Top 10 Highest-Paid Indian Actors 2024: Who’s Shining the Brightest?

The Indian cinema industry is evolving, and global interest in Bollywood is also increasing. Not very long ago, Fallout director Jonathan Nolan stated that ‘Bollywood is bigger than Hollywood’ and that Indian action movies are excellent in the world.  

 

At present, India produces more movies as compared to any other country. Although Bollywood is still at the back of Hollywood in earnings, Bollywood celebs are gaining amazingly more global recognition and matching salaries to boot!

 

The amazing. The high-paid Bollywood star now has a larger net worth than Tom Cruise! The rest of the big earners on our list also own impressive figures, though.

 

In this blog, we will tell you who are the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors and how they achieved it!

 

Top 10 Highest-Paid Indian Actors, 2024

 

Let’s Look at the list of the top 10 Highest-Paid Indian Actors, 2024

 

 

1- Shahrukh Khan

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $18–$30 million

 

Shahrukh is on the top of the line. He is popular as ‘King Khan’ or the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan is the most popular Indian actor in India and people really admire him in foreign countries also. 

 

His large acting career gained him not only the Indian Padma Shri award in 2005 but also the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2007 and the Knight of the Legion of Honor in 2014. SRK is presented with the prestigious Pardo Alla Carriera Award in recognition of his notable contributions to Indian cinema

 

Since his debut in 1988, Shah has done around 100 movies and TV series and earned a lot of awards and so many nominations. 

 

The 58-year-old actor had a great year in 2023. He starred in three of India’s top 10 highest-grossing movies: Dunki, Pathaan, and Jawan. His role in Jawan won him many awards in 2024.

 

Shah Rukh Khan’s fame and high earnings are well-earned. With his strong acting career, he is likely to stay the highest-paid Indian actor for many years.

Major Awards and Honors

Asian Film Awards

2007: Best Actor for Don (Nominated)

Asianet Film Awards

2012: Lifetime Achievement Award
2014: International Icon of Indian Cinema

Astra Film Awards

2024: Best International Feature for Jawan (Nominated)

BIG Star Entertainment Awards

2010: Film Actor of the Decade – Male
2012: Most Entertaining Actor in a Romantic Film – Male for Jab Tak Hai Jaan
2012: Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male
2012: Most Entertaining On-screen Couple
2013: Most Entertaining On-screen Couple for Chennai Express
2013: Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male
2014: Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male for Happy New Year

Bollywood Movie Awards

1999: Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
1999: Most Sensational Actor for Dil Se
2003: Best Actor for Devdas
2005: Best Actor for Veer-Zaara

CNN-News18 Indian of the Year

2023: Indian of the Year – Popular Choice

ETC Bollywood Business Awards

2012: Most Profitable Actor – Male
2013: Most Profitable Actor – Male

FICCI Frames Excellence Honours

2009: Most Powerful Entertainer of the Decade
2010: Global Entertainer of the Year
2011: Best Actor for My Name Is Khan

Filmfare Awards

1993: Best Male Debut for Deewana
1994: Best Actor for Baazigar
1995: Best Performance in a Negative Role for Anjaam
1996: Best Actor for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
1998: Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
1999: Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2003: Best Actor for Devdas
2004: Power Award
2007: Best Actor for Chak De! India
2011: Best Actor for My Name Is Khan
2013: Best Actor (Popular Choice) for Jab Tak Hai Jaan
2014: Best Actor (Popular Choice) for Chennai Express
2016: Best Actor (Popular Choice) for Dilwale

Global Indian Film Awards

2005: Best Actor for Swades
2007: Most Searched Actor on the Internet

International Indian Film Academy Awards

2003: Best Actor for Devdas
2008: Best Actor for Chak De! India
2009: Star of the Decade – Male
2011: Best Actor for My Name Is Khan
2013: Digital Star of the Year
2014: Best Actor for Chennai Express

Indian Television Academy Awards

2008: Best Anchor – Game/Quiz Show for Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain?

