Top 16 Highest-Paid Indian Actors 2024

Lights, camera, action! India's film Industry, popularly known as Bollywood, is a global phenomenon, producing some of the most spectacular movies that entertain audiences around the world. From love stories to action-packed thrillers, Bollywood has a diverse Range of films to offer. However, the stars of these movies, the actors, are the ones who steal the show with their captivating performances. And while they bring joy to millions of fans, these actors are also some of the highest-paid individuals in the country.

In this article, you'll take a closer look at the top highest-paid actors in Bollywood and their jaw-dropping salaries. Using the latest statistics, you'll explore what factors contribute to their Earnings and what makes them stand out in the competitive world of Indian cinema. So, grab some popcorn, sit back, and get ready to be amazed by the staggering figures and glitz and glamour of Bollywood's biggest stars.

16 Highest-Paid Indian Actors

Bollywood is known for producing some of the most talented actors in the world, and the top highest-paid Indian actors have cemented their status as icons in the industry. Their high salaries reflect their popularity and talent, and they continue to inspire a generation of aspiring actors and movie lovers around the world. Here is the list of the top highest-paid Bollywood actors in 2024:

How Top Actors Charge Their Fees

Over the years, the salaries of most paid Indian actors in India have increased significantly, thanks to the growth of the Indian film industry and the increasing popularity of Indian cinema worldwide. Here is a comparison of the salaries of top-paid five actors in India over the years:

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan, also known as the "King of Bollywood," has been in the industry for over three decades and has appeared in several iconic movies. He charged around ₹1-2 crore per film during this time. Currently, the actor takes 60% of the movie’s profit. Accordingly, Shahrukh takes approximately ₹50 crores for a movie. For the recent movie Pathan, he charged ₹120 crores. He is known for his charming personality and impressive acting skills.

Rajnikanth

Rajnikanth, fondly referred to as the "Thalaiva" by his fans, is a legendary figure in Indian cinema with a career spanning over four decades. Over the years, his salary has seen a huge rise, reflecting his immense popularity and the box-office success of his films. As of 2024, Rajnikanth charges a significant sum for his films, often commanding a base salary of ₹70-100 crores per movie. Additionally, he takes a substantial share of the profits, typically around 50%. For his recent blockbuster "Jailer," Rajnikanth reportedly charged ₹150 crores, setting a new benchmark in the industry.

Joseph Vijay

Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Thalapathy Vijay, is one of the most celebrated actors in Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, Vijay has established himself as a top-tier actor with a massive fan following, not just in Tamil Nadu but across India and globally. As of 2024, Vijay commands an impressive salary. He typically charges ₹80-100 crores per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema. In addition to his base fee, Vijay often takes a share of the film's profits, usually around 50%, further boosting his earnings. For his recent blockbuster "Leo," Vijay reportedly earned around ₹120 crores.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan's rise to fame in the 2000s saw him becoming one of the highest-paid actors in India. He charged around ₹10- ₹12 crore per film during this time. Right now, he is charging anywhere between ₹100 - ₹150 crores and takes 70% of the movie’s profit. He is known for his perfectionism and has delivered several critically acclaimed movies over the years. He is one of the most respected actors in the industry and has a loyal fan following.

Prabhas

Prabhas, widely recognized as a pan-Indian star, shot to international fame with the blockbuster "Baahubali" series, which not only broke box office records but also established him as one of the most bankable actors in the country. As of 2024, Prabhas commands a hefty salary. He typically charges around ₹100-125 crores per movie, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Indian cinema. Additionally, Prabhas often takes a share of the profits, usually around 20-30%, significantly boosting his overall earnings. For his recent project "Salaar," Prabhas reportedly charged ₹150 crores, marking him as a top earner in the industry.

Ajith Kumar

Ajith Kumar, fondly known as "Thala" by his fans, is a revered figure in Tamil cinema with a career spanning nearly three decades. His ability to transition between action-packed roles and emotionally driven characters seamlessly has made him one of the most respected and successful actors in the industry. He typically charges around ₹70-90 crores per film. Ajith often negotiates a share of the film's profits, generally around 50%, further enhancing his earnings. For his recent blockbuster "Thunivu," Ajith reportedly earned ₹100 crores.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan's popularity in the 2010s saw him becoming one of the highest-paid actors in India. He charged around ₹50- ₹60 crore per film during this time. In the present era, not just he is the top-paid actor, but the first one to get ₹100 crore+ for a movie in 2016 when he signed Sultan. He also gets a profit-sharing deal where he takes 60% - 70% of the total profit of a movie. Salman Khan has been ruling the Indian film industry for over three decades now and is one of the most popular and bankable actors in the country. He is known for his blockbuster movies and has a massive fan following.

Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan has had an illustrious career spanning over six decades. Known for his versatility, he has excelled in various roles, from intense dramas to light-hearted comedies. His contributions as an actor, filmmaker, and producer have earned him a legendary status in the industry. He typically charges around ₹60-80 crores per film. In addition to his base fee, Kamal often takes a share of the film’s profits, usually around 40-50%. For his recent "Vikram," Kamal Haasan reportedly earned ₹100 crores.

