By: Sima Malhotra

Bollywood just cannot get enough of the Bachchans – even the ones who marry into the family…and it is showing in the family bank account.

Indian film producer Bobby Pushkarna has reportedly offered Aishwarya Rai Bachchan – who married Abhishek Bachchan – about $2.1 million (Rs. 10 crore) to be the leading star in his next film, the title of which was not yet made public.

No official word on whether Rai Bachchan, who has not been acting in many films of late, has accepted the offer.

The figure is apparently the highest for any Indian actress, Bollywood or otherwise. According to news reports, Kareena Kapoor commands the second-highest figure, earning about $1.5 million (Rs. 7 cr) per film; a close third is Priyanka Chopra, who earns an estimated $1.1 million (Rs. 5 cr) per film.

While the per-film figures appear low by Hollywood standards, the most expensive Bollywood films rarely top more than $10 million, inclusive of star salaries. Further, Hindi film stars, including Rai Bachchan, commit to as many as five to six films per year.

At the rate she currently commands, Rai Bachchan can earn as much as $10 million in a given year.

About two weeks ago, it was Kapoor who claimed the title of highest paid actress when she was offered about $1.5 million to star in Gulaal 3, according to news reports.

However, with Pushkarna’s reported $2.1 million offer to Rai Bachchan, Chopra’s reign atop the salary charts was apparently short-lived.

In terms of Bollywood leading men, Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan are among the top three paid actors, with each commanding between $2.6 million and $3.4 million per film, according to industry reports.