The world of Bollywood is known for its glitz, glamour, and immense wealth. Several actors have amassed extraordinary fortunes through their successful careers and smart investments. Having a slew of successful films allows actors to charge higher fees in their next movies, and the extensive list from GQ India includes big names like Shahrukh Khan and Ranbir Kapoor.
How do the richest actors in Bollywood build their wealth outside of their acting careers? In this article, we will delve into the lives of four of the wealthiest Bollywood actors — exploring their net worth and notable events in their careers — and take a closer look at the investments that have contributed to their financial success.
This Article Include
Shah Rukh Khan: the King of Bollywood
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” has carved an indelible mark in the Indian film industry. Over the years, he has starred in numerous blockbuster films, including “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge,” “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,” and “My Name Is Khan,” among many others.
Besides his acting career, Khan has also ventured into film production and owns Red Chillies Entertainment. His astute business sense, entrepreneurial ventures, and brand endorsements and investments have significantly contributed to his massive wealth. Shah Rukh Khan’s net worth stands at a staggering $735 million (₹60 billion) per a report shared by Caknowledge, making him one of the richest actors globally.
Amitabh Bachchan: the Legendary Icon
Amitabh Bachchan, often hailed as the “Shahenshah” (Emperor) of Bollywood, is an iconic figure in Indian cinema. With a net worth of approximately $400 million (₹32 billion), Amitabh Bachchan remains one of the wealthiest actors in Bollywood. His filmography boasts timeless classics such as “Sholay,” “Deewaar,” and “Zanjeer,” which propelled him to unparalleled heights of fame.
Beyond acting, Bachchan has explored various avenues to expand his wealth. He has been associated with several brand endorsements, including Pepsi, Cadbury, and Dabur, among others. Moreover, Bachchan has invested in the stock market, real estate, and other lucrative ventures, leveraging his financial acumen to secure his position among Bollywood’s wealthiest actors.
Salman Khan: the Bhaijaan of Bollywood
Salman Khan, fondly known as Bhaijaan (brother), is a charismatic actor and a renowned producer, television host, and philanthropist. Films like “Maine Pyar Kiya,” “Dabangg,” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” cemented his position as one of Bollywood’s biggest crowd-pullers, contributing to a net worth of $360 million (₹29.5 billion) that Khan splurges on expensive cars and bikes, including Audis and multiple Mercedes-Benz cars.
Salman Khan’s entrepreneurial endeavours extend beyond acting. He launched his production company, Salman Khan Films (SKF), and has produced commercially successful movies such as “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and “Tiger Zinda Hai.” Furthermore, Khan actively engages in philanthropy through his charitable organisation, Being Human Foundation.
Hrithik Roshan: the Greek God of Bollywood
Hrithik Roshan, often referred to as the “Greek God of Bollywood,” is renowned for his exceptional acting skills and mesmerising dance performances. With a net worth of approximately $300 million (₹24.5 billion), Hrithik Roshan has emerged as one of the richest actors in Bollywood. Known for his meticulous approach to roles, Roshan has delivered critically acclaimed performances in films like “Koi… Mil Gaya,” “Dhoom 2,” and “Super 30.”
Besides his acting career, Roshan has explored brand endorsements and entrepreneurial ventures to bolster his financial portfolio. Additionally, he has invested in real estate and possesses properties in prime locations, contributing to his overall net worth.
Investment strategies of Bollywood actors
Real estate
One of the most prominent investment strategies pursued by Bollywood actors is real estate. These actors acquire luxurious properties in prime locations, both in India and abroad, serving as residences or commercial spaces and appreciating value over time. The real estate market offers stable and tangible assets, which contribute significantly to their wealth accumulation.
For example, Roshan, known for his opulent lifestyle, owns a luxurious commercial space for his production house in Mumbai. He has also invested in properties in Juhu, per Times of India. Similarly, Akshay Kumar, another Bollywood superstar, has made substantial real estate investments, including properties in Canada and Mumbai’s prime areas.
Investing in real estate provides Bollywood actors with a sense of security and an additional income stream through renting out properties or participating in real estate development projects. This diversification beyond their acting careers ensures long-term financial stability.
Stocks trading
Stock trading represents another investment avenue pursued by Bollywood actors to diversify their portfolios and earn substantial returns. In stock market trading, actors and investors can analyse market trends and company performance on trading platforms and encounter spreads and swaps. This allows them to actively engage in trading shares of publicly traded companies, both globally and locally.
Amitabh Bachchan is known for his active involvement in the stock market. Since he acquired a smallcap stock of DP Wires in 2017, his shares have rallied over five times in December 2022. Otherwise, he has invested in companies like Fineotex, Birla Pacific Medspa and Neuland Labs — many of which have resulted in substantial profits and contributed to his overall net worth.
This shows us that actors can benefit from capital appreciation, dividends, and capital gains by investing in stocks. However, it is crucial to note that stock market investments carry inherent risks, and actors often seek guidance from financial advisors to make informed decisions and manage potential losses.
Film production
Several Bollywood actors have ventured into film production as a means to expand their investment portfolios and exercise creative control over their projects. By investing in their own films, they not only earn profits but also establish themselves as successful producers.
For instance, Salman Khan established his production company, Salman Khan Films (SKF), which recently released “Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan” in April 2023. SKF has also produced commercially successful movies like “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and “Tiger Zinda Hai.” Similarly, Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment has produced critically acclaimed films such as “Chennai Express” and “Raees.”
Investing in film production allows Bollywood actors to capitalise on their star power, control the content they present to the audience, and earn profits from the box office, satellite rights, and digital platforms. Additionally, it opens avenues for collaborations with other production houses and international distribution, further boosting their financial success.
The net worth of Bollywood actors goes beyond their acting prowess. Through smart investments, they have expanded their financial portfolios and achieved extraordinary success. As Bollywood continues to evolve, these actors inspire others to explore new avenues for wealth creation beyond their on-screen personas.
