Aamir Khan’s Profit-Sharing Model: A Commitment to Creative Freedom and Cost-Effective Filmmaking

For over two decades, the Bollywood star has opted for a profit-sharing approach, enabling more artistic liberty and affordable productions.

Aamir Khan, one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed actors, has long embraced a unique compensation strategy in the Indian film industry. For more than 20 years, Khan has forgone a fixed salary, choosing instead to share in his films’ profits. This approach not only reduces initial production costs but also grants him greater creative freedom.

Reflecting on his directorial debut, Taare Zameen Par (2007), a film centered on a dyslexic child, Khan recounted the challenges in securing support for the project. By excluding his fee from the budget, he ensured the film remained financially viable, requiring only modest box office returns to break even. This method, he believes, allows him to pursue passion projects without the burden of hefty financial expectations.

Khan likens his profit-sharing model to traditional street performers who earn based on audience appreciation. “If the audience enjoys my work, I get paid; if not, I don’t,” he explained. This performance-based remuneration system, he asserts, motivates him to deliver quality content consistently.

After a hiatus following Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Khan is set to return to the silver screen. He will star in Sitaare Zameen Par, directed by RS Prasanna, and is slated for a cameo in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, featuring Rajinikanth in the lead role.

Khan’s dedication to a profit-sharing model underscores his commitment to artistic integrity and cost-effective filmmaking, setting a precedent in the industry.