Top 10 Highest Paid Actors in India 2024

Indian movie-making, with its deep heritage of more than 100 years old, has evolved from old silent films to a worldwide entertainment giant. Charming India’s famous Mumbai studios and showing their amazing movies on screens everywhere, this industry of India keeps enchanting people worldwide. The varied markets of Bollywood, Tollywood, and Kollywood, have produced some of the finest actors, some of these actors are paid hundreds of crore per film, leading them to become highest paid actors in India.

This blog entry will delve into the list of the top 10 highest paid actors in India. The leading places are dominated by stars from the southern region such as Allu Arjun, and Joseph Vijay, and then there are popular Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar.

 Source: Forbes India

Top 10 highest paid actors in India

Allu Arjun

• Debut year: 2003
• Industry: Tollywood
• Net worth: Rs 350 crore
• Highest grossing film: Pushpa 2: The Rule
• Notable Films: Pushpa: The Rise, Aarya, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo

Allu Arjun is the top highest paid actor in India, a superstar in Telugu movies. He is famous for his lively acting and unique dance moves. His role in the hit movie Pushpa: The Rise turned him into a star loved by people throughout India.

The eagerly awaited follow-up, Pushpa 2: The Rule, has broken records around the world. This movie did very well, earning a huge amount of ₹1,400 crore across the globe and ₹953.3 crore in India within just 13 days after coming out. 

Allu Arjun makes most of his money from being an actor. Famously he was being paid 300 crore rupees for the film “Pushpa 2.” He is also one of India’s most well-paid representatives for brand promotions. He has endorsed well known brands like Coca-Cola, Frooti, and Pro Kabaddi. He is paid for various event appearances and has wide  investments in the hospitality industry.

 Also Read: Top 10 Richest People in India

Joseph Vijay

• Debut year: 1984
• Industry: Tollywood 
• Net worth: Rs 474 crores
• Highest grossing film: Leo
• Notable Films: Leo, The Greatest of All Time

Joseph Vijay, well-known by the nickname “Thalapathy” in the Tamil film world, is beloved by his fans for his wide range of acting roles. His highest-grossing films “Leo” and “The Greatest of All Time” broke the sales records in theaters, these movies showcased his impeccable acting performance. 

Vijay is second among the top 10 highest-paid actors in India, he usually charges from ₹130 crore to ₹275 crore for his movies, showcasing his dominant presence in films. He is hyped for his exciting fight scenes, heart-touching roles, and his humble character.

Besides acting, Vijay makes a lot of money from promoting brands. He has worked with big companies like Coca-Cola, Jos Alukkas, and Tata Docomo. Also, he is known for sharing profits in movies, which contributes to his wealth. His investments in real estate further add to his financial portfolio.

Shah Rukh Khan

• Debut year: 1987
• Industry: Bollywood
• Net worth: Rs 6300 crores
• Highest grossing film: Pathaan
• Notable Films: Leo, The Greatest of All Time

Shah Rukh Khan, frequently named the “King of Bollywood,” has been leading Indian cinema for many years. In 2024, his movie Pathaan brought in over 1000 crore rupees around the world, and his cut of these profits reportedly went past 350 crore rupees. Shah Rukh Khan is famous for his romantic films, strong dialogues, and wide-spread global fans.

Shah Rukh, besides acting, has income sources from his own company called Red Chillies Entertainment. Have a IPL cricket team ‘Kolkata Knight Riders’ . Also earns significant income from promotional work for worldwide brands like Hyundai, Byju’s, and Dubai Tourism. 

His smart investments in real estate, such as his famous house “Mannat,” also showcases his wealth.

Rajinikanth

• Debut year: 1975
• Industry: Kollywood
• Net worth: Rs 430 crore
• Highest grossing film: Jailer
• Notable Films: Jailer, Vettaiyan

Rajinikanth is a well-known and respected actor from Indian movies, appreciated for his over-the-top characters and distinctive manner. His acting career covers more than 40 years, earning him the title of box office king. In his highest grossing movie “Jailer” and for his latest film “Vettaiyan”, Rajnikanth charged around ₹125 crores to ₹270 crores. Places him in the ranks of top 10 highest paid actors in India.

Besides his acting money, Rajinikanth earns from acting, film production, property investments, brand endorsements, and strategic business investments, supplementing his primary film industry income.

Aamir Khan

• Debut year: 1973
• Industry: Bollywood
• Net worth: Rs 1862 crore
• Highest grossing film: Dangal
• Notable Films: Dangal, 3 Idiots, PK

Aamir Khan is adored for his impactful roles, relatable character and natural acting. He showcased his exceptional acting skills in movies like Dangal, 3 Idiots, and PK. Being one of the top 10 highest paid actors in India, he makes around ₹100 crore to ₹275 crore for each film.

