Sai Pallavi has been renowned for her demeanour for a long time, but it is her integrity and humility behind the scenes that have brought her widespread respect in the entire industry. A case in point, one that keeps popping up among fans and peers both, is when she refused half of her salary when her 2018 Telugu film Padi Padi Leche Manasu tanked at the box office.
The romantic thriller, which was also directed by Hanu Raghavapudi and co-starred Sharwanand with Pallavi, was unable to meet box-office expectations and it managed to rake in only about 8 crore. Despite having collected her first signing payment, Pallavi is said to have refused the balance 40 lakh as her fee.
As per a report by Onmanorama, the actress believed it wasn’t fair to accept full payment when the movie didn’t work. Her act was unexpected in an industry where actors accept full payment irrespective of the box office performance of a film. Her action was widely praised, with several terming it a rare gesture of grace and justice.
While Padi Padi Leche Manasu didn’t fare well financially, its music, composed by Vishal Chandrasekhar, received appreciation. Sai Pallavi’s contribution to the film and her empathy toward the producers during tough times only reinforced her image as someone who stands by her values, even when no one is watching.
Sai Pallavi, who is well-known for staying away from glamorous roles, opting for plain sarees and the no-makeup look, remains one of the most down-to-earth celebrities in Indian cinema. She was last seen in Amaran along with Sivakarthikeyan, where she essayed Indu Rebecca Verghese in a performance that met with critical acclaim.
Looking ahead, she’s set to appear in Thandel alongside Naga Chaitanya in early 2025, and is also part of Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious Ramayana, where she stars opposite Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. Reports suggest she has dedicated an entire year to the project and will be receiving a significant remuneration this time around.
Also Read: Did Sai Pallavi Quit Non Veg For Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana? Here’s What She Has To Say!