Tollywood stars like Rana, Jr NTR, Nani and Jagapathi Babu have become omnipresent, and are grabbing every opportunity to get spotted on various new platforms. Be it IPL, reality shows, TV shows, web series, award functions or commercials, making a quick buck seems to have become the mantra of these celebs.
Bigg Boss Telugu, which marked Jr NTR’s debut as a TV host, was tipped as the most expensive show to be ever produced in Telugu television. Ever since the actor agreed to host the show, all eyes were on his remuneration, which was rumoured to be more than what Chiranjeevi and Nagarjuna were paid for their game shows.
“Yeah, I was paid handsomely something which I feel was enough,” says Jr NTR, adding, “Getting the opportunity to play the host for the first time for the Telugu version of Bigg Boss was itself significant for me.”
Another platform where the Jai Lava Kusa star made his presence strongly felt was when he was made the official ambassador for the Telugu broadcast of IPL-2018. “Honestly, it was an instant decision to come on board. I felt the concept of listening to cricket commentary in Telugu was unique and that’s what fascinated me,” he says.
Rana Duggubati Rs 40 lakh (ad commercials), Rs 75 lakh (TV talk shows), Rs 30 lakh (web series), Rs 15 lakh (hosting award shows)
Rana Daggubati too is cashing in on all opportunities that are coming his way, thanks to his Baahubali stint. Apart from films, the strapping actor has been part of a television talk show (No 1 Yaari), bilingual web series (Social) and several commercials. Buzz is that the actor was offered close to Rs 40 lakh for a commercial. On being asked about the fat pay cheques, Rana says, “Pay is always a by-product. I love to be part of any platform that gives me an opportunity to tell a story.” He adds, “As an actor, I am glad to experiment with different genres and platforms. The idea of being able to tell a story beyond cinema is what excites me.”
Rs 3 crore (Bigg Boss), Rs 1 crore (ad commercials), Rs 12 lakh (hosting award shows)
Nani is yet another actor who is making quick bucks by venturing into various platforms be it Telugu reality show Bigg Boss or hosting film award functions. Apparently, the actor pocketed more than Rs 3 crore for hosting the Bigg Boss second season.
“The show is unscripted, which is why I took it up. It gives me an opportunity to be spontaneous and improvise on the spot,” he explains.
Jagapati Babu, Rs 70 lakh (13-episode TV series)
Even senior actors like Jagapathi Babu (JB) seem to have caught up with the fascination of exploring new terrains. Apparently, the actor has shot for a 13-episode TV series and pocketed a solid sum of Rs 70 lakh.
