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Journalism of Courage
Bollywood has been at the forefront of India’s entertainment industry, dominating the visual media space for long, thanks to the massive Hindi-speaking audience in the country. Given its widespread influence, it’s no surprise that some of the country’s highest-paid actors come from Bollywood. However, in recent years, South Indian cinema has taken the industry by storm, producing many blockbusters.
While South Indian films have always enjoyed a dedicated fanbase, their recent mainstream success has propelled many actors from the region into the league of India’s highest-paid stars. With their high-energy action sequences, compelling storytelling, and larger-than-life performances, South Indian actors are now commanding record-breaking fees.
In this article, we dive into the earnings of India’s biggest film stars, ranking the top 10 highest-paid actors, based on data from Forbes India.
| Rank | Actor Name | Approximate Fee Charged Per Movie in Rs | Net Worth |
| 1. | Allu Arjun | 300cr | Rs 350 crore |
| 2. | Joseph Vijay | 130cr to 275cr | Rs 474 crores |
| 3. | Shah Rukh Khan | 150cr to 250cr | Rs 6300 crores |
| 4. | Rajinikanth | 125cr to 270cr | Rs 430 crore |
| 5. | Aamir Khan | 100cr to 275cr | Rs 1862 crore |
| 6. | Prabhas | 100cr to 200cr | Rs 241 crore |
| 7. | Ajith Kumar | 105cr to 165cr | Rs 196 crore |
| 8. | Salman Khan | 100cr to 150c | Rs 2900 crore |
| 9. | Kamal Haasan | 100cr to 150cr | Rs 150 crore |
| 10. | Akshay Kumar | 60cr to 145cr | Rs 2500 crore |
Based on Forbes list
With an estimated net worth of Rs 350 crore, Allu Arjun stands as the highest-paid actor in India. Widely recognised for his stellar performance in Pushpa: The Rise (2021), the Telugu superstar has garnered a massive pan-India fan following. His recently released sequel, Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 (2024), shattered many box office records. Reports suggest that Allu Arjun charged a staggering Rs 300 crore for the film, making him the highest-paid Indian actor, even surpassing Tamil superstar Joseph Vijay.
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is one of India’s highest-paid actors, commanding a fee ranging from Rs 130 crore to Rs 275 crore per film. With an estimated net worth of Rs 474 crore, Vijay has built an illustrious career spanning over two decades. He began his journey as a child artist in Vetri (1984) and has since become a dominant force in Tamil cinema. His 2023 blockbuster Leo grossed over Rs 612 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year.
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as “King Khan,” holds the title of the richest Indian actor, with an estimated net worth of Rs 6,300 crore. Despite facing a few setbacks in his career, he has consistently bounced back, proving his dominance at the box office. In 2023, he delivered two record-breaking blockbusters, Jawan and Pathaan, each grossing over Rs 2,000 crores globally. From his early days in television to his Bollywood debut in Deewana (1992), SRK has cemented his legacy as one of the industry’s most bankable stars.
Rajinikanth, often regarded as the biggest superstar in South Indian cinema, commands an unmatched fan following. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, he has dominated the Tamil film industry for decades, delivering numerous blockbusters. His presence alone is enough to draw massive crowds to theaters, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. As the highest-paid actor in South India, he reportedly charges anywhere between Rs 125 crore to Rs 270 crore per film. Recently, he was seen in Vettaiyan, an action drama released last year for which he reportedly charged Rs 125 crore.
Aamir Khan, also known as “Mr Perfectionist” among his fans, is known for his meticulous approach to filmmaking and carefully curated projects. With an estimated net worth of Rs 1,862 crore, he commands a hefty fee ranging from Rs 100 crore to Rs 275 crore per film. Despite his 2022 release Laal Singh Chaddha falling short of expectations, Aamir remains a box-office powerhouse. He is set to return to theatres with his upcoming film, Sitaare Zameen Par.
Prabhas, one of India’s most sought-after stars, has an estimated net worth of Rs 241 crore. Known for his larger-than-life screen presence, he charges between Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore per film. Prabhas rose to unparalleled fame following the success of SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, which cemented his status as a pan-India superstar. Over the past eight years, his net worth has surged by an impressive 94 per cent.
Ajith Kumar is among the top-earning actors in South Indian cinema, known for his massive fan following and consistent box office success. With an estimated net worth of Rs 196 crore, he reportedly charges between Rs 105 crore to Rs 165 crore per film.
With an estimated net worth of Rs 2,900 crore, Salman Khan commands a massive presence in the Indian film industry. Evolving from the romantic “Prem” of the 90s to the much-loved “Bhai” of Bollywood, his fan base has only grown stronger. Charging between Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore per film, he consistently delivers box office hits. His latest release, Tiger 3, became a global success, earning over Rs 466.63 crore worldwide.
Kamal Haasan, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, has made an indelible mark with a career spanning over multiple decades. With an estimated net worth of Rs 150 crore, he commands a hefty fee ranging between Rs 100 to Rs 150 crore per film. Known for his versatility, Haasan has acted in around 220 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi industries.
Akshay Kumar, known for his impeccable comic timing in films like Hera Pheri and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, has also built a reputation for starring in movies with strong social messages, such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman. With a staggering net worth of approximately Rs 2,500 crore, Kumar commands a fee ranging from Rs 60 crore to Rs 145 crore per film.