Indian Telly Awards

2007: Best Anchor for Kaun Banega Crorepati 3

Locarno Film Festival

2024: Pardo alla Carriera Ascona-Locarno Tourism

Mirchi Music Awards

2014: Face of Romantic Music

NDTV Indian of the Year Awards

2008: NDTV Special Award
2010: India’s Icon of Last 21 Years in Entertainment

NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards

2012: Creative Entrepreneur of the Year

Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards India

2013: Best Actor for Chennai Express
2016: Kids’ Icon of The Year

Producers Guild Film Awards

2008: Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chak De! India
2010: Best Actor in a Leading Role for Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
2011: Hindustan Times Reader’s Choice Entertainer of the Year – Male
2012: Hindustan Times Reader’s Choice Entertainer of the Year – Male
2014: Renault Star Guild Entertainer of the Year

Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Awards

1998: Best Actor for Dil To Pagal Hai
1999: Best Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2001: Best Actor for Mohabbatein
2002: Best Actor (Jury) for Aśoka
2003: Best Actor for Devdas

Screen Awards

1996: Best Actor for Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge
2003: Best Actor for Devdas
2008: Best Actor for Chak De! India
2010: Jodi of the Decade

Sharjah International Book Fair

2022: Special Honoured with Global Icon of Cinema and Cultural Narrative Award

Stardust Awards

2013: Actor of the Year – Male for Jab Tak Hai Jaan
2014: Actor of the Year – Male for Happy New Year
2016: Best Actor (Editor’s Choice) for Dilwale

The Asian Awards

2015: Outstanding Contribution to Cinema

Vijay Awards

2013: Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema
2014: Entertainer of Indian Cinema

Zee Cine Awards

1998: Best Actor – Male for Dil To Pagal Hai
1999: Best Actor – Male for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
2003: Best Actor – Male for Devdas
2007: Fun Cinema Entertainer of the Year for Don
2008: Best Actor – Male for Chak De! India
2011: Best Actor – Male for My Name Is Khan
2012: Critics Award for Best Actor – Male for Don 2
2014: Best Actor – Male for Chennai Express
2018: Special Honour for Contribution to Cinema and TV over the Last 25 Years

State Honors

France 2007: Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
2014: Legion of Honour

India 1997: Best Indian Citizen Award
2002: Rajiv Gandhi Award
2005: Padma Shri

Indian Television Academy 2017: Yash Chopra National Memorial Award

La Trobe University 2019: Honorary Doctorate

Malaysia 2008: Darjah Mulia Seri Melaka
2012: BrandLaureate Legendary Award

Maulana Azad National Urdu University 2016: Honorary Doctorate

Morocco 2011: L’Etoile d’Or
2012: Wissame al-Kafaa al-Fikria

UNESCO 2011: Pyramide con Marni Award

United Kingdom 2014: Global Diversity Award

University of Bedfordshire 2009: Honorary Doctorate

University of Edinburgh 2015: Honorary Doctorate

University of Law 2019: Honorary Doctorate

World Economic Forum 2018: Crystal Award

 

 

2- Joseph Vijay

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $16–$30 million

 

Vijay was the highest-paid Tamil actor and India’s second-highest revenue-generating movie star in 2023. Unluckily, he made the announcement of his retirement from the cinema in February 2024.

 

Though he will not be on the list of next year’s highest-paid Indian actors, Vijay’s 30 years of contribution the Indian cinema will be highly admired for a long time. 

Vijay got his big breakthrough from the 1997 romance drama Kadhalukku Mariyadhai, he also won the best Actor title at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for that. 

 

However, he moved forward to establish himself as a lead role actor and done successful movies, including Thuppakki (2012), Kaththi (2014), and Mersal (2017), for which he received so many Best Actor awards and nominations between 2013–2018.

 

His latest movie Leo, was also loved by the public and generated around $7 million in revenue worldwide.

 

Fans are excited about Vijay’s upcoming film, The Greatest of All Time, which is a sci-fi action movie expected to be released in September 2024.

 

Major Awards and Honors

Civilian Honors

1998: Kalaimaamani
2007: Honorary Doctorate

Osaka Awards

2023: Best Actor for Master

National Film Awards UK

2018: Best Actor for Mersal (Nominated)

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

1997: Best Actor for Kadhalukku Mariyadhai
2000: MGR Award for Thulladha Manamum Thullum
2005: Best Actor (Special Prize) for Thirupaachi

Star India Awards

2006: Superstar of Tomorrow
2007: Entertainer of the Year for Pokkiri and Azhagiya Tamil Magan
2009: Favourite Hero for Vettaikaaran
2012: Entertainer of the Year for Nanban and Thuppakki
2012: Favourite Hero for Thuppakki
2013: Favourite Hero for Thalaivaa
2014: Entertainer of the Year for Jilla and Kaththi
2018: Favourite Hero for Mersal

South Indian International Movie Awards

2016: Best Entertainer for Theri

Edison Awards

2011: Best Actor for Velayudham
2011: Super Star Award for Velayudham
2016: Mass Hero for Theri
2017: Mass Hero for Mersal

