Actor Ayushmann Khurrana has revealed a surprising detail about his 2018 blockbuster Andhadhun — he charged only Rs1 as his acting fee.
In a recent interview, Khurrana said he made that decision out of respect for the film’s creative vision and its limited budget. “I didn’t charge my regular fee for Andhadhun. I only took one rupee, symbolically,” he shared. “For me, the story and the collaboration mattered more than the money.”
Directed by Sriram Raghavan, Andhadhun became one of the most acclaimed thrillers of modern Hindi cinema. The film not only earned massive critical praise but also turned into a commercial hit — both in India and overseas. Ayushmann’s portrayal of a blind pianist caught in a web of crime and deception earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
The actor revealed that instead of an upfront payment, he later received a share of the profits once the film performed well at the box office. “I’ve always believed that if a movie works, everyone involved should benefit,” he explained.
Khurrana’s approach stands out in today’s Bollywood landscape, where star fees often dominate production budgets. Some actors reportedly charge up to 60–70% of a film’s total cost, leaving little space for experimentation. Ayushmann, on the other hand, said he prefers being “producer-friendly” and working on projects he believes in, regardless of the paycheck.
Released in October 2018, Andhadhun went on to earn over Rs450 crore worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most profitable Indian films that year.
Khurrana’s symbolic ₹1 fee now feels like a poetic gesture — one that perfectly captures his artistic spirit and confidence in the film’s storytelling.
