The 2007 blockbuster Partner, a laugh riot that brought together two powerhouse performers — Salman Khan and Govinda — has long remained a favorite among fans of Bollywood comedy. But now, nearly two decades after the film’s release, new behind-the-scenes revelations have emerged regarding the pay disparity between the two stars. In a recent interview, screenwriter Alok Upadhyay opened up about the inner workings of the film and confirmed that Salman Khan was paid a significantly higher fee than Govinda — to the tune of ₹5 crore more.
The revelation has stirred curiosity among film enthusiasts and industry watchers alike, especially since Partner was a commercial hit largely credited to the sizzling comic chemistry between its two leads. While both actors received immense praise for their roles, it appears that there was a notable difference when it came to their compensation.
Speaking candidly during a conversation with a popular entertainment portal, Upadhyay — who was closely associated with the film’s development — shed light on the remuneration talks that took place back then. “Yes, it’s true,” he said. “Salman charged ₹5 crore more than Govinda for Partner. But that’s how the industry works. Star power and market value play a huge role in deciding who gets paid what.”
He also pointed out that at the time, Salman was enjoying an enviable run at the box office and had a massive fan following that significantly boosted the film’s pre-release buzz. “Salman’s name alone ensured visibility and drew crowds to theatres,” Upadhyay added. “That kind of influence comes with a price tag.”
Govinda, on the other hand, was in the middle of a professional comeback when he took on the role of the bumbling yet lovable Bhaskar in Partner. While his performance won hearts and critics alike, Upadhyay admitted that his market rate at the time was not on par with Salman’s. “That said, Govinda’s contribution to the film’s success is undeniable. His comic timing was unmatched. In many ways, he was the soul of Partner,” the writer remarked.
Partner, directed by David Dhawan, was loosely inspired by the Hollywood hit Hitch and became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2007. The film also starred Katrina Kaif and Lara Dutta and was praised for its high-energy humor, catchy songs, and family-friendly entertainment.
The revelation about the payment gap has sparked conversations online about pay equity in Bollywood — a topic that continues to remain relevant across the industry. While many understand the dynamics of market-driven salaries, others argue for more balanced compensation structures, especially in cases where the success of a film is deeply tied to the performances of all lead actors.
Interestingly, despite the apparent pay gap, Salman and Govinda shared excellent on-screen camaraderie and were known to have had a friendly equation off-screen as well. In past interviews, Govinda himself has credited Salman with being instrumental in his career revival during that phase.
Upadhyay concluded his interview by expressing his hope that fans continue to appreciate Partner for what it was — a joyous cinematic experience brought to life by two talented stars, regardless of the numbers behind the scenes.
As audiences continue to revisit Partner on television and streaming platforms, this new nugget of information adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film’s legacy — a reminder of the complex world behind Bollywood’s glitz and glamour.
