Bipasha Basu is all set to lead the pack of Bollywood beauties performing on New Year's Eve, in terms of renumeration.
Industry estimates suggest that Bipasha will be pocketing around Rs 1.8- 2 crore for her live dance show.
At the Sahara Star hotel in Mumbai. It is the highest that any Bollywood star has ever got for such a performance in India.
Bipasha could have lost her 'costliest live show' crown to Katrina Kaif. She was offered over Rs 2 crore to perform at the JW Marriott hotel. But the programme was called off because of her illness.
The buzz is that Katrina is suffering from low hemoglobin count and has been advised rest. Last year, she had called off a New Year's Eve jig because of the 26/11 terror attack.
Bipasha was set to get Rs 1.5 crore last year but her jig was cancelled. In 2007, she had performed at the JW Marriot for Rs 90 lakh.
"Bipasha deserves the money as she brings in a lot of glamour. With Katrina opting out this year, it's unlikely that any other actress will get such a huge amount," an industry source said. Authorities at the hotel couldn't stop gushing over Bipasha. "She is priceless. We do not attach a price to art but there are commitments that will be fulfilled," Sahara Star CEO Vivek Kumar said.
Bipasha is expected to shake a leg to recent hit songs from All The Best, Aa Dekhein Zara, Bachna Ae Haseeno and Race besides her all-time item blockbusters, Beedi Jalaile and Namak Ishq Ka from Omkara. Fading star Amisha Patel will perform in Dubai at The Country Club along with Govinda and singer KK. She will charge around Rs 60 lakh.
Aarti Chabaria, Yana Gupta and Mahima Chaudhary are other Bollywood names expected to perform at various places on New Year's Eve. Their pay cheques will range from Rs 25-50 lakh. Bipasha may face competition from bigger names too. Various hotels and organisations have reportedly approached Deepika Padukone, Mallika Sherawat and Neha Dhupia.
But none of them have committed to perform. Sources said Mallika and Deepika can command a price of over Rs 1 crore. Last year, Mallika's hyped performance in Dubai was cancelled because of violence in Gaza.