Behindwoods Gold Medals

2014: Best Actor in a Lead Role – Male for Kaththi
2014: People’s Choice Actor – Male for Kaththi
2016: The Samrat of South Indian Box Office for Theri
2016: People’s Choice Actor – Male for Theri

Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards

2012: Best Actor for Nanban and Thuppakki
2017: Best Actor for Mersal

Asianet Film Awards

2010: Most Popular Tamil Actor

Techofes Awards

2012: Best Actor for Thuppakki
2013: Favourite Actor for Thalaivaa
2017: Favourite Actor and Best Entertainer for Mersal

Cosmopolitan Awards

2012: Cosmopolitan People’s Choice Award for Best Actor for Nanban and Thuppakki

Kumudam Awards

2014: People’s Choice Superstar Award

Indiatoday Awards

2018: Tamil Nadu Best Actor

Dinakaran Awards

2004: Best Actor for Ghilli

Madras Club Awards

2004: Best Actor for Ghilli

Mathrubhumi Film Awards

2007: Best Tamil Actor for Pokkiri

FilmToday Awards

2004: Best Actor for Ghilli

Roja Duke’s Film Awards

1998: Best Actor for Kadhalukku Mariyadhai

Cinema Express Awards

1992: New Face for Naalaiya Theerpu

Isaiaruvi TV Awards

2007: Best Hero for Pokkiri
2009: Favourite Actor for Vettaikaran

Gaana Music Awards

2013: Popular Song of the Year for Vaanganna Vannakanganna

Variety Film Awards

2011: Hero of the Year for Kaavalan and Velayudham

Zee Cine Awards

2020: Favourite Hero for Bigil

 

 

3- Rajinikanth

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $18–$25 million

 

Sivaji Rao Gaikwad, popular as Rajnikanth, is the third highest-paid actor in India, according to reports he is earning up to $25 million per movie. His commercial success is very inspiring and encouraging to his fans, he was a normal bus conductor and now the biggest movie star. 

 

After starting his career with the movie Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, Rajinikanth became one of India’s biggest stars. He won the Padma Vibhushan in 2016 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2019.

 

Rajinikanth built a huge fan base with his varied acting roles as both heroes and villains and his funny style in movies like Chandramukhi and Jailer.

 

He was named Entertainer of the Decade at the 2011 NDTV Indian of the Year Awards. Recently, he was nominated for Favorite Hero at the 2020 ZEE Cine Awards for his role in the movie Petta.

 

Major Awards and Honors

Civilian Honors

2000: Padma Bhushan (Government of India)
2016: Padma Vibhushan

National Film Awards

2021: Dadasaheb Phalke Award (Directorate of Film Festivals)

Tamil Nadu State Government Awards

1984: Kalaimamani (Contribution to the Tamil film industry)
2011: M.G.R.-Sivaji Award

Maharashtra State Film Award

2012: Rajiv Gandhi Award

International Film Festival of India

2014: Indian Film Personality of the Year Award
2019: IFFI Golden Jubilee ICON Award

Nandi Awards

2016: NTR National Award (Nandi Awards)

NDTV Awards

2007: Indian Entertainer of the Year
2011: Entertainer of the Decade
2011: Most Stylish Actor
2013: The 25 Greatest Global Living Legends

Cinema Express Awards

1984: Best Actor for Nallavanuku Nallavan
1985: Best Actor for Sri Raghavendra
1988: Best Achiever for Bloodstone
1991: Best Actor for Thalapathy
1992: Best Actor for Annamalai
1993: Best Story Writer for Valli
1995: Best Actor for Baashha and Muthu

Filmfans Association Awards

1979: Best Actor for Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai
1982: Best Actor for Enkeyo Ketta Kural
1984: Best Actor for Nallavanuku Nallavan
1985: Best Actor for Sri Raghavendra
1991: Best Actor for Thalapathy
1992: Best Actor for Annamalai
1993: Best Story Writer for Valli
1995: Best Actor for Baashha and Muthu

Filmfare Awards South

1984: Best Actor – Tamil for Nallavanuku Nallavan
1977: Best Actor – Telugu (Nominated for Chilakamma Cheppindi)
1978: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Mullum Malarum)
1979: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai)
1980: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Johnny)
1981: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Thillu Mullu)
1982: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Moondru Mugam)
1987: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Velaikaran)
1990: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Panakkaran)
1991: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Thalapathi)
1992: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Annaamalai)
1993: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Uzhaippali)
1995: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Baashha and Muthu)
1997: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Arunachalam)
1999: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Padayappa)
2007: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Sivaji)
2010: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Enthiran)
2016: Best Actor – Tamil (Nominated for Kabali)

