As stated last week, cricket and Bollywood are considered as religion by many South Asians. Last week, we presented to you the current highest earning global Indian sportspersons. This week, we bring you the highest earners of Bollywood.
1. Salman Khan - $39.4 million
Born as Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan (27th December 1965). He is the son of renown filmwriter, Salim Khan. Salman Khan debