10 Highest Paid Indian Actresses: The Bollywood Divas

Indian actresses—queens commanding the silver screen and earning stunning incomes—have repeatedly made audiences fall in love with their talent and presence.

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, Indian actresses have become powerful figures of skill and influence. They captivate audiences with their charisma and command impressive income that matches their immense popularity.

Do you know who are the highest-paid Indian actresses in the Bollywood industry? Let’s take you through a list of the top 10 highest-paid Indian actresses ruling Bollywood while exploring their net worth.

List of Highest Paid Indian Actresses

1: Deepika Padukone

Earning Per Movie: $18 Million – $36 Million (Estimated)

Former model-turned-actress Deepika Padukone has earned a devoted fan base and established herself as one of the highest-paid Indian actresses, thanks to her talent and command over portraying varying roles. With an impressive filmography spanning Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, she has also made her mark in Hollywood.

Deepika began her acting career in 2006 with the Kannada film Aishwarya. Her Bollywood debut came with the blockbuster Om Shanti Om (2007), which became the highest-grossing film of the year, earning $21 million, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. Since then, she has captivated audiences with her performances while steadily building her fame and fortune.

2: Kangana Ranaut

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

Often referred to as the “Queen” of Bollywood, Kangana Ranaut is an accomplished actress, filmmaker, and politician. Since June 2024, she has been serving as a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing Mandi.

Kangana began her acting journey with the film Gangster and is celebrated for iconic roles in films like Queen and Tanu Weds Manu. A recipient of the esteemed Padma Shri, she has also won four National Film Awards, solidifying her status as one of India’s most versatile and celebrated artists.

3: Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Earning Per Movie: $18 Million – $32 Million (Estimated)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of the highest-paid Indian actresses, has also made her mark as a versatile producer. A former Miss World, she began her acting career with a Tamil film before transitioning to Bollywood with The Hero: Love Story of a Spy (2003), where she starred alongside Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.

Over the years, Priyanka has delivered compelling performances in films such as Bajirao Mastani, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, and the biopic Mary Kom, where she portrayed the titular role. Known for her versatility, she has excelled in a wide range of genres, from action to romance, showcasing her remarkable talent and adaptability.

4: Katrina Kaif

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

Katrina Kaif, known for her mesmerizing presence and effortless charm, made her debut with Boom (2003), which was a critical failure. Undeterred, she appeared in the Telugu film Malliswari (2004), earning a Filmfare nomination for Best Actress – Telugu. She soon made her mark in Bollywood with films like Sarkar and Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?

Katrina has since excelled in a variety of genres, from action-packed blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger to heartfelt dramas like Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Coming from a completely different background, she has carved a significant place in Bollywood, showcasing her talent in romance, comedy, and action, proving she can do it all.

5: Alia Bhatt

Earning Per Movie: $12 Million – $24 Million (Estimated)

Alia Bhatt debuted as a child actor in the 1999 thriller Sangharsh and stepped into Bollywood as a lead actress with Student of the Year in 2012. Since then, she has delivered a string of successful films, earning praise for her exceptional acting skills.

Her standout performances in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Udta Punjab, Gully Boy, and Raazi have highlighted her ability to adapt to diverse roles. Known for her versatility, Alia has showcased remarkable range and depth, cementing her reputation as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

6: Kareena Kapoor

Earning Per Movie: $9.6 Million – $22 Million (Estimated)

Carrying forward the illustrious legacy of the Kapoor family, the charismatic Kareena Kapoor Khan, Bebo, debuted as a lead actress in Refugee (2000). Over the years, she has showcased her versatility across a wide range of roles, earning numerous accolades.

Her recent role in The Buckingham Murders has further showcased her versatility, earning praise and adding to her already impressive repertoire. With each new project, Kareena continues to captivate audiences with her ability to add depth to the roles she portrays.

Renowned for her ability to effortlessly switch between comedy and drama, she adds glamour and depth to every role. With her distinctive flair, Kareena enjoys a devoted fan following and continues to bring a unique flavor to Indian cinema.

7: Shraddha Kapoor

Earning Per Movie: $8 Million – $18 Million (Estimated)

The bubbly and charming Shraddha Kapoor made her Bollywood debut in 2010 with Teen Patti. She gained popularity with her breakout performance in the romantic film Aashiqui 2 and further cemented her place in Indian cinema with the horror-comedy Stree. These roles endeared her to audiences, earning her a special place in their hearts.

With recent hits like Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and the much-anticipated Stree 2, Shraddha has solidified her reputation as one of Bollywood’s leading ladies. This Bollywood diva’s acting prowess, marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between varied genres, continues to impress and resonate with audiences.

8: Vidya Balan

Earning Per Movie: $9.6 Million – $17 Million (Estimated)

Known for setting new benchmarks for excellence in Indian cinema, Vidya Balan has gained immense popularity with her iconic roles. From a young age, she aspired to pursue a career in film. Vidya made her debut with the Bengali film Bhalo Theko (2003) and later made her Bollywood debut with Parineeta (2005). Since then, she has delivered powerful performances in hits like Kahaani, The Dirty Picture, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and more.

After taking brief breaks, Vidya’s comebacks have always been stronger. In 2024, she once again shone in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, delivering a terrific performance that raised the bar for herself and her peers, reaffirming her status as one of Bollywood’s finest actresses.

9: Anushka Sharma

Earning Per Movie: $9.6 Million – $14 Million (Estimated)

Debuting with Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi in 2008, Anushka Sharma has steadily honed her craft and become one of Bollywood’s top actresses. She was featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list during the 2010s.

With her strong on-screen presence and versatility, Anushka has delivered standout performances in films like NH10, Patiala House, Sultan, PK, Sanju, and more. Despite coming from a non-filmy background, Anushka’s immense talent and hard work have earned her a place among the highest-paid Indian actresses.

10: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Earning Per Movie: $12 Million (Estimated)

The timeless beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, crowned Miss World in 1994, quickly rose to prominence as a powerhouse performer in both Hindi and Tamil films. She made her debut with Aa Ab Laut Chalen in 1999, though it was a critical failure. However, her portrayal of Nandini in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam the same year marked a turning point in her film career, earning her widespread recognition and fan love.

Aishwarya’s diverse roles in blockbusters like Dhoom 2, Devdas, and Jodhaa Akbar further showcased her versatility. Coming from a humble South Indian background, Aishwarya’s exceptional acting talent and hard work have helped her establish herself as one of the highest-paid Indian actresses.