South Screen Awards

1995: Best Actor for Peddarayudu

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

1978: Special Award for Mullum Malarum
1982: Best Actor for Moondru Mugam
1989: Honorary Award – M.G.R. Award
1995: Best Actor for Muthu
1999: Best Actor for Padayappa
2005: Best Actor for Chandramukhi
2007: Best Actor for Sivaji

Vijay Awards

2008: Favourite Hero for Sivaji
2011: Lifetime Achievement Award (Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema)
2012: Favourite Hero for Enthiran
2015: Favourite Hero for Lingaa

 

 

4- Prabhas

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $12–$24 million

 

Prabhas, a Tollywood movie star, started acting in 2002 and became famous in 2005. That year, he won the Sensational Hero award at the CineMAA Awards for his role in the movie Varsham.

 

Prabhas is most known for his big action movies, Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Both films are among the top ten highest-grossing movies in India, with Baahubali 2 earning $254 million worldwide.

 

His role in Baahubali 2 also won him Best Actor at the 2018 South Indian International Movie Awards.

 

Prabhas is now waiting for his new movie, Kalki 2898 AD, a sci-fi action film with Kamal Haasan, which will be released in May 2024. We’re excited to see if this movie will be another big hit for them!

 

Major Awards and Honors:

2004: Santosham Film Awards: Best Young Performer (Varsham)

2010: CineMAA Awards: Best Actor (Critics) (Darling)

2013; Nandi Awards: Best Actor – Telugu (Mirchi)

2015: Santosham Film Awards: Best Actor (Baahubali: The Beginning), South Indian International Movie Awards: Best Actor (Telugu) (Baahubali: The Beginning)

2017: South Indian International Movie Awards: Best Actor (Telugu) (Baahubali 2: The Conclusion)

 

 

5- Aamir Khan

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $12–$21 million

 

Aamir Khan is one of the top five highest-paid Indian actors. He won the Padma Bhushan award in 2010 for his acting, producing, and work in charity.

 

In 2013, he was listed as one of TIME’s 100 most influential people.

 

Aamir Khan has starred in some of the highest-grossing Indian films, gaining recognition in India and worldwide.

 

His film Dangal is his biggest hit and is the highest-grossing Indian movie ever. It has also won him ten awards for his acting and producing.

 

Dangal earned him Best International Actor at the 2017 Golden Rooster Awards and Best Asian Film at the 2017 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards.

Major Awards and Honors:

Civilian and Honorary Awards:

• 2003: Padma Shri
• 2010: Padma Bhushan
• 2009: Raj Kapoor Smriti Vishesh Gaurav Puraskar
• 2013: Honorary Doctorate by Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU)
• 2017: National Treasure of India (Government of China)

Indian Film Awards:

• 1989: Best Male Debut for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (Nominated for Best Actor)
• 1997: Best Actor for Raja Hindustani
• 2002: Best Film and Best Actor for Lagaan
• 2006: Best Actor (Critics) for Rang De Basanti
• 2008: Best Film and Best Director for Taare Zameen Par
• 2017: Best Actor and Best Film for Dangal
• 2018: Nominated for Best Film and Best Supporting Actor for Secret Superstar

National Film Awards:

• 1988: Special Mention for Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak
• 2001: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment for Lagaan
• 2003: Best Exploration/Adventure Film for Madness in the Desert
• 2007: Best Film on Family Welfare for Taare Zameen Par

IIFA Awards:

• 2002: Best Film and Best Actor for Lagaan
• 2007: Nominated for Best Actor for Rang De Basanti
• 2009: Movie of the Decade for Lagaan
• 2010: Nominated for Best Actor for 3 Idiots
• 2015: Best Actor for PK

Producers Guild Film Awards:

• 2009: Best Film and Best Director for Taare Zameen Par

Screen Awards:

• 1997: Best Actor for Raja Hindustani
• 2002: Best Film for Lagaan
• 2008: Best Director for Taare Zameen Par
• 2015: Best Actor for PK

Gollapudi Srinivas Award:

• 2008: Best Debut Director for Taare Zameen Par

Zee Cine Awards:

• 2000: Best Actor for Sarfarosh
• 2002: Best Film and Best Actor for Lagaan
• 2008: Best Director and Most Promising Director for Taare Zameen Par
• 2017: Best Film for Dangal

Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Awards:

