Rumours abound that heroines Vidya Balan and Kareena Kapoor have hiked their fees per film to Rs 7 crore. But Vidya, who’s enjoying the success of The Dirty Picture (TDP), laughs the news off, saying, “Wow! I would love that. But honestly, I have not even had script sessions with directors or producers after the film released. How could I graduate to talking about the money?” She adds, “I am looking forward to see what kind of scripts come my way. But if that’s (Rs 7 crore) what people think I deserve, I am more than happy.”

After playing brazen Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture, it’s safe to say Vidya’s on-screen confidence has rubbed off. The actor admits she is “business-minded,” saying, “As much as I give my heart to it, acting is a profession for me. I am not here for charity, so I definitely command a good price.” Though, she’s quick to clarify, “I have not asked for Rs 7 crore. For now, I am grateful for the kind of roles I have and the chance to work with directors who bring out the best in me.”

It’s known that all top male actors have a profit sharing agreement with producers, besides being paid a fee for their films. Until now, no female actor has enjoyed this luxurious arrangement. But Vidya’s confident the status quo is set to change, saying, “It’s about time a share in the profit of films become a reality for female actors too.” In response, producer Ekta Kapoor says, “If the heroines are talented, bankable and bring the audience in, then they have a right to the profits too.”

Balan to be booked? While The Dirty Picture recently received reprieve after Pakistan reversed a ban on the movie being shown in theatres, a court in Andhra Pradesh has now directed the police to book Vidya Balan under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, for posing indecently in the film’s posters and promos. This was after hearing a petition filed by an advocate, who said the posters were causing harm to society. When asked about the petition, Vidya broke into a song, “Kucch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna. (People will pass comments, that’s their job)”.