Top 10 Highest Paid Actors in India Bollywood is the epicenter of visual media in India, catering to the Hindi-speaking audience, which has the highest number of speakers in the country. Thus, it is not surprising that some of India’s most highly-paid actors come from Bollywood. However, it may come as a surprise that most actors on the list of top 10 highest-paid Indian actors are from South Indian film industries.This indicates a shift in trend towards regional cinema and an increased interest in South Indian films among audiences across India. The success of these actors can be attributed to their talent and versatility and reflects the growing popularity of South Indian cinema. Furthermore, this trend highlights the diversity and richness of India’s film industry beyond Bollywood.
South Indian cinema has gained popularity in recent years, captivating audiences across India. This has led to South Indian actors making it to the list of the highest-paid Indian actors. These movies are known for their unique storytelling style, incorporating action, drama, and romance while showcasing regional cultures. Actors like Rajinikanth, Vijay, and Mahesh Babu have become household names due to their impressive performances. Although Bollywood still dominates in terms of revenue, South Indian cinema is quickly catching up. With more high-budget productions and collaborations between Bollywood and South Indian filmmakers, the future looks promising for this genre.
Top 10 Highest Paid Actors in India 2024
The following is a list of the highest-earning Indian actors, based on information from IMDb and arranged in descending order of their earnings.
| Rank | Actor Name | Approximate Fee Charged Per Movie |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Shah Rukh Khan | Rs150 crores-250 crores |
| 2. | Rajinikanth | Rs150 crores-210 crores |
| 3. | Joseph Vijay | Rs130 crores-200 crores |
| 4. | Prabhas | Rs100 crores-200 crores |
| 5. | Aamir Khan | Rs100 crores-175 crores |
| 6. | Salman Khan | Rs100 crores-150 crores |
| 7. | Kamal Haasan | Rs100 crores-150 crores |
| 8. | Allu Arjun | Rs100 crores-125 crores |
| 9. | Akshay Kumar | Rs60 crores-145 crores |
| 10. | Ajith Kumar | Rs105 crores |
Examining the top-earning Indian actors in more detail
The reason why certain actors and actresses are highly paid is due to their impressive careers filled with films that cover a wide range of genres, including social messages, family dramas, romance, action, and pure entertainment. Their movies have garnered immense popularity, resulting in a vast fan base. These stars have worked hard to hone their acting skills and are known for delivering exceptional performances on screen. Not only do they entertain audiences, but they also inspire and leave a lasting impact on society through their work.
Shah Rukh Khan
Approx net worth: Rs. 6300 crores.
Shah Rukh Khan, popularly known as King Khan, has had his fair share of failures in his career, but that hasn’t stopped him from delivering back-to-back box office hits. In 2023, he starred in two consecutive blockbusters, Jawan and Pathaan, which collectively earned over Rs2000 crores worldwide. The success of his latest release Dunki also reaffirms his star power and dominance in the industry. From starting out with television series in the late 1980s to making his Bollywood debut with Deewana in 1992, Shah Rukh Khan has come a long way and is now regarded as the highest-paid Bollywood actor. His journey is not just an inspiration for aspiring actors but also a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance.
Rajinikanth
Approx net worth: Rs430 crore
Rajinikanth is an iconic South Indian actor who has attained a cult following in Southern India and beyond. He is the highest-paid actor in the region and is known to draw massive crowds solely based on his presence in a movie. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, he has predominantly worked in Tamil cinema. His recent film, Jailer, was an action-comedy that garnered huge success at the box office, and it’s reported that he charged a staggering Rs110 crores for it. Rajinikanth’s popularity can be attributed to his unique style, dynamic personality, and ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Joseph Vijay
Approx net worth: Rs474 crores
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is one of the highest-paid actors in South India. With a career spanning over two decades, he began as a child artist at the age of 10 in the movie Vetri in 1984. Vijay is regarded as one of the most reliable performers in the South Indian film industry. His films, Varisu and Leo, released in 2023, have been commercial successes worldwide. Leo has become the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023, while Varisu earned approximately Rs300 crore worldwide. With such remarkable box office performances, Vijay’s popularity continues to soar among his fans and audiences alike.