• 1996: Best Actor (Hindi) for Rangeela and Akele Hum Akele Tum
• 2002: Best Actor for Lagaan

Bollywood Movie Awards:

• 2002: Best Actor for Lagaan

BIG Star Entertainment Awards:

• 2010: BIG Star – Film Actor of the Decade (Male)

International Film Awards:

• 2017: Best Asian Film for Dangal

Douban Film Awards:

• 2017: Movie of the Year, Top Foreign Actor, and Movie of the Month (May) for Dangal

European Film Awards:

• 2001: Nominated for Best Non-European Film for Lagaan

Film Festivals:

• 2001: Bergen International Film Festival – Jury’s Award for Lagaan
• 2001: Leeds International Film Festival – Audience Award for Lagaan
• 2001: Locarno International Film Festival – Audience Award for Lagaan
• 2002: NatFilm Festival – Audience Award for Lagaan
• 2002: Portland International Film Festival – Audience Award for Best Film for Lagaan
• 2017: Indian Film Festival of Melbourne – People’s Choice Award for Dangal

Other Awards:

• 2001: Bollywood People’s Choice Awards – Best Actor for Lagaan
• 2008: Planet Bollywood People’s Choice Awards – Best Director and Best Supporting Actor for Taare Zameen Par
• 2010: Annual Central European Bollywood Award – Best Actor for 3 Idiots
• 2010: Creative Entrepreneur of the Year Award at NDTV Profit Business Leadership Awards
• 2010: Cinematic Icon Award by GQ India
• 2013: Inaugural America Abroad Media Award for Satyamev Jayate
• 2014: ETC Bollywood Business Award – Highest Grossing Actor (male) for Dhoom 3
• 2015: ETC Bollywood Business Award – Highest Grossing Actor (male) for PK
• 2017: Creative Maverick Award by GQ India

 

 

6- Salman Khan

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $12–$18 million

Salman Khan reportedly earns up to $18 million per movie, competing with Kamal Haasan for the sixth spot among top earners. Salman Khan has been one of India’s highest-paid actors for a long time.

In 2015, he was one of the top five celebrities on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list. By 2022, his brand value was over $54 million.

Salman Khan is very popular in India, especially with young people. In a 2019 survey, 14% of people aged 18–21 said he is their favorite Indian actor.

Since starting his film career in 1988, Salman Khan has won 46 awards and been nominated 139 times.

He is well-known for his role in the 2016 film Sultan, which made nearly $1 billion worldwide and earned him seven Best Actor nominations.

As a producer, his biggest hit was the 2015 film Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which got him seven Best Actor nominations and five Best Film nominations.

We are excited to see what Salman Khan will do next with his new project, Be Happy.

Major Awards and Honors:

National Film Awards

• 2012: Best Children’s Film – Chillar Party 
• 2016: Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment – Bajrangi Bhaijaan 

Filmfare Awards

• 1990: Best Male Debut – Maine Pyar Kiya 
• 1999: Best Supporting Actor – Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 
• 2000: Best Performance in a Comic Role – Biwi No.1 (Nominated)
• 2006: Best Performance in a Comic Role – No Entry (Nominated)
• 2011: Best Actor – Dabangg (Nominated)
• 2012: Best Actor – Bodyguard (Nominated)
• 2013: Best Actor – Dabangg 2 (Nominated)
• 2016: Best Actor – Sultan (Nominated)

Screen Awards

• 2011: Best Actor – Dabangg 
• 2012: Best Actor (Popular Choice) – Ek Tha Tiger and Dabangg 2 
• 2016: Best Actor – Bajrangi Bhaijaan 

IIFA Awards

• 2010: Habitat Humanity Ambassadorship 
• 2016: Best Film – Bajrangi Bhaijaan 

Zee Cine Awards

• 2013: Best Actor – Dabangg 2 
• 2016: Best Film – Bajrangi Bhaijaan 

Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards

• 2008: Jodi of the Year (along with Govinda) – Partner 
• 2016: Best Actor in a Leading Role – Bajrangi Bhaijaan
• 2016: Best Film 

Stardust Awards

• 2011: Star of the Year – Male – Dabangg 
• 2012: Star of the Year – Male – Bodyguard and Ready
• 2015: Best Film of the Year – Bajrangi Bhaijaan

BIG Star Entertainment Awards

• 2010: Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male – Dabangg 
• 2012: Most Entertaining Actor in an Action Role 
• 2015: Most Entertaining Film Actor – Male – Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo 

Other Awards

• 2002: Bollywood Movie Award for Most Sensational Actor – Chori Chori Chupke Chupke 
• 2008: Rajiv Gandhi Award for Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment 

 

 

7- Kamal Hasan

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $12–$18 million

 

Kamal Haasan is a well-known actor in Tamil cinema. At 69 years old, he has acted in over 200 movies in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and other Indian languages for more than 60 years.

