Sooraj Pancholi reveals actors pay Rs 30 lakh to be featured on podcasts

Sooraj Pancholi reveals actors pay Rs 30 lakh to be featured on podcasts

Actor Sooraj Pancholi, who was recently seen in Kesari Veer, made a surprising revelation during a recent interview that has caught the attention of fans and the entertainment industry. In a candid chat on a podcast with Hindi Rush, Sooraj disclosed that some actors actually pay large sums of money—up to Rs 30 lakh—to get featured on top-performing podcasts.

“I have heard that there are a few actors who charge about Rs 30 lakh to do a podcast. Is this true? I am just wanting to know because I have come here for free. Pay me at least Rs 30,000,” Sooraj said jokingly, prompting laughter from the podcasters.

However, the conversation quickly turned serious when Sooraj clarified that he had also been approached with such an offer.

“Yes, I have heard that too, that the podcasters who have good viewership charge Rs 30 lakh to get you on their podcast. I have received such offer too,” the actor admitted.

He added, “But it makes sense as they give you viewership. They have put immense hard work to grow their page so I think why not.”

This admission sheds light on a growing trend within the entertainment and influencer space, where visibility often comes at a price.

Interestingly, despite receiving such an offer himself, Sooraj chose not to pay to appear on a podcast. His comment has sparked conversations online about authenticity in podcast guest lineups and the blurred lines between organic content and paid promotion.

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Sooraj was seen in his recently released movie Kesari Veer, a historical action drama directed by Prince Dhiman. The film, which released on May 23, stars Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Barkha Bisht, Aruna Irani, and Akanksha Sharma in key roles.

Known for his Bollywood debut in 2015 alongside Athiya Shetty in Hero, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut, Sooraj also starred in Satellite Shankar (2019) and Time to Dance opposite Isabelle Kaif. His remarks about the podcast culture offer a rare glimpse into the evolving marketing practices of today’s entertainment industry, where reach and relevance often come with a hefty price tag.