10 Highest Paid Indian Actors: Icons of Entertainment Wealth

Lights, camera, action—and a staggering paycheck! The Indian film industry is not just a hub of glitz and glamor but also a financial powerhouse where stars shine brighter than ever with sky-high earnings. Beyond Bollywood, the spectacular realms of Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada cinema have also propelled actors to phenomenal wealth and stardom.

So, who are the titans of acting ranking the most? Let’s start with the exploration and familiarize the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors whose bank accounts are as grand as their on-screen personas.

List of Highest Paid Indian Actors

1: Allu Arjun

Net Worth: $36 Million (Estimated)

Allu Arjun, a major star in Telugu cinema, rose to global fame with his portrayal of Pushpa in the blockbuster film Pushpa: The Rise. The highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2, is set for release in 2024. His work in Pushpa and other hit films has cemented his position as one of the highest-paid actors in India.

Allu Arjun has been consistently featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2014 and has earned several prestigious accolades, including the National Film Award, Filmfare Awards, and Nandi Awards.

Arjun made his acting debut in 2003 with Gangotri, but it was his performance in Arya (2004) that brought him widespread recognition. Known as the “Icon Star” or “Bunny” in the media, Allu Arjun has become a household name.

In addition to acting, he has showcased his talents in two Telugu music videos and has served as a celebrity ambassador for India’s premier Kabaddi tournament, the Pro Kabaddi League, further expanding his influence across entertainment and sports.

2: Shah Rukh Khan

Earning Per Movie: $18 Million – $30 Million (Estimated)

Shah Rukh Khan, known as King Khan or SRK, is the reigning monarch of Bollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, he has amassed an astounding net worth of $745 million. Having been portrayed in more than 80 Bollywood films, he enjoys an unparalleled fan base, which makes him one of the most beloved and highest-paid Indian actors in the industry.

SRK began his journey with the television series Fauji and Circus, before making his Bollywood debut in Deewana, a box-office hit that earned him the Filmfare Best Male Debut Award. Since then, his success has been nothing short of phenomenal, with countless awards recognizing his exceptional talent.

Renowned for his mastery in portraying emotional depth and romantic roles, he is fondly called the “King of Romance.”

Shah Rukh Khan earns an estimated $50–80 million per year. Reports suggest that his annual income ranges from $28 million to $35 million, solidifying his position as one of the highest-earning actors globally.

3: Aamir Khan

Net Worth: $12 Million – $33 Million (Estimated)

Aamir Khan—actor, director, producer, and writer—fondly known as “Mr. Perfectionist,” has carved a remarkable niche for himself in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has delivered numerous blockbuster films, including Raja Hindustani, Lagaan, Dangal, 3 Idiots, and more.

Aamir began his journey in the industry as a child actor in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Madhosh. His first major role as an adult came with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, which launched him into stardom.

Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, he consistently starred in successful films. His performance in Raja Hindustani earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in 1996. The film was not only the highest-grossing Indian film of that year but also the third-highest of the decade.

In recent years, Aamir has achieved monumental success in both the Indian and Chinese film markets, cementing his place as one of the world’s biggest superstars. Newsweek has even described him as “the biggest movie star in the world,” a testament to his global appeal and influence.

4: Joseph Vijay

Net Worth: $16 Million – $33 Million (Estimated)

Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as Thalapathy Vijay and “Thalapathy”, is a powerhouse in Tamil cinema with a career spanning over two decades. Starting as a child artist at the age of 10 in the film Vetri, Vijay has grown into a formidable presence in the South Indian entertainment industry. Over the years, he has consistently delivered blockbuster hits, solidifying his status as a leading star. His recent film Leo further proves that his popularity knows no bounds, as his ever-expanding fan base continues to celebrate his work and iconic screen presence.

He has built his presence on the silver screen with his charismatic screen presence with exceptional acting and dance skills. With over 60 films to his credit, Vijay has consistently shattered box-office records, earning accolades for his versatility in both action-packed blockbusters and emotionally rich dramas.

5: Rajinikanth

Net Worth: $15 Million – $32 Million (Estimated)

Through his acting and film production ventures, Rajinikanth has garnered an enormous fan following, earning a near-mythical status in Southern India. Though he has appeared in Bollywood films, his primary contribution has been to Tamil cinema. His versatile career also spans appearances in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and even Hollywood films.

Rajinikanth started acting in the Tamil drama Apoorva Raagangal and has since starred in numerous iconic films. Active since the 1970s, he continues to be a cultural phenomenon and a trailblazer in Indian cinema.

