Vivek Oberoi to Billie Eilish: Celebrities who donated their salaries for good causes

We often hear of celebs raking in the big bucks for their film projects, but it's not often that you hear of a star giving away their earnings for charitable and noble causes. Actor Vivek Oberoi and Billie Eilish were in the news lately, after they announced their decision to donate their earnings from their respective work projects. While Vivek reportedly donated his salary for 'Ramayana', singer Billie shelled out USD 11.5 million from her tour proceeds to good causes. Here's a look at several other stars who took the high road and put their paychecks to good use.

Vivek Oberoi donated his entire fee for the upcoming epic 'Ramayana'. The actor, in a recent chat, revealed that he directed the funds toward a cause close to his heart. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, the actor revealed, "I told Namit that I don’t want a penny for this, I want to donate it to... kids with cancer."

Vivek will be seen playing the role of Vidyutjihva in the Nitesh Tiwari directorial that stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana. It is slated to release on Diwali 2026.

At just 12, Sitara Ghattamaneni set a powerful example of generosity. After becoming the face of a major South Indian jewellery brand in 2023, she received her first professional fee, reportedly Rs 1 crore. Instead of keeping it, she chose to donate the entire amount to support social causes. Her first campaign even lit up Times Square in New York.

During the event, she also shared that she was always interested in movies and acting, and found inspiration from her mother, Namrata Shirodkar.

Anna Kendrick chose to forgo her salary for ‘Woman of the Hour’, which she also directed. While speaking on the Crime Junkie AF podcast, she explained, “This was never a money-making venture for me… I’m not making money off the movie.” Funds instead supported RAINN and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime. Her decision provided direct financial support to key organisations assisting victims of violent crime.

Johnny Depp donated his entire salary from ‘The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’. He, along with co-stars Jude Law and Collin Farrell, who stepped in after Heath Ledger's untimely death, reportedly gave their fees to Ledger's daughter, Matilda. This gesture was made to help ease financial pressure on the family.

Billie Eilish donated $11.5 million from her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” world tour. At the Wall Street Journal’s Innovator Awards, she noted the importance of using wealth to create change. During her speech, she asked, “If you're a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?” She added, “If you have money, it would be great to use it for good things.” Her donation supports social and environmental initiatives.

For her world tour, she also discussed her effort to make the tour more sustainable, using recycled materials and biodegradable confetti.