Not Aamir Khan or Ranbir Kapoor: This A-list actress outsmarts top Bollywood stars in money management; CA reveals

Economic Times

23-05-2025

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Katrina Kaif's Financial Acumen
Aamir Khan's Profit-Sharing Approach
When it comes to managing money in Bollywood, Katrina Kaif stands out as the most financially astute among top stars like Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan. This insight comes from Bimal Parekh, a renowned chartered accountant closely associated with the industry's leading actors.In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bimal Parekh shared his observations about the money management habits of several prominent Bollywood celebrities. He pointed out that Katrina Kaif is notably sharp and actively involved in her financial matters, unlike Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan, whom he described as relatively indifferent to money. Parekh said, 'Katrina Kaif is the sharpest. She takes an interest. Aamir and Ranbir are not that bothered! Then Ritesh Sidhwani and Krishna DK (of Raj-DK director duo) are sharp as well, they understand money.'Parekh's connection with Ranbir Kapoor extends beyond managing his finances; he is also co-owner of Ranbir's football team. Reflecting on the involvement of Ranbir's late father, Rishi Kapoor, Parekh revealed that Rishi had the final say in the team's ownership and insisted that someone from the Kapoor family oversee its operations. According to Parekh, Rishi was open to collaborations but wanted family involvement to ensure proper management.One of the most revealing parts of Parekh's discussion was about Aamir Khan's approach to remuneration. Parekh claims to have been the first to introduce the profit-sharing or backend payment model to Aamir, deviating from the common practice of upfront fees. 'No upfront fee, but profit sharing. This way, Laal Singh Chadha, the studio (Viacom 18) still made money, while Aamir made little,' Parekh explained. He further added that for Dangal, Aamir did earn well from this model. This innovative strategy was introduced when actors typically charged hefty upfront fees.Parekh also recalled a conversation with Aamir in which the actor mentioned he intentionally kept his fees low to avoid causing losses for producers. Surprised, Parekh suggested a better alternative was to forgo fees altogether and take a share of profits on the backend.Aamir Khan himself spoke candidly at the ABP Live summit about his payment policy, stating, 'I never received any money for Laal Singh Chadha as it didn't do well at the box office. I never get paid until the film makes any profit… I don't regret it either. If the film has not worked well, it is on me to take the responsibility for it.' He explained his preference not to charge based on shooting days, unlike some actors who bill by the number of days regardless of a film's success. Aamir emphasized, 'I can't let my producer suffer for my creatives.'