The actor’s illustrious career has earned him numerous accolades. In 2000, he got the Padma Bhushan, followed by the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, India’s third and second-highest civilian awards, respectively. In 2019, he received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 67th National Film Awards, cementing his legacy as among the esteemed figures in Indian cinema.

6: Prabhas

Net Worth: $12 Million – $24 Million (Estimated)

Prabhas Raju Uppalapati, primarily known for his work in Telugu cinema, became a global icon thanks to his role in Baahubali. The success of Baahubali significantly boosted his net worth, with a remarkable 94 percent increase over the past eight years. In addition to his iconic role in Baahubali, Prabhas has starred in several other box-office hits, including Varsham, Chatrapathi, Chakram, Billa, and more.

Affectionately referred to as the “Rebel Star” by the media, Prabhas is one of the highest-paid Indian actors. He has consistently appeared on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2015. Furthermore, Prabhas made history as the first South Indian actor to have a wax sculpture featured at Madame Tussauds, solidifying his place as a cultural icon.

7: Ajith Kumar

Net Worth: $12 Million – $20 Million (Estimated)

Referred to as Thala by his fans, Ajith Kumar has established himself as a prominent figure in Tamil cinema, with over 61 films to his name. Throughout his career, he got awarded with numerous accolades, including Vijay Awards, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Cinema Express Awards, and Filmfare Awards South.

Ajith began his journey with a small role in the 1990 Tamil romantic drama En Veedu En Kanavar. After his success in Rajavin Parvaiyile, his first major breakthrough came with Aasai. His performance in the 2023 release Thunivu was met with widespread appreciation, and the film became a major blockbuster in Indian cinema.

Beyond acting, Ajith is also a passionate sports car racer, having participated in the MRF Racing series. In 2004, he became the brand ambassador for Nescafe in Tamil Nadu. In November 2023, Ajith expanded his horizons by launching Venus Motorcycle Tours, a motorcycle touring agency, further showcasing his love for adventure and business acumen.

8: Salman Khan

Earning Per Movie: $12 Million – $18 Million (Estimated)

With over 130 films to his credit, Salman Khan has garnered a net worth of approximately $347 million. He made his debut in the film Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), but his breakthrough portrayal in Maine Pyar Kiya truly launched his career. Known for his versatility in action, romance, and comedy, Salman has become one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.

Despite being involved in a few controversies over the years, Salman has managed to maintain his status as a box-office powerhouse. From playing the romantic Prem in the 1990s to becoming the beloved “Bhai” of recent years, his journey has solidified his immense success.

Beyond films, Salman is a familiar face on television, having hosted Bigg Boss since 2010. Alongside acting, he is passionate about painting, showcasing his creative side beyond acting.

9: Ram Charan

Net Worth: $11 Million – $15 Million (Estimated)

Ram Charan, an Indian actor, producer, and entrepreneur, is predominantly known for his work in Telugu cinema. He has been on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2013.

Ram Charan started acting with the action film Chirutha, which was a box-office hit. However, it was his role in S. S. Rajamouli’s fantasy action film Magadheera that catapulted him to immense success, further solidified by his performance in RRR.

In 2016, Ram Charan launched his own production company, Konidela Production Company. Beyond his acting career, he is also an entrepreneur, owning the Hyderabad Polo and Riding Club, and was a co-owner of the airline service TruJet.

Ram Charan is one of the highest-paid Indian actors and is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, organizing blood donation camps and launching oxygen banks in collaboration with his father, the legendary actor Chiranjeevi.

10: N.T. Rama Rao Jr.

Net Worth: $7 Million – $10 Million (Estimated)

N.T. Rama Rao Jr., popularly known as Tarak or Jr NTR, is one of the most successful stars in the Telugu film industry. With a career of over 30 films, he has earned a spot on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2012. Often referred to as the “Man of Masses,” Jr NTR enjoys immense popularity among fans.

He earned global recognition for his role in RRR, which significantly boosted his Pan-India fame. In addition to RRR, Jr NTR has delivered powerful performances in films like Nannaku Prematho, Janatha Garage, Jai Lava Kusa, and Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava. After a four-year hiatus, his return with RRR helped him reclaim his position as one of the highest-grossing stars in Indian cinema.

Beyond his exceptional acting skills, Jr NTR is also renowned for his extraordinary dancing abilities, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile actors in India.