Imran Khan is preparing to return to the silver screen with his upcoming film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. In a recent podcast discussion with Samdish, the actor shared insights into Bollywood’s casting dynamics and addressed the impressive salaries of its top stars.
Reflecting on his career, Imran disclosed that he was not the initial choice for the film Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola, as Ajay Devgn was considered first. After Ajay’s departure from the project, Vishal Bhardwaj turned to Imran, not necessarily because of his fit for the role, but due to budget considerations.
Khan highlighted the influence of financial aspects in casting decisions, stating, “The approach to casting is all based on budget, even now. It has nothing to do with the actor. Nobody cares whether you’re the right actor for the role. They’re just thinking, ‘How much money can I get with him?’” This perception suggests that casting choices are often motivated by potential financial returns rather than artistic suitability.
When discussing the earnings of A-list actors in Bollywood, Imran noted that those in the top tier, including Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, typically command no less than ₹30 crore per film. He expressed surprise if any contemporary actor were earning below that benchmark, emphasizing the substantial financial stakes involved in leading roles.
The actor also pointed out the disparity in pay between lead actors and other cast and crew members. He raised concerns about the growing inequity, questioning the rationale behind the significant salary differences and suggesting that it may lead to a broader reckoning in the industry regarding compensation norms.
In his upcoming film, Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by Vir Das and Kavi Shastri, Imran Khan will share the screen with notable actors such as Vir Das, Amit Bhandari, Mithila Palkar, and Sharib Hashmi. Aamir Khan is set to make a special appearance. The film is slated for release on January 16, 2026.