The Indian cinema scene changes all the time. Actors earn fame through their skills and the money they pull in for their films. South Indian cinema takes centre stage today. Actors from movies down south—Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam—earn as much as Bollywood’s biggest stars these days!
Let’s investigate the top-paid actors in India. We will check out their net worth, famous films, and the huge fees they charge for each movie.
Key Takeaways:
- At the top, Joseph Vijay makes between Rs130 to Rs275 crores for his films. He attracts many fans with his performances.
- Shah Rukh Khan holds his ground as a Bollywood superstar, earning Rs150 to Rs250 crores per movie. He captures hearts across the nation.
- Rajinikanth, Allu Arjun, and Prabhas from South India move up the list quickly. Their popularity makes them shine.
1. Joseph Vijay – Rs130 to Rs275 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs474 Crores
As “Thalapathy,” Vijay shines as one of South India’s leading stars. His film Leo, earned more than Rs612 crore globally, setting new records in Tamil cinema.
Fans enjoy his performances, and he continues to rise in popularity. Each movie brings something new to his audience. His impressive dance moves and gripping roles make him the highest-paid actor in India.
Lesser Known Fact: Vijay often keeps to himself off-screen and skips most award shows. His quiet nature adds a layer of mystery to his fame.
2. Shah Rukh Khan – Rs150 to Rs250 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs6300 Crores
The King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, rules with his huge films. In 2023, “Pathaan” and “Jawan” each made more than Rs2000 crores globally.
His fame grows with every release. Audiences admire his talent and eagerly await his next project. His new movie, “Dunki” became another big hit.
Lesser-known fact: SRK loves gaming and has a collection of gaming consoles. He plays FIFA with his children.
3. Rajinikanth – Rs125 to Rs270 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs430 Crores
In South India, people treat Rajinikanth like he’s more than human. His fans follow him as if he were a religious figure.
He plays amazing characters and has his own style, which keeps him earning top dollars. “Jailer” and “Vettaiyan”, his new movies, became a big hit. This cemented his legendary place in Indian cinema.
Lesser-known fact: Before movies, Rajinikanth was a Bangalore bus route driver. Conversations with passengers shaped his famous acting style.
4. Aamir Khan – Rs100 to Rs275 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs1862 Crores
Aamir Khan, known for his perfectionist approach, guarantees impactful films. Although Laal Singh Chaddha fell short of what people hoped for, Khan still shines as a top-paid actor. Dangal and PK brought him fame and success worldwide. His ability to star in hit films keeps him in high demand.
Lesser-known fact: Aamir doesn’t go to award shows. He says fans matter more than awards.
5. Prabhas – Rs100 to Rs200 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs241 Crores
Baahubali made Prabhas super famous. Everyone knows him. His roles as Amarendra and Mahendra Baahubali made him a star.
Today, he is among the top-earning actors. While Adipurush faced criticism, his new movie, Kalki 2898 AD, generated excitement.
Lesser-known fact: After “Baahubali” made him famous, Prabhas turned down thousands of marriage proposals. People say he rejected over 6,000.
6. Ajith Kumar – Rs105 to Rs165 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs196 Crores
Fans call Ajith Kumar “Thala.” He’s a great actor and a nice person. “Thunivu” shattered records. The movie earned him a place among India’s best-paid actors.
With many hits, Ajith keeps bringing thrilling action to the screen.
Lesser Known Fact: Ajith is a professional racer. He competes in car races around the world.
7. Salman Khan – Rs100 to Rs150 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs2900 Crores
Big movies are Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Tiger Zinda Hai, and Tiger 3. Salman Khan is Bollywood’s “Bhai” and a huge star in Indian films. His films mix action, comedy, and romance, pulling in many fans. The Tiger franchise brings him great popularity, and Tiger 3 has been added to his long list of successes.
Even with some controversies, his star power keeps strong at the box office.
Lesser Known Fact: Salman loves to paint. He donates some of his artwork to charity auctions.
8. Kamal Haasan – Rs100 to Rs150 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs150 Crores
Top movies like Vikram, Kalki, and Vishwaroopam show great success. Kamal Haasan acts in over 220 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
His recent film, Vikram, earned lots of praise. This shows that he can still shine, no matter his age.
With the upcoming Amaran, Haasan continues his journey. He stays among the highest-paid actors in India.
Lesser Known Fact: Surprise! Kamal Haasan became an actor at age four. His first movie was a Tamil film called Kalathur Kannamma back in 1960.
9. Allu Arjun – Rs100 to Rs125 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs350 Crores
Pushpa: The Rise, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, and Pushpa: The Rule made tons of money. Allu Arjun became famous in India through Pushpa: The Rise. That movie made Rs400 crore all over the world. Theaters will show Pushpa: The Rule in 2024. Fans can’t wait for this new movie. Arjun wants to break records and show everyone he’s a great actor in India.
Lesser Known Fact: Allu Arjun draws awesome charcoal pictures and shows them to his best friends.
10. Akshay Kumar – Rs60 to Rs145 Crores Per Movie
Net worth: Rs2500 Crores
Sooryavanshi, Hera Pheri, and Khel Khel Mein are some of Akshay Kumar‘s biggest movies. He can do action movies like Sooryavanshi. He’s also done comedy movies like Hera Pheri. He can even act in serious movies. He’s a really versatile actor.
He is a reliable actor for box office success. Although 2024 did not bring many hits, Kumar still earns a lot. His movie list is already impressive. Khel Khel Mein and that new Hera Pheri 3 will make it even cooler.
Lesser Known Fact: Akshay Kumar is a total Taekwondo pro. He earned a black belt! He even worked as a chef in Bangkok before he was in Bollywood films.
The Indian film industry changed as top actors broke salary records in Bollywood and South Indian cinema. Joseph Vijay brings strength, Shah Rukh Khan charms everyone, and Allu Arjun lights up the screen with his performances.
These stars reshape what it means to be famous. New projects are coming, and the race for the top will heat up, pushing salaries even higher.