 

Kamal Haasan has received over 60 awards and 37 nominations for his work. His latest success was the movie Vikram in 2022, where he won Best Actor and Best Male Playback Singer at the South Indian International Movie Awards.

 

He has three more movies coming out in 2024, and Vikram 2 is already being made. Kamal Haasan is expected to stay one of India’s most popular and highest-paid actors for a long time.

Major Awards and Honors:

National Film Awards

• 1983: Best Actor for Moondram Pirai
• 1988: Best Actor for Nayakan
• 1997: Best Actor for Indian
• 1992: Best Regional Film (Producer) for Thevar Magan

Filmfare Awards

• 1991: Best Actor for Virasat
• 1998: Best Story for Virasat

Filmfare Awards South

• Multiple Wins: Best Actor in various languages (Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada) including films such as Kanyakumari, Apoorva Raagangal, 16 Vayathinile, Sigappu Rojakal, and Nayakan. Total of 18 wins.

Padma Awards

• 1990: Padma Shri
• 2014: Padma Bhushan

International Honors

• 2016: Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Chevalier) by France
• 2016: Prix Henri-Langlois French Award

Lifetime Achievement Awards

• 2009: Kalaimamani by Government of Tamil Nadu
• 2010: Honorary Award by Government of Kerala
• 2010: Special Achievement Award by CNN-IBN
• 2014: NTR National Award
• 2022: Soman Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2016: Lifetime Achievement Award by Norway Tamil Film Festival
• 2016: Outstanding Contribution in Indian Cinema Award at London Indian Film Festival

Special Recognition

• 2007: Contemporary Living Legend of the Year by UFO Digital Cinema Company
• 2014: Shifa Al Jazeera Excellence Award
• 2019: The Legend of Indian Cinema Award at India Retail Excellence Awards

Film Awards and Nominations

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

• 1977: Best Actor for 16 Vayathinile
• 1980: Best Actor for Varumayin Niram Sivappu
• 1982: Best Actor for Moondram Pirai
• 1989: Best Actor for Apoorva Sagodharargal
• 1992: Best Actor for Thevar Magan
• 1996: Best Actor for Indian
• 2006: Best Actor for Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu
• 2008: Best Actor for Dasavathaaram

Asianet Film Awards

• 2009: Special Jury Award
• 2012: Popular Tamil Actor
• 2013: Best Actor

Cinema Express Awards

• 1982: Best Actor for Moondram Pirai
• 1987: Best Actor for Nayakan
• 1990: Best Actor for Michael Madhana Kamarajan
• 1995: Best Film (Producer) for Kuruthipunal
• 1996: Best Actor for Indian

Vijay Awards

• 2006: Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema
• 2008: Most Popular Hero of the Year for Dasavathaaram
• 2011: Best Playback Singer by an Actor for Manmadan Ambu
• 2013: Best Actor for Vishwaroopam

Film Festival Awards

• 2004: Best Film and Best Director for Virumaandi at Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
• 2013: Lifetime Achievement Award at Mumbai International Film Festival

Other Recognitions

• 2013: CNN-IBN’s 2nd position in “100 Years of Indian Cinema” for greatest Indian actors.
• 2017: Honored at India House, London during the UK-India Year of Culture
• 2018: Grand Marshal at 38th India Day Parade, Manhattan, New York

 

 

8- Allu Arjun

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $12–$15 million

 

Allu Arjun makes about $13.5 million for each movie he does. He’s very famous in Tollywood, so his high pay is not surprising. In 2020, he was the most searched male celebrity in India.

Fans call him the ‘Icon Star’ or ‘Stylish Star’ because of his unique style. He is known for his special dance moves and fight scenes in his films.

Allu Arjun became a big star between 2014 and 2016 with movies like Race Gurram and Sarrainodu. He won the 2017 Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actor for Sarrainodu, which he considers one of his best films.

In 2021, he won Best Actor at the Bollywood Life Awards for his role in the action comedy Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, which is his second highest-grossing movie. His great acting and dancing once again showed that he is very talented.

