Did you know Salman Khan was paid less than Bhagyashree in Maine Pyaar Kiya? Here's what we know

While Maine Pyaar Kiya catapulted Salman Khan to overnight stardom in 1989, it’s surprising to know that he was not the highest-paid actor on the set. In fact, his co-star Bhagyashree, who played the female lead, reportedly earned ₹1.5 lakh, which was significantly more than Salman’s initial fee of ₹31,000. This little-known fact sheds light on Salman’s humble beginnings in an era where his massive star power was still a distant dream.

Long before he became one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Salman’s career began with a meagre paycheck of ₹75 for a background dancing gig at the Taj Hotel. He then earned ₹750 for a Campa Cola advertisement and slowly climbed his way up to a ₹31,000 paycheck for Maine Pyaar Kiya, which was later revised to ₹75,000. His story is a perfect example of starting from scratch and working his way to the top of the industry.

According to Parveen Dastur, who played Seema in the film, Bhagyashree was the highest-paid actor on the set, earning ₹1.5 lakh. Parveen revealed that at the time, the rest of the cast was genuinely surprised by her fee, especially since Salman Khan’s remuneration was much lower. Interestingly, Bhagyashree chose to step away from the limelight soon after the film’s success, marking her brief but iconic stint in Bollywood.

Parveen Dastur fondly recalled that although Rajshri Productions didn’t pay extravagant fees, they were incredibly professional and honest. Payments were timely, and actors never had to chase the production house for their dues — a refreshing exception in an industry where delayed payments are a notorious issue. Parveen even compared this to some of her later experiences where she wasn’t paid at all.

Maine Pyaar Kiya wasn’t just a romantic blockbuster — it was a turning point that shaped Salman Khan’s destiny. The film became the highest-grossing movie of 1989, transforming Salman from a struggling newcomer into a national heartthrob. Even though his initial fee was modest, the success of the film skyrocketed his career and marked the beginning of one of Bollywood’s most celebrated journeys.