By Hindustan Times
British celebrities who might be functioning at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics this July are receiving only one pound (Rs 85) as payment. Reason — it’s an issue of national pride.
Bollywood stars, at the other hand, continue to charge crores for acts at events of national importance.
Aishwarya Rai was paid R3crore for this three-minute performance on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, where India was declared the following host
Those expected to be putting up a show on the Olympics for nearly nothing include supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, pop stars Adele, Robbie Williams, George Michael, and legends Paul McCartney and Elton John, among others.
When India was handed over the rights because the next host of the Commonwealth Games on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games (2006), the patriotic performances by Indian stars came at an exorbitant price.
Along with supermodel Naomi Campbell, British stalwarts akin to Paul McCartney, Elton John, pop stars Adele, Robbie Williams and George Michael will perform for only a pound on the London Olympics
Rs 40 crore was reportedly spent on an 11-minute show by actors Saif Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai and Rani Mukerji, among others.
Ash is thought to was paid Rs. 3cr, Lara and Rani Rs. 1.5cr each, and Saif, Rs. 75lakh. When the Games came to India in 2010, maestro AR Rahman charged Rs. 5crore for composing an anthem for the development. While the celebs who submit the show chose to not comment, others say it’s time Bollywood took a cue.
“What they’re doing in London is commendable. I'VE no idea why our stars were paid such a lot. One should definitely put the nation above personal gain,” says Bishen Singh Bedi, former Indian cricket captain.
“International stars charge billions for his or her records and shows, but since it’s about Olympics of their own country, they realise the significance. It’s unfortunate that a similar national feeling doesn't prevail in India,” says Kirti Azad, MP and ex-cricketer.
Filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar says, “Everyone focussed on earning money at CWG, so did the celebs. No person really cared here.”