Beside being an actor, Aamir khan has his own production house “Aamir Khan Productions”, earning him profits. Also, various brand endorsements in brands like Coca-Cola, Samsung, and Vivo contributed significantly to his earnings.

Prabhas

• Debut year: 2002
• Industry: Tollywood
• Net worth: Rs 241 crore
• Highest grossing film: Baahubali
• Notable Films: Baahubali series, Kalki 2898 AD

Prabhas has become a sensation across India thanks to the huge success of Baahubali films. He takes on big roles and remains modest, which has won him fans all over the globe. Prabhas is a high-paid actor in India who charges between ₹100 crore and ₹200 crore to participate in films. People are very excited about his new science fiction movie called Kalki 2898 AD, which is coming soon.

Besides acting, Prabhas also makes money doing endorsements for brands such as Mahindra TUV300 and for gaming platforms. He has invested in real estate, including high-end properties in Hyderabad, which add to his wealth. Despite his stardom, Prabhas is known for leading a modest lifestyle.

Ajith Kumar

• Debut year: 1990
• Industry: Kollywood
• Net worth: Rs 196 crore
• Highest grossing film: Thunivu
• Notable Films: Baahubali series, Kalki 2898 AD

Ajith Kumar, is a highly revered star in Tamil film industry, one of top highest paid actors in India, he is known for his flexible roles in various characters, ranging from romantic comedies to intense action thrillers. His highest grossing movie “Thunivu” earned him huge fanfare. He charges 105 crore to 165 crore for each film. 

Ajith’s earnings are not just from acting. He takes part in racing events around the world, which brings  him sponsorship contracts. Furthermore, he earns money from product endorsements, stock market investments, and luxury assets.

Salman Khan

• Debut year: 1988
• Industry: Bollywood
• Net worth: Rs 2900 crore
• Highest grossing film: Tiger Zinda Hai
• Notable Films: Baahubali series, Kalki 2898 AD

Salman Khan is a famous Bollywood actor known for his action packed scenes and commercial masala entertainment. He is well known as one of top 10 highest paid actors in India, with his most films crossing ₹100 crore at the box office. He charges 50 to 100 crore for each movie.

Other than just acting, he is involved in clothing branding, film production and property investments, earning him significant income from these sources.

Kamal Haasan

• Debut year: 1960
• Industry: Kollywood
• Net worth: Rs 150 crore
• Highest grossing film: Vikram
• Notable Films: Baahubali series, Kalki 2898 AD

Kamal Haasan is a seasoned actor with almost 60 years in acting. Recognized for his wide-ranging parts and pioneering roles, he remains one of the major stars in Indian movies. For his anticipated movie “Indian 2,” he is reported to have earned between ₹100 crore and ₹150 crore, making him among top highest paid actors in India.

Kamal also makes money by working in film directing and producing films under a name called Raaj Kamal Films International. He also supports important brands with his endorsements. Moreover, he’s involved in politics as the person who started the Makkal Needhi Maiam party. His artistic ventures and business acumen make him a multifaceted star.

Akshay Kumar

• Debut year: 1987
• Net worth: Rs 2500 crore 
• Industry: Bollywood
• Highest grossing film: Sooryavanshi
• Notable Films: Sooryavanshi, Khel Khel Mein, Padman

Akshay Kumar, being one of top 10 highest paid actors in India, is very famous for his unique roles, from action packed thrillers like Sooryavanshi to emotional roller coasters like padman and social movies like toilet. He charges ₹60 to ₹145 crore per movie, he is the most demanded actor for various dynamic roles, solidifying his major presence in the industry.

Akshay Kumar, has various other income sources. He earns substantial amounts from agreements with more than 20 brands, like Tata Motors, Harpic, and Nirma. He also puts money into fitness startups and owns fancy properties in Mumbai and other places too. Akshay keeps his life well-organized and works hard in business.

Conclusion

Looking at these top 10 highest paid actors in India, it’s really a phenomenon worth witnessing, the way these actors have a dominant presence in the film industry, earning huge income from their top tier acting and reputation. Like Allu Arjun earning around ₹300 crore payment for Pushpa 2.

Every actor has discovered their own way of being successful. But what’s interesting is that they not only act – they also run production companies, appear in advertisements, and make smart investments. These actors show that in today’s Indian film business, being successful isn’t just about making popular movies – it means you are a whole package. They’re not just on the screen as stars; they are also successful business people who have turned their star status into riches.