Shraddha Kapoor Demands ₹17 Crore and Creative Control in Ekta Kapoor’s Film, Director Denies Her Exit

Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor has found herself at the center of a dramatic salary and rights dispute involving one of the industry’s biggest producers, Ekta Kapoor.

According to multiple reports, Shraddha allegedly demanded a jaw-dropping ₹17 crore to star in Ekta’s upcoming psychological thriller. But that’s not all, she also reportedly asked for profit-sharing and intellectual property (IP) ownership of the film.

While no official statement has come from Shraddha or Ekta Kapoor’s teams, the rumor alone has caused a stir across Bollywood.

The project in question is a women-led psychological thriller directed by Rahi Anil Barve, best known for his cult horror-fantasy film Tumbbad. The film was being produced under the Balaji Motion Pictures banner, and Shraddha was reportedly finalized as the lead.

Sources say she was excited about the script but wanted full creative control and a share of future profits, especially given the film’s unique concept and her past success in similar genres like Stree.

The rumored fee of ₹17 crore would make Shraddha one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood history. For context, top-tier actresses usually earn ₹5–₹12 crore per film.

The additional request for profit participation and IP rights raised eyebrows in the industry. While such demands are common for A-list male stars, they are rare for actresses, making this a bold move that could shift industry norms if true.

Director Responds: “Just a Rumor”

Amid growing buzz that Shraddha had exited the project due to “unrealistic demands,” director Rahi Anil Barve came forward to deny it all.

“Everything is just a rumor. Shraddha is still part of the project,” Barve told the Times of India in an exclusive statement.

This has left fans and insiders confused: Was it a negotiation leak? A media exaggeration? Or is the creative team doing damage control?

Public Reactions: Mixed Opinions Online

The news quickly went viral on social media, with mixed reactions:

• Some called Shraddha’s move “empowering,” saying she’s finally asking for what she’s worth.
• Others labeled it “arrogant” and warned it could cost her future projects.

On Reddit, one user commented:

“17 crore and IP rights? If you want that much control, maybe produce your own movie.”

Is Shraddha Kapoor Taking a Stand?

If these reports are true, Shraddha’s demands signal a new phase in her career, one where she’s not just an actress for hire but a strategic partner in content creation.

With Stree 2 on the horizon and her growing fanbase, she may feel more empowered to shape her own brand. Still, such high demands can be risky in an industry where projects often run on tight budgets and personal networks.