Major Awards and Honors:

CineMAA Awards

• 2004: Best Male Debut for Gangotri
• 2005: Best Actor – Jury for Arya
• 2008: Best Actor for Desamuduru
• 2009: Best Actor for Parugu
• 2015: Best Actor for Race Gurram
• 2016: Best Actor – Jury for Rudhramadevi

Filmfare Awards South

• 2009: Best Actor – Telugu for Parugu
• 2011: Best Actor for Vedam
• 2015: Best Actor for Race Gurram
• 2016: Best Supporting Actor – Telugu for Rudhramadevi
• 2017: Critics Best Actor – Telugu for Sarrainodu
• 2022: Best Actor – Telugu for Pushpa: The Rise

IIFA Utsavam

• 2017: Performance In A Supporting Role – Male for Rudhramadevi

Mirchi Music Awards South

• 2015: Youth Icon of the Year for Race Gurram

Nandi Awards

• 2003: Special Jury Award for Gangotri
• 2004: Best Actor for Arya
• 2008: Best Actor for Parugu
• 2010: Best Actor for Vedam
• 2015: Best Character Actor for Rudhramadevi

National Film Awards

• 2023: Best Actor for Pushpa: The Rise

Sakshi Excellence Awards

• 2017: Most Popular Actor of the Year – Male for Sarrainodu
• 2021: Most Popular Actor of the Year – Male for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
• 2022: Most Popular Actor of the Year – Male for Pushpa: The Rise

Santosham Film Awards

• 2004: Best Male Debut for Gangotri
• 2005: Best Young Performer for Arya
• 2006: Best Actor for Bunny
• 2011: Best Actor for Vedam

South Indian International Movie Awards (SIIMA)

• 2015: Stylish Youth Icon of South Indian Cinema (Male) for Race Gurram
• 2016: Best Actor (Critics) – Telugu for Rudhramadevi
• 2021: Best Actor – Telugu for Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo
• 2022: Best Actor – Telugu for Pushpa: The Rise

South Scope Lifestyle Awards

• 2009: Best Actor for Parugu
• 2010: Best Stylish Actor for Arya 2
• 2011: Best Actor for Vedam

TSR– TV9 National Film Awards

• 2015: Best Hero for Race Gurram
• 2017: Best Outstanding Performance for S/O Satyamurthy and Rudhramadevi

Zee Cine Awards Telugu

• 2017: Favorite Actor for DJ: Duvvada Jagannadham

 

 

9- Ajith Kumar

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $13 million

 

Ajith Kumar is a top Tamil actor known for his romance and action movies. He earns about $13 million per movie.

 

In 2020, Ajith won the Best Actor award at the South Indian International Movie Awards for his role in Viswasam. He was also nominated for Favorite Hero at the ZEE Cine Awards that year.

 

His recent film, Nerkonda Paarvai, features him as a retired lawyer who takes on one last case.

 

Ajith is also set to star in a new movie called Vidaa Muyarchi, which comes out in 2024. In this film, his character searches for his missing wife and faces a mysterious enemy. We don’t know the exact release date yet, but fans are excited to find out!

Major Awards and Honors:

Chennai Times Film Awards

• 2012: Best Actor for Mankatha

Cinema Express Awards

• 1999: Best Actor – Tamil for Vaali / Amarkalam
• 2000: Best Actor for Mugavaree
• 2023: Best Actor for Citizen

Dinakaran Cinema Awards

• 1999: Best Actor for Vaali
• 2002: Best Actor for Villain

Filmfare Awards South

• 2000: Best Actor – Tamil for Vaali
• 2003: Best Actor for Villain
• 2007: Best Actor for Varalaru

Kalaimamani Awards

• 2000: Art and Literature

South Indian International Movie Awards

• 2021: Best Actor for Viswasam

Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

• 2001: Special Prize for Poovellam Un Vasam
• 2006: Best Actor for Varalaru
• Honorary Award – MGR Award

Vijay Awards

• 2007: Best Actor and Favourite Hero for Varalaru
• 2012: Best Villain and Favourite Hero for Mankatha

Zee Cine Awards – Tamil

• 2019: Most Empowering Performer of the Decade

 

 

10- Akshay Kumar

 

Estimated earnings per movie: $7–$17 million 

Akshay Kumar is one of the highest-paid Indian actors, making between $7 and $17 million per movie. He is also very popular in ads; in 2023, he appeared in 10% of all TV commercials, the most of any Indian film star.

He has starred in popular movies like Mission Mangal and Airlift, both of which made over $16 million in their first week in theaters.

In 2023, Akshay starred in and co-produced OMG 2, a sequel to the successful comedy-drama OMG. He won the Star of the Year title in the 2013 Stardust Awards for the original movie.

