No other former US President possibly had it so good after demitting office as Barack Obama, who, along with his wife Michelle, seems to be on a money minting spree - the latest being their proposal to produce a TV series for Netflix for an undisclosed amount.Not that the Obamas were living off welfare since the male of the power couple handed over power to Donald Trump last year - after earning $3.2 million (Rs 20.8 crore) during their eight year stay at the White House.As a retired president, Barack Obama earns $207,800 (Rs 1.35 crore) as annual pension.
The pension, however, pales in comparison with the $400,000 (Rs 2.6 crore) the former president earned last April for a 90-minute interview, in which, ironically, he spoke on income equality. That amount, incidentally, is equal to the yearly salary he earned as America's Commander-in-Chief.
Another $400,000 accrued to his account after he gave an hour long speech at an event hosted by an investment firm. In a space of a couple of months therefore, Obama earned as much as a couple of years salary of a US President.
All those dollars however are just chump change when pitted against the $65 million (Rs 422.55 crore) advance the husband-wife duo received from Penguin Random House for a two-book deal.
The Obamas current net worth is estimated at $40 million (Rs 260 crore), thanks to the royalties earned from Barack's books and interest from investments. But perhaps the real reason for the Obamas turning producers could be to fill up their cabinet with the missing awards - the Emmys and possibly the Oscars, if they decide to enter the movie business, to give company to the two Grammy awards Barack Obama won in 2005 and 2007.