India’s film industry is a booming sector, with Bollywood at its core. With its massive reach among Hindi-speaking audiences, Bollywood actors have historically commanded some of the highest salaries. Yet, many of the top 10 highest paid actors in India come from South Indian cinema, reflecting the cross-cultural appeal and strong followings these actors have built over the years.
South Indian movies, known for their thrilling action and compelling storylines, are gaining nationwide popularity. As a result, South Indian stars have surged into the list of India’s highest earners. Here, we present the highest paid actors in India and an overview of their careers.
Table of Contents
ToggleTop 10 Highest Paid Indian Actors in 2025
1. Joseph Vijay
Debut Year: 1984
Approx. Net Worth: ₹474 crore
Instagram: @actorvijay
Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, widely known as “Thalapathy” Vijay, ranks as the highest-paid actor in India. His career in film started young, debuting as a child artist in Vetri at just 10 years old. Vijay has developed into a prominent figure in South Indian cinema, with a massive fan base. Known for his powerful performances and dance skills, he has delivered hits like Leo and G.O.A.T., which have achieved impressive box office success. Leo became the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023, earning Vijay immense popularity and solidifying his position as a top performer in the industry. His dedicated fan following and continuous box-office success make him a dominant presence in Indian cinema.
2. Shah Rukh Khan
Debut Year: 1987
Approx. Net Worth: ₹6,300 crore
Instagram: @iamsrk
Shah Rukh Khan, often hailed as “King Khan,” has a career that spans over three decades, beginning in television before he transitioned to film with Deewana in 1992. Known for his charisma and dedication to his craft, SRK has given Indian cinema some of its biggest hits. In 2023, his films Pathaan and Jawan broke global records, each grossing over ₹2,000 crore worldwide. His latest film, Dunki, is also on track to become a box-office success, reinforcing SRK’s influence and drawing audiences worldwide. With a massive fan following, Shah Rukh continues to be one of Bollywood’s most beloved and successful stars.
3. Rajinikanth
Debut Year: 1975
Approx. Net Worth: ₹430 crore
Instagram: @rajinikanth
Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, is a cinematic legend, particularly in Tamil cinema. Known for his unique style and powerful screen presence, he commands a massive following across India and globally. With recent hits like Jailer and Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth has proven his longevity and appeal, earning him one of the top spots among India’s highest-paid actors. Often revered as a cultural icon, his fan base views him as more than just an actor. His versatility, spanning roles across action, drama, and comedy, has helped shape the Indian film industry, making him a celebrated figure in Indian cinema.
4. Aamir Khan
Debut Year: 1973
Approx. Net Worth: ₹1,862 crore
Instagram: @amirkhanactor_
Nicknamed “Mr. Perfectionist” for his attention to detail, Aamir Khan is known for carefully selecting his projects, resulting in a high success rate. His acting career began as a child in Yaadon Ki Baaraat and evolved over time, with Aamir starring in major blockbusters like Dangal, PK, and 3 Idiots. While his 2022 release, Laal Singh Chaddha, didn’t reach expected success, his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par has fans eagerly anticipating his return. Known for tackling socially relevant themes, Aamir’s approach to filmmaking has solidified his reputation as one of India’s most respected actors.
5. Prabhas
Debut Year: 2002
Approx. Net Worth: ₹241 crore
Instagram: @actorprabhas
Prabhas rose to national fame with SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali series, which propelled him into the spotlight as one of India’s top stars. With recent films like Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas has continued to be a significant presence in Indian cinema. Despite some mixed responses to certain projects, his ability to draw audiences and deliver box office success keeps him in the top ranks of highest-paid Indian actors. Known for his dedication to physically challenging roles, Prabhas remains a popular actor across India, especially within the Telugu-speaking community.
6. Ajith Kumar
Debut Year: 1990
Approx. Net Worth: ₹196 crore
Instagram: @ultimate_star_ajith
Ajith Kumar, known as the “Ultimate Star,” has a massive fan base in Tamil cinema. Starting his career with smaller roles, he soon rose to prominence, consistently delivering strong performances. His recent hit, Thunivu, showcased his versatility and reaffirmed his popularity among fans. Known for his grounded personality and dedication to his craft, Ajith’s work often features action-packed sequences that captivate audiences. His place among the top 10 highest-paid actors is a testament to his commitment and enduring appeal in Indian cinema.
7. Salman Khan
Debut Year: 1988
Approx. Net Worth: ₹2,900 crore
Instagram: @beingsalmankhan
Salman Khan, affectionately called “Bhai” by his fans, has been a dominant figure in Bollywood for over three decades. Known for roles that range from romantic leads to tough action heroes, Salman has crafted a unique identity in Indian cinema. His recent film Tiger 3 has done exceptionally well, adding to his list of box-office successes. With a fan base that spans across generations, Salman remains a top choice for high-stakes Bollywood projects and continues to draw huge crowds to theaters.
