If Deepika Padukone, top of the heroine heap in Bollywood, was reportedly paid a whopping Rs.11 crore for her grand period drama Padmavati, well she has competition… Word has it that the 44-year-old Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who was last seen on screen in a memorable appearance in Karan Johar’s Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, has asked for and is receiving a mouth-watering Rs.10 crore for her latest project!

The film in question is the remake of Raat Aur Din, a classic film from 1967, which had seen Nargis Dutt in the lead. The film will be produced by KriArj Entertainments, which is co-owned by Prernaa Arora and Arjun N. Kapoor. The film is a huge bonus for Ash, talent-wise as well, as the role is that of a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder. This Satyen Bose directorial had won its leading actress, Nargis, the distinguished National Film Award for Best Actress for her role as Varuna. A married woman and a typical homemaker by day, Varuna would morph into Peggy at night and walk the streets of Calcutta. With a sensational story and performance, the film has developed a cult following over the years.

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Given that the role will require extensive preparation, Ash has quoted a fee which left many gob-smacked. Her rationale is apparently that since it is a time-consuming project, she will have to decline the other films offers that come her way. Fortunately for her, the producers think the same way and have agreed to the amount sans negotiation.

With this move, Aishwarya re-enters the top bracket of biggest earners in Bollywood. While Deepika and Kangana reportedly earn around Rs.10 to Rs.12 crore per film, Priyanka’s asking rate is sure to have shot up post her successful Hollywood innings, from her earlier price of Rs.8 to Rs.9 crore. Kareena also weighs in at Rs.9 to Rs.10 crore per film. More power to Ash and here’s hoping for performances that match all those many zeroes on her paycheck!