He is set to appear in several new action movies soon, including Sky Force, which highlights a major event in the history of the Indian Air Force.

Major Awards and Honors:

Civilian Award

• 2009 – Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian award)

Honorary Doctorate

• 2008 – Honorary Doctorate of Law, University of Windsor

The Asian Awards

• 2011 – Outstanding Achievement in Cinema

Asian Film Awards

• 2009 – Asian Film Award for Best Actor (Nominated for Singh Is Kinng)

National Film Awards

• 2017 – Best Actor (Rustom)
• 2019 – Best Film on Other Social Issues (Pad Man)

Filmfare Awards

• 2002 – Best Villain (Ajnabee)
• 2006 – Best Comedian (Garam Masala)

Filmfare Awards South

• 2019 – Best Supporting Actor – Tamil (2.0) (Nominated)

Screen Awards

• 2009 – Best Actor (Popular Choice) (Singh Is Kinng)

IIFA Awards

• 2002 – Best Villain (Ajnabee)
• 2005 – Best Comedian (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi)
• 2008 – IIFA Special Award from the host country (Thailand)

Stardust Awards

• 2008 – Star of the Year – Male (Heyy Babyy & Namastey London)
• 2010 – Best Actor – Popular (Male) (Blue)
• 2010 – Best Actor (Critics) (8 x 10 Tasveer)
• 2011 – Star of the Year – Male (Housefull & Tees Maar Khan)
• 2012 – Best Actor (Desi Boyz)
• 2013 – Best Actor – Action/Thriller (Rowdy Rathore & Khiladi 786)

BIG Star Entertainment Awards

• 2012 – Most Entertaining Social Film (OMG: Oh My God!)
• 2012 – Complete Entertainer of the Year – Male
• 2012 – Most Entertaining Actor in an Action Role – Male

Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards

• 2008 – Best Entertainer of the Year 2007 (Namastey London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome)
• 2015 – Special Award for Completing 25 Years in the Industry

Zee Cine Awards

• 2018 – Best Actor – Male (Viewers Choice) (The State vs Jolly LL.B 2)

Star Box Office Awards

• 2014 – Box Office 1000 Crore Club Hero

Indian Television Awards

• 2009 – Radio Mirchi Presents Best Television Personality

‘Hello! Hall Of Fame’ Awards

• 2010 – Stylish Couple Of The Year Award (with Twinkle Khanna)

Star’s Sabsey Favourite Awards

• 2009 – Actor of the Year

South Indian International Movie Awards

• 2019 – Best Actor in a Negative Role–Tamil (2.0) (Nominated)

Other Awards

• 2002 – Sansui Viewers’ Choice Movie Awards: Best Actor in a Villainous Role (Ajnabee)
• 2003 – Bollywood Fashion Awards: Celebrity Style (Male)
• 2006 – Bollywood People’s Choice Awards: Best Comic Performance (Garam Masala)
• 2006 – Best Action Actor at AXN Action Awards
• 2010 – Best Action Actor in a Negative Role at AXN Action Awards (Blue)
• 2008 – Asia’s Sexiest Man Alive
• 2015 – Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards: Most Glamorous Star (Male)
• 2015 – GQ Awards: Ultimate Man Of The Year
• 2018 – GQ India Style Awards: GQ Legend Award
• 2018 – Lions Gold Award Best Actor Popular (For selfless contribution towards the nation through social message in films)
• 2018 – Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Best Actor Award (Pad Man)
• 2019 – HT India’s Most Stylish – Hottest Trendsetter (Male)
• 2004 – Rajiv Gandhi Award for Outstanding Achievements in Bollywood
• 2009 – IIFA-FICCI Frames, “Most Powerful Entertainer of the Decade Award”
• 2024 – Pinkvilla Screen and Style Icons Awards: Entertainer Of The Decade

 

Final Words

Right now, Shah Rukh Khan is the top star in India and one of the richest movie stars in the world. With a net worth of $735 million, he outshines big Hollywood stars like Tom Cruise ($600 million) and Arnold Schwarzenegger ($450 million) in 2023/2024.

His success shows how popular Bollywood is becoming. Prime Video has teamed up with Sony Pictures Television to start a new streaming service in India. Other Indian actors are also becoming famous internationally. With upcoming films like Kalki 2898 AD, we can expect Indian actors to continue earning a lot in the future.

 

Read More Entertainment Related blogs:

 

Yify Movies: Which Alternatives Will Give You Free Entertainment In 2024?

 

Ryan Reynolds Net Worth: How Much Wealth Deadpool Actor Has In 2024?