Top 10 Highest-Paid Actors in India for 2024: Rankings and Insights

Bollywood, central to India's visual media, captivates Hindi-speaking audiences nationwide. Surprisingly, the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors hail largely from South Indian film industries, not Bollywood.

While the cinema of South India has achieved mainstream attention in recent years, captivating viewers across all Indian regions with their action-packed stories, they have had cult followings across the country for a long time. As a result, South Indian actors have broken into the list of the top 10 most-paid Indian actors in droves.

In this article, we look at a list of the most paid Indian actors to have insights into the big earners.

Here are the top 10 highest-paid Indian actors, with data sourced from IMDb and sorted from the most paid to the least:

Rank	Actor Name	Approximate Fee Charged Per Movie in Rs
1.	Shah Rukh Khan	150cr to 250cr
2.	Rajinikanth	115cr to 270cr
3.	Joseph Vijay	130cr to 250cr
5.	Aamir Khan	100cr to 275cr
4.	Prabhas	100cr to 200cr
10.	Ajith Kumar	105cr to 165cr
6.	Salman Khan	100cr to 150c
7.	Kamal Haasan	100cr to 150cr
8.	Allu Arjun	100cr to 125cr
9.	Akshay Kumar	60cr to 145cr

Here are the details about each star in the list of highest-paid Indian actors:

1. Shah Rukh Khan

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹150cr to ₹250cr

   - Background: Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK, is one of Bollywood's most iconic and successful actors. He has starred in numerous blockbuster films and is often referred to as the "King of Bollywood." His versatility and charisma have made him a global superstar with a massive fan following.

2. Rajinikanth

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹115cr to ₹270cr

   - Background: Rajinikanth is a legendary actor in Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil cinema. Known for his unique style, powerful screen presence, and larger-than-life persona, Rajinikanth has a cult following. He has acted in a wide range of films that have been box office hits.

3. Joseph Vijay (Vijay)

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹130cr to ₹250cr

   - Background: Joseph Vijay, known simply as Vijay, is a prominent actor in Tamil cinema. He is celebrated for his compelling performances and ability to connect with audiences. Vijay's films often blend action, drama, and social messages, contributing to his immense popularity.

4. Aamir Khan

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹100cr to ₹275cr

   - Background: Aamir Khan is considered one of the finest actors in Bollywood known for his dedication to roles and versatility. Often referred to as the "Mr. Perfectionist" of Indian cinema, Aamir Khan's films are known for their quality and social impact, making him a respected figure both domestically and internationally.

5. Prabhas

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹100cr to ₹200cr

   - Background: Prabhas gained global fame for his role in the blockbuster "Baahubali" series. He is a prominent actor in Telugu cinema and has also ventured into Hindi cinema with successful films. Prabhas is known for his strong screen presence and commitment to portraying diverse characters.

6. Salman Khan

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹100cr to ₹150cr

   - Background: Salman Khan, often referred to as "Bhai" in Bollywood, is known for his mass appeal and box office success. He is recognized for his charismatic roles in action-packed and family-oriented films. Salman Khan's films often become major commercial successes, contributing to his status as a top star in the industry.

7. Kamal Haasan

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹100cr to ₹150cr

   - Background: Kamal Haasan is a legendary actor known for his contributions to Tamil and Indian cinema. He is celebrated for his versatility, having acted in a wide range of genres and languages. Kamal Haasan's career spans several decades, and he is also noted for his work as a director and producer.

8. Allu Arjun

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹100cr to ₹125cr

   - Background: Allu Arjun is a popular actor in Telugu cinema, known for his stylish looks and energetic performances. He has garnered a large fan base with his unique dance style and charismatic screen presence. Allu Arjun's films often combine action with elements of romance and drama.

9. Akshay Kumar

   - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹60cr to ₹145cr

   - Background: Akshay Kumar, known as the "Khiladi" of Bollywood, is admired for his versatility and dedication to fitness. He is known for his roles in action films as well as comedies and socially relevant dramas. Akshay Kumar's films often tackle important social issues and resonate with audiences.

10. Ajith Kumar

    - Approximate Fee Per Movie: ₹105cr to ₹165cr

    - Background: Ajith Kumar, also known as "Thala" among his fans, is a prominent actor in Tamil cinema. He is celebrated for his intense performances and strong screen presence. Ajith Kumar's films often feature gripping narratives and dynamic action sequences, earning him a loyal fan following.

These actors represent the pinnacle of Indian cinema, each contributing uniquely to the industry's diverse landscape and commanding significant fees for their contributions to the art of filmmaking.

Source: forbesindia