Veteran actor Sathyaraj, who has entertained audiences for nearly five decades, has spoken candidly about his stance on remuneration and how his perspective has changed over the years. Currently promoting his upcoming film Barbarik, which is set to release on 29 August, the actor shared some personal insights during an interview.
Sathyaraj admitted that in the past he often compromised on remuneration, even going so far as to take on debts to ensure his films were released. He revealed that during his early years as a leading man, money was never his priority, and sometimes he bore personal financial strain just to support his projects.
However, with experience and time, his approach has changed. The seasoned actor explained that he no longer compromises when it comes to his pay. “My remuneration now depends on the story and the budget of the film. I’ve let go of payments many times in the past, but at this stage of my career, there is no need to take a step back,” Sathyaraj clarified.
The actor, who gained nationwide acclaim for his role as Kattappa in Baahubali, added that as a character artist today, his remuneration is discussed before filming begins. He stressed that while he doesn’t mind accepting a lower fee if it is settled in advance, he does not tolerate negotiations once a project is underway.
“Every role is different. I cannot expect the same remuneration for Barbarik as I received for Baahubali,” Sathyaraj said, pointing out that fees must reflect the film’s scale, character importance and overall budget.
His comments highlight a reality in the film industry, while some actors prioritise passion projects over pay, others maintain firm boundaries regarding their value. For Sathyaraj, the shift has come with experience, ensuring both respect for his craft and fairness in his professional commitments.
With Barbarik gearing up for release, fans are eager to watch him bring another powerful character to life, while his honest reflections continue to strike a chord with audiences and industry peers alike.