New Delhi: Bollywood has been the leading force in India’s entertainment for years now, particularly among Hindi-speaking audiences. However, the remarkable success of films such as Baahubali, RRR, Pushpa, and Arjun Reddy has highlighted the rise of South Indian cinema. These films have garnered widespread acclaim, boosting South Indian actors to the top ranks of the highest-paid in the industry.
Forbes, leveraging IMDb data recently published the list of the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors highlighting a mix of talent from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan leads the pack by a significant margin, while Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Allu Arjun, Akshay Kumar, and Rajinikanth also secure prominent positions on the list.
Shah Rukh Khan: Approx net worth is Rs 6300 crores
SRK has experienced his fair share of flops, but his recent hits, Jawan and Pathan, each grossing over Rs 2000 crores worldwide, have reaffirmed his dominance. His latest release, Dunki, is also performing strongly, solidifying his position as Bollywood’s highest-paid star.
Salman Khan: Approximate net worth of Rs 2900 crore
Salman Khan, who transitioned from a romantic lead to the iconic bhai, continues to be one of India’s highest-paid actors. His latest film, Tiger 3, has grossed over Rs 466.63 crore worldwide, underscoring his enduring popularity.
Akshay Kumar: Approx net worth is Rs 2500 crore
Akshay Kumar is celebrated for his comedic roles and films with social impact.
Although 2023 didn’t see major blockbusters, OMG 2, in which he had a guest role, earned Rs 221 crore worldwide, showcasing his continued appeal.
Aamir Khan: Approx net worth is Rs 1862 crore
Aamir Khan, who is renowned for his meticulous filmmaking, is rightly called Mr Perfectionist in Bollywood. Although Laal Singh Chaddha didn’t perform well, he is set for a comeback with Sitaare Zameen Par in 2024, building on the success of hits like Dangal and PK.
Joseph Vijay: Approx net worth is Rs 474 crores
Thalapathy Vijay, a leading figure in South Indian cinema with a career spanning over two decades, saw significant success in 2023. His films Varisu and Leo grossed Rs 300 crore and Rs 612 crore worldwide, respectively, with Leo becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year.
Rajinikanth: Approx net worth is Rs 430 crore
Rajinikanth, a revered icon in South India, is known for his immense respect and adulation. Officially named Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, he predominantly stars in Tamil cinema. His recent blockbuster, Jailer, earned him Rs 110 crores, reinforcing his legendary status.
Ajith Kumar: Approx net worth is Rs 196 crore
Ajith Kumar, another top South Indian actor, impressed audiences with his 2023 release, Thunivu, which earned Rs 130 crores in India.
Kamal Haasan: Approximate net worth of Rs 150 crore
Kamal Haasan, with a prolific career spanning around 220 films, has his fans eagerly anticipating his next project, KH 234, directed by Mani Ratnam.
Allu Arjun: Approx net worth is Rs 350 crore
Allu Arjun, best known for his role in Pushpa: The Rise, is poised to set new records with the upcoming sequel, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2.
Prabhas: Approximate net worth of Rs 241 crore
Prabhas gained international fame with the Baahubali series. Despite the controversy over Adipurush, his latest film, Salaar, grossed Rs 369.37 crore
