere from several lakhs to multiple crores for a single award show performance. Their fees often depend on their stardom, current demand, and the scale of the event.