Aamir Khan, a Bollywood superstar and filmmaker renowned for his sharp business acumen, has long advocated for the profit-sharing model in Indian cinema as a way to ensure the industry’s sustainability. Speaking at an event, he addressed the growing debate around star salaries and their impact on filmmaking, highlighting how this approach allows him to create meaningful films like Taare Zameen Par despite his superstardom.
Recalling the skepticism surrounding the film, Aamir Khan shared that some had questioned whether a movie about dyslexia would resonate with audiences. “But I liked it a lot, and I cried a lot too. I wanted to make this film. What really works in my favour is that I don’t load my fees on the film’s budget. See, my films can get done in Rs 10-20 crores, and that much money my films would make anyway,” he said.
He further elaborated on his profit-sharing philosophy, likening it to the traditional way artists earned their livelihood. “Since I earn money in the profit-share model, it is almost like the old way of artists earning money. They would perform on the roads and collect money from the onlookers by going around with an upturned hat. If they like it, they can give whatever they deem fit, and if they don’t like it, they can walk away. Similarly, if my film runs, I earn, and if the film doesn’t run, I don’t earn.” Aamir revealed that he has been following this model for over 20 years now, emphasizing, “I don’t take salary…”
Providing 3 Idiots as an example, he explained how audience appreciation directly impacts his earnings. “So many of you saw the film, recommended it to your friends and family, rewatched it, and ensured the film earned a lot of money. So, I too got a share from those profits. Basically, my earnings are solely dependent on the film getting appreciated and finding its audience.”
Well, that is a great way of not earning and with this the producers also didn’t get burdened.