Allu Arjun

Allu Arjun has become one of the most sought-after actors in the Indian film industry. Known for his charismatic screen presence, exceptional dance skills, and ability to connect with audiences across different regions, Allu Arjun has carved a unique niche for himself. He typically charges around ₹80-100 crores per film. In addition to his base fee, Allu Arjun often takes a share of the profits, usually around 40-50%. For his recent blockbuster "Pushpa 2: The Rule," Allu Arjun reportedly charged ₹125 crores.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has become one of the highest-paid actors in India in recent years. He now charges around ₹45- ₹50 crores per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the world. Along with the fees, he also takes a massive profit share in the film. Apparently, he is going to charge ₹135 crores for this forthcoming movie Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. He is known for his versatility and has acted in a wide range of movies, from comedies to action thrillers.

N.T. Rama Rao Jr.

N.T. Rama Rao Jr., widely known as Jr. NTR, is one of the most prominent and talented actors in Telugu cinema. With a strong legacy as the grandson of the legendary actor and politician N.T. Rama Rao, Jr. NTR has carved out his successful career. His ability to portray various characters has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. He charges around ₹70-90 crores per film. Jr. NTR also often negotiates a share of the film's profits, generally around 40-50%. For his recent blockbuster "RRR," Jr. NTR reportedly earned ₹100 crores.

Ram Charan

Ram Charan has established himself as one of the leading actors in the industry. The son of the legendary actor Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan has made a name for himself, earning a dedicated fan base and recognition across India. He charges around ₹75-100 crores per film. For his recent blockbuster "RRR," Ram Charan reportedly earned ₹100 crores.

Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan is renowned for his extraordinary looks, exceptional dance skills, and versatile acting abilities. With a career spanning over two decades, Hrithik has established himself as one of the top actors in Indian cinema. As of 2024, Hrithik Roshan commands a significant salary, reflecting his status as a leading star in Bollywood. He typically charges around ₹75-100 crores per film, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the industry. In addition to his base fee, Hrithik often takes a share of the film's profits, usually around 40-50%, which significantly boosts his overall earnings. His consistent box office success and ability to captivate audiences with his performances solidify his position as one of the top stars in Indian cinema.

Mahesh Babu

Mahesh Babu is one of the most celebrated and influential actors in Telugu cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, he has consistently delivered blockbuster hits, making him a top star in the industry. He typically charges around ₹70-90 crores per film, placing him among the highest-paid actors in Telugu cinema. Mahesh Babu also often takes a share of the film’s profits, usually around 40-50%, further boosting his earnings. For his recent film "Guntur Kaaram," Mahesh Babu reportedly earned ₹100 crores.

Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor, one of Bollywood's most talented and versatile actors, has significantly impacted Indian cinema with his diverse roles and compelling performances. Known for his ability to transition between intense dramas and light-hearted comedies seamlessly, Ranbir has built a reputation as one of the leading stars of his generation. As of 2024, Ranbir Kapoor commands a substantial salary, reflecting his status and the success of his films. He typically charges around ₹50-75 crores per film. Additionally, Ranbir often negotiates a share of the film’s profits, usually around 30-40%, further increasing his overall earnings. For his recent blockbuster "Animal," Ranbir reportedly earned around ₹80 crores. His continued success and ability to deliver hit films make him a prominent and influential figure in Bollywood.

Factors Affecting Actor Salaries in Indian Cinema

There are several factors that contribute to an actor's salary in Indian cinema. Here are some of the most significant ones:

• Box Office Performance: The success of a film at the box office is one of the biggest factors that determine an actor's salary. The more money a movie makes, the higher the actor's remuneration is likely to be.

• Critical Acclaim: While box office collections are crucial, critical acclaim is also a significant Factor in determining an actor's pay. Actors who deliver exceptional performances in critically acclaimed films tend to earn more.

• Popularity and Fan Following: Actors who have a massive fan base and a considerable social media following can negotiate higher salaries. Fans flock to theatres to see their favourite stars on the big screen, and producers are willing to pay top dollar to secure their services.

• Film Genre: The genre of a movie also plays a role in an actor's salary. Commercial films that cater to the masses tend to have higher budgets, which means higher salaries for actors. On the other hand, films with niche audiences may have lower budgets and, as a result, lower actor salaries.

• Actor's Experience and Demand: Experienced actors who have a proven track record of delivering hits are in high demand and can command higher salaries. Similarly, actors who are in high demand due to their talent, looks, or versatility can negotiate higher remuneration.

Future Prospects of Bollywood Actors in Indian Cinema

The future outlook for actor salaries in Indian cinema looks positive. With the growing popularity of Indian movies globally and the rise of digital platforms, the demand for talented actors is expected to increase in the coming years. This means that the salaries of top actors are likely to continue to rise, especially those who have established themselves as bankable stars. Moreover, with the influx of foreign investments in the Indian film industry, actors can also expect to earn higher salaries for international collaborations. But, it is also crucial to note that the industry is highly competitive, and actors must continue to deliver quality performances to maintain their popularity and high salaries. Overall, the future looks bright for Indian actors, and they can look forward to continued success and financial rewards in the years to come.

The Bottom Line

The Indian film industry is home to some of the most talented actors in the world, and they continue to entertain audiences with their performances. The top 15 highest-paid Indian actors have achieved great success in their careers and have a massive fan following. They command high salaries due to their popularity, talent, and box-office success. From Salman Khan to Dhanush, these actors have established themselves as icons in the industry and continue to dominate the box office with their blockbuster movies. As we look forward to more amazing performances and entertainment from these talented actors, it is evident that the Indian film industry is here to stay and will continue to produce some of the best movies and actors in the world.