Prabhas
Approx net worth: Rs241 crore
Prabhas, the Indian actor, rose to fame after the release of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali duology, which led to a significant increase in his net worth over the past eight years. Despite facing criticism for his role in Adipurush, his recent film Salaar has been a massive success, grossing Rs369.37 crore domestically and surpassing Rajinikanth’s Jailer which earned Rs348.55 crore. Prabhas’ ability to consistently deliver blockbuster hits has made him one of India’s most sought-after actors in the film industry.
Aamir Khan
Approx net worth: Rs1862 crore
Aamir Khan, popularly known as ‘Mr. Perfectionist,’ has a loyal fan base that admires his meticulous approach to movie-making. Despite the lack of notable success for his last release, Laal Singh Chaddha in 2022, Aamir Khan is all set to continue his tradition of releasing movies during the holiday season with Sitaare Zameen Par in 2024. He has delivered several blockbuster hits in the past, including Dangal, PK and 3 Idiots, which have earned him a significant following and helped establish him as one of India’s most celebrated actors. With his talent and dedication to the craft, Aamir Khan continues to enthrall audiences with his performances.
Salman Khan
Approx net worth: Rs2900 crore
Salman Khan is a prominent Bollywood actor with an enormous fan base. Over the years, his image as an actor has evolved, from playing the romantic lead in the 1990s to becoming everyone’s ‘bhai’ in recent times. He has garnered immense popularity, making him one of the highest-paid actors in India.Khan’s latest release, Tiger 3, has been a massive success, earning over Rs466.63 crore worldwide. His ability to connect with audiences and deliver box office hits has solidified his position as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Moreover, his philanthropic work through his charitable organization Being Human has endeared him to his fans even more.
Kamal Hassan
Approx net worth: Rs150 crore
Kamal Hassan is a well-known name in the South Indian film industry, having acted in over 220 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi. Although he did not have any movie releases in 2023, his fans are eagerly anticipating the release of his upcoming project KH 234 with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam. Kamal Hassan’s versatility as an actor and his ability to portray a wide range of characters has made him a popular figure not only in South India but across the country as well. His contribution to Indian cinema has been recognized with several awards and accolades over the years.
Allu Arjun
Approx net worth: Rs350 crore
Arjun’s fame extends across India, thanks to his lead role in the 2021 Telugu film Pushpa: The Rise, which has garnered widespread acclaim. A sequel titled Pushpa: The Rule- Part 2 is set to release in 2024 and is expected to shatter box office records currently held by Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. Arjun’s performance in the movie has been described as outstanding, earning him critical praise and a legion of fans. His dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters have made him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today.
Akshay Kumar
Approx net worth: Rs2500 crore
Akshay Kumar is a popular Bollywood actor, renowned for his impeccable comic timing in movies like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and other family-oriented entertainers. In recent years, he has taken on more socially conscious roles in film, such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman. Although 2023 saw no significant hits from him, his guest appearance in OMG 2 contributed to the movie earning approximately Rs221 crore worldwide. Despite juggling various projects at once, Akshay Kumar continues to be a beloved figure in the Indian film industry due to his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across different genres.
Ajith Kumar
Approx net worth: Rs196 crore
Actor Kumar is one of the highest-paid actors in South India. His performance in the 2023 release Thunivu was highly praised by fans and critics alike. The movie, which was a commercial success, earned a total of Rs130 crores in the Indian market. Kumar has established himself as a versatile actor, with notable performances in various genres including action, romance, drama, and comedy. His popularity among audiences continues to grow with each new project he takes on.
Top 10 Highest Paid Actors in India 2024: FAQs
Who is the highest-paid Indian actress?
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is the top-earning Indian actress, with a fee ranging from around Rs14 to 40 crore per movie or TV series.
Who are the world’s wealthiest actors?
The richest actors globally consist of Tyler Perry (with a net worth of approximately $1 billion), Jerry Seinfeld (with a net worth of around $950 million), Dwayne Johnson (with a net worth of about $800 million), Shah Rukh Khan, the top-earning Bollywood actor, and Tom Cruise (with a net worth of roughly $600 million).
