Vivek Oberoi Forgoes Salary for 'Ramayana', Donates to Cancer Kids

Actor Vivek Oberoi has opted out of receiving any payment for his contributions to Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated 'Ramayana' film. Oberoi will instead dedicate his earnings from the project to a charitable cause supporting children with cancer. He expressed his desire to "support you because I just love what you're doing" and believes the film will elevate Indian cinema globally.

Oberoi is set to portray Vidyutjihva and Vibhishan in the mythological epic, which is being mounted with a staggering reported budget of Rs 4,000 crore. While Oberoi foregoes his salary, other prominent cast members are reportedly commanding significant fees. Ranbir Kapoor, as Lord Ram, is rumored to earn Rs 150 crore for the franchise, with Yash as Ravana reportedly receiving Rs 100 crore. Sai Pallavi as Sita is said to be paid Rs 6 crore per installment, and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman Rs 20 crore per film.

The 'Ramayana' franchise is planned as a two-part series, with the first installment slated for a Diwali 2026 release and the second expected in Diwali 2027. The film's ensemble cast also includes Lara Dutta, Kajal Aggarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, Shobana, and Faisal Malik. Oberoi described his experience on set as enjoyable, reflecting on the ongoing discussions about whether the Ramayana is mythological or historical, a debate he believes leans towards historical.