Rs 500 Fee For First Film To Earning Rs 12 Crore, What Makes Trisha Highest-Paid Actress

Trisha’s

acting journey is just as cinematic as her movies. With no backing in the Tamil industry, she paved a path with passion, dedication and hard work, so that the future generation of actresses in Kollywood could follow without hesitation. Trisha’s career spans over two decades, and in between, she emerged as one of the highest-paid actresses in the South. Headlining some of the biggest films ever made in Indian cinema, her dedication, command over her craft and ability to connect with the audience put her at the top of every filmmaker’s casting list.

Trisha's acting journey

Last seen in Thug Life, Trisha climbed up the success ladder and is now credited as one of the highest-paid Tamil actresses who has built a stable career spanning over 20 years. Born into a Tamil Palakkad Iyer family, she started acting at the age of 16. Trisha gained fame after featuring in Falguni Pathak's Meri Chunar Udd Udd Jaye alongside Ayesha Takia. As she moved to the film industry, she was reportedly paid Rs 500 for her debut. After making her debut with the Tamil film titled Lesa Lesa in 2003, Trisha went on to sign blockbusters, such as Varsham, Ghilli, Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana, Aadavari Matalaku Ardhalu Verule, Krishna and many others. Her Bollywood debut was Khatta Meetha in 2010. Her consistent performance at the box office impressed the inner circle.

Trisha's per-film salary

According to the latest report, Trisha earned Rs 10 to 12 crore for her performance in Leo, co-starring Thalapathy Vijay. The Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial was one of the biggest films of 2023. For earlier movies, she reportedly charged Rs 9 crore as her remuneration. Trisha has been signed for Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth’s reunion film. Reportedly, her fee for the film would be Rs 12 crore.

Relationship rumours

Trisha is currently making headlines for her alleged relationship with Thalapathy Vijay. On Monday, she celebrated her birthday by visiting the Tirupati temple. Soon after she returned, Trisha headed to his Chennai residence as the actor was contesting in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Amid dating rumours, she is yet to congratulate him on social media.

Trisha's successful films

Workwise, Trisha has been a part of successful films like Aadavari Matalaku Arthale Verule, Abhiyum Naanum, Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, and 96, which received widespread acclaim and became one of the most loved romantic dramas in Tamil cinema. She has headlined blockbuster ventures like Ponniyin Selvan: I and Ponniyin Selvan: II, directed by Mani Ratnam, as well as Leo opposite Vijay.As per reports, Trisha’s net worth is said to be around Rs 85 crore. After Khatta Meetha, she hasn’t returned to Hindi cinema.