8. Kamal Haasan
Debut Year: 1960
Approx. Net Worth: ₹150 crore
Instagram: @ikamalhaasan
Kamal Haasan, a multi-lingual actor with over 220 films, is revered for his versatility and commitment to quality. Known for portraying a wide array of characters in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi cinema, he has earned respect across India. Fans are eagerly awaiting his upcoming movie Indian 2, a continuation of his classic film. Kamal’s contributions to Indian cinema, spanning decades, make him a celebrated icon and one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
9. Allu Arjun
Debut Year: 2003
Approx. Net Worth: ₹350 crore
Instagram: @alluarjun
Allu Arjun, known as the “Stylish Star,” gained national fame with Pushpa: The Rise. His energetic performances, dancing skills, and commitment to his roles have made him one of Telugu cinema’s most popular actors. With Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2 expected soon, fans across India are excited to see him on screen again. His reputation for entertaining roles and charismatic performances places him among India’s top-paid actors, bringing recognition beyond the South Indian film industry.
10. Akshay Kumar
Debut Year: 1987
Approx. Net Worth: ₹2,500 crore
Instagram: @akshaykumar
Akshay Kumar’s career spans action, comedy, and socially impactful dramas, making him one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. Known for movies like Hera Pheri and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, he consistently takes on diverse projects. Although 2023 was a quieter year, his role in OMG 2 made headlines, showcasing his dedication to meaningful content. Akshay’s consistent box-office appeal and his approach to blending entertainment with social messages have secured his place among India’s highest-paid actors.
Why Do These Actors Earn So Much?
These stars have built lasting careers by captivating fans across generations. They’ve portrayed roles that range from family dramas to high-action thrillers, appealing to diverse audiences. Their popularity brings lucrative brand endorsements and side ventures, adding to their wealth.
Digital platforms, such as streaming services, have also increased earnings potential for these actors. The rise of OTT (over-the-top) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime is creating a whole new revenue stream, contributing to the demand for actors in high-budget digital projects.
Conclusion
The top 10 highest paid actors in India in 2025 reflects a unique blend of talent from both Bollywood and South Indian cinema. These actors’ rising fees underscore the impact of digital media and the evergreen appeal of Indian cinema. With demand growing, actor salaries are expected to continue rising, offering new opportunities in both theaters and on-screen streaming.
People Also Ask
Joseph Vijay, popularly known as “Thalapathy” Vijay, is the highest-paid actor in India for 2025. His approximate fee per movie ranges from ₹130 to ₹275 crore. With a career that began in 1984, Vijay has amassed a large fan base and has delivered several blockbuster hits, solidifying his position at the top.
The high earnings of Indian actors are influenced by their extensive fan following, successful film careers, and diverse roles that appeal to different audiences. Additionally, lucrative brand endorsements, partnerships, and the rising demand for content on digital platforms contribute to their substantial incomes. The popularity of OTT platforms has opened new revenue streams for actors.
Shah Rukh Khan earns between ₹150 and ₹250 crore per movie, making him one of the highest-paid actors in India. Known as “King Khan,” his recent films, such as Pathaan and Jawan, have achieved phenomenal box office success, each grossing over ₹2,000 crore globally, further enhancing his marketability and influence in the industry.
Rajinikanth is a cultural icon in Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil films. His unique style and powerful presence have garnered him a massive following. With a career spanning decades, he has become a symbol of Indian cinema’s evolution, and his recent films like Jailer demonstrate his enduring popularity and ability to attract audiences.
Aamir Khan, often referred to as “Mr. Perfectionist,” typically chooses roles that involve significant character development and socially relevant themes. Known for his meticulous approach, he has starred in films that address various social issues, combining entertainment with messages that resonate with audiences. His commitment to quality storytelling enhances his appeal as an actor.
Prabhas gained immense popularity after starring in the Baahubali series, which made him a household name. His ability to portray powerful characters and deliver impressive performances keeps audiences engaged. With recent projects like Salaar and Kalki 2898 AD, Prabhas continues to be a significant figure in Indian cinema, especially in the Telugu-speaking community.
Ajith Kumar is known as the “Ultimate Star” in Tamil cinema. His grounded personality, dedication to his craft, and ability to connect with audiences distinguish him from other actors. His recent success in films like Thunivu has reaffirmed his status in the industry, showcasing his versatility and commitment to delivering compelling performances.
Salman Khan, affectionately called “Bhai,” has had a significant impact on Bollywood over the past three decades. Known for his diverse roles ranging from romantic leads to action heroes, he has crafted a unique identity in Indian cinema. His recent film Tiger 3 further cemented his status as a leading actor, consistently drawing massive crowds to theaters.
Kamal Haasan is revered for his versatility and commitment to quality across various film industries in India. With over 220 films to his credit, he has portrayed a wide array of characters and genres, earning immense respect. His upcoming movie, Indian 2, showcases his enduring influence, making him a celebrated figure in the film industry.
The salaries of actors in India are influenced by several trends, including the rising demand for content on digital platforms, the increasing popularity of high-budget projects, and the actors’ growing fan base. As OTT platforms continue to expand, actors are expected to earn higher fees, reflecting their importance in both theatrical and digital entertainment landscapes.