Rajiv Rai Backs ₹100 Crore Fee for Ahaan Panday After Saiyaara’s Success

Veteran filmmaker Rajiv Rai has strongly endorsed newcomer Ahaan Panday’s growing stardom, stating that the actor fully deserves a ₹100 crore fee following the success of his debut film Saiyaara. Rai, known for directing hits like Gupt and Tridev, argued that an actor’s remuneration should be directly proportional to the box office returns they generate, and Ahaan’s performance in Saiyaara justifies such a valuation.

In a recent interview, Rai emphasized that producers are often responsible for inflated star fees, agreeing to steep demands without assessing the actor’s actual value. “If someone demands ₹1,000 crore and a producer agrees to pay, then it’s on the producer,” he said. According to Rai, actors should only charge high fees if they can ensure similar revenue within the opening weekend. He pointed out that if an actor can bring in ₹100 crore within the first three days of release, then the fee is justified.

Using Ahaan Panday as a prime example, Rai noted that Saiyaara, made on a modest ₹40 crore budget, has grossed over ₹256 crore in just 11 days. The film’s unexpected success, particularly among young viewers, has established Ahaan as a commercially bankable face. Rai added that while it might not be time to actually pay him ₹100 crore just yet, the film’s performance proves his potential to reach that bracket.

The director’s comments come amid a larger conversation in Bollywood around escalating actor salaries and producer accountability. Industry veteran Subhash Ghai has also weighed in, urging filmmakers to invest more in strong stories rather than star power. As Saiyaara continues its box office run, Ahaan Panday’s debut is now being seen as a possible game-changer in the economics of star-driven cinema.