Mohammad Azharuddin did not take a single penny for his biopic.
Milkha Singh took only Re 1 for the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag starring Farhan Akhtar.
The popularity of films based on true stories has skyrocketed in the last few years. The most well-liked ones among these are the biographical films or biopics. The number of biopics produced in Hindi films has suddenly increased, indicating that the audience is drawn to the minute details of the lives of the people they admire and look up to. Although biopics have been made well beyond just a few years, it can be assumed that the recent trend was initiated by the film The Dirty Picture which told the story of South Siren Silk Smitha.
In the majority of cases, if the biopic is an authorised one, the person whose life is encapsulated is often paid a royalty sum. Over the years, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Gunjan Saxena, Sanju, Azhar, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, Dangal, Neerja, Sardar Udham Singh, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, Pan Singh Tomar, Mary Kom and Sarabjit have become popular biopics. So, let’s know about some of these movies for which celebrities or their relatives got paid.
Azhar
Before the release of the biopic on the life of the former captain of the Indian cricket team, Mohammad Azharuddin, there was talk of taking a huge amount of money from the producers. But director Tony D’Souza clarified that Azharuddin did not take a single penny for the film. Emraan Hashmi played the role of the cricketer in Azhar.
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
The biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag on Milkha Singh, popularly known as Flying Sikh, is one of Bollywood’s most popular biopics ever made. Farhan Akhtar was seen in the lead role. Milkha Singh had won a gold medal in 400 meters at the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games. Milkha Singh took only Re 1 for the film.
Chhapaak
Director Meghna Gulzar made a film titled Chhapaak on the life of acid attack survivor and social activist Lakshmi Agarwal. Lakshmi Aggarwal was paid Rs 13 lakh for the film.
Mary Kom
The film narrating the life of boxer Mary Kom was not only appreciated but also won the National Award for Best Popular Film. Priyanka Chopra played the role of the world champion Mary Kom in the film. MC Mary was paid Rs 25 lakh by the producers for the film.
Paan Singh Tomar
Paan Singh Tomar had Irrfan playing the athlete turned bandit who had fought against a corrupt system. Pan Singh’s surviving kin was paid Rs 15 lakh by the makers.
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story
MS Dhoni: The Untold Story is one of the most popular biopics in Bollywood. Sushant Singh Rajput played the role of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, former captain of the Indian cricket team. The makers had reportedly paid Dhoni Rs 45 crore for the biopic.