India, June 6 -- In 1987, Robin Williams famously played US Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) DJ Adrian Cronauer in Good Morning, Vietnam. The critical success forged a strong bond between Robin and Touchstone Pictures, the studio behind the film. So, naturally, when Touchstone came calling a few years later for an ambitious animated project, the actor not only agreed but let go of his $8-million paycheck. But this started a rather curious turn of events that did end up saving the film, but reduced Robin to the background.

By the mid-1990s, Robin Williams was a star. He charged $8 million for a voice role, and even more for live-action appearances. Yet, for voicing Genie in Aladdin, the comedy superstar forewent his entire fee. He only c...