Aamir highest paid Bollywood Star in Ad-world; gets Rs 35cr. deal

Aamir Khan, gleeful from the success of 3 Idiots, has signed a deal with a UAE-based telecommunications service provider reportedly for a staggering Rs 35 crore -- the highest a Bollywood star has ever received for endorsement, leaving far behind the previous highs of Rs 12 crore to Rs 15 crore. Reports says that it is a two-year contract during which Super star will make himself available for an assigned number of media shoots, press advertisements and personal appearances. Advertisement guru Prahlad Kakkar, who was director of Aamir's first cola commercial in 1993, for which the actor was paid a `meagre' Rs 17 lakh, reacted, saying, "That is a hell of a lot of money to pay. He has indeed come a long way. But it isn't surprising; he brings a great degree of single-minded exclusivity to a brand. Aamir Khan who is very particular about the script, his own image and the image of the product, has surprised advertisement industry. According to reports, the last highest amount paid to four Bollywood names include - Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Hirthik Roshan for their hosiery endorsements is said to be in the range of Rs 12 to Rs 15 crore. Aamir's own earlier contracts for a biscuit, a cola, a car, an FMCG, a watch maker and a satellite TV service provider are all reportedly in the range of Rs 12 crore; so, by even his own standards, his fees have almost tripled. Trade insiders attributed Aamir's rising stock in ad circles to his recent box-office successes. Aamir himself neither denied nor confirmed his latest endorsement fee. "I enjoy doing my ads. And I'm choosy about the brands and the creative team that works on them. I work as hard on my ads as I do on my films," he said. Among female stars, Bollywood heroine Priyanka Chopra is said to be in the lead. Reports suggest that she gets paid anything between Rs 3.5 crore and Rs 4 crore for a deal. Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif are also favourites of Ad producers -- who command an annual fee of Rs 2.5 crore. Aishwarya Rai continues to be a global icon, commanding an enviable fee for her watch and cosmetic deals on the international circuit.