Rajkummar Rao on reports of his fees hike after Stree 2 success: Not stupid to burden producers, money is just a byproduct of my passion

Rajkummar Rao has addressed recent reports suggesting that he is charging exorbitant fees after the success of Stree 2, dispelling the notion that his earnings have dramatically increased following the blockbuster film’s release.

In a candid conversation, the 40-year-old actor clarified that while Stree 2 has been a massive success, he is not one to exploit the success for personal gain or burden producers with hefty pay demands.

The actor emphasized that money has never been the primary driving force behind his career. In an interview with Indian Express, Rajkummar remarked, “I read different figures every day. I’m not stupid to burden my producers. Being a part of the biggest blockbuster is not going to change me as an actor, money is just a byproduct of my passion."

He further added that his focus remains on finding roles that not only challenge him but also allow him to grow as an artist. "I want to work all my life so I keep looking for roles that surprise me, excite me, challenge and help me grow,” he said, making it clear that his passion for acting outweighs any financial incentives that may come his way.

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This statement comes amidst reports suggesting that Rajkummar had increased his fee to Rs 6 crore for Stree 2, a figure that was widely circulated in the media.

His co-star, Shraddha Kapoor, was also reported to have charged Rs 5 crore for her role in the film. However, Rajkummar’s remarks are a clear indication that he is not driven solely by commercial success or the need to maximize his earnings from a single project.

In a previous appearance on the Unfiltered With Samdish show, Rajkummar also addressed the public perception of his wealth. He humorously confessed that he doesn’t possess the kind of wealth people often attribute to successful Bollywood stars. "Yaar, honestly itna paisa hai nahi jitna logon ko lagta hoga ki ye toh bhai 100 crore. Itna nahi hai [Honestly, I don't own this kind of money. I don't have as much money as people believe I have. I don't have Rs 100 crore],” he said, debunking the myth that he lives a lavish lifestyle akin to other big Bollywood stars.

Rajkummar's comments shed light on his grounded nature and his approach to his career. Despite the success of Stree 2, which has emerged as one of the highest-grossing films of the year, he continues to remain focused on the art of acting and is not swayed by the pressures of fame or financial gain. For him, the most important thing is to keep evolving as an actor, and he values working with talented directors and exploring diverse characters over chasing monetary rewards.

Stree 2, directed by Amar Kaushik, has captured audiences’ attention for its unique mix of horror and comedy, emerging as a box-office juggernaut since its release in August. The film continues to enjoy critical and commercial success, with notable appearances by Akshay Kumar and Varun Dhawan, alongside the lead cast of Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor. The film’s narrative, revolving around a villain named Sarkata who terrorizes the people of Chanderi, has resonated with viewers, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon in Bollywood.

While many actors may see a success like Stree 2 as an opportunity to hike their fees, Rajkummar Rao’s response is a reminder that he remains focused on the long-term vision of his career rather than the fleeting allure of financial success. His commitment to his craft and his balanced approach to stardom continue to earn him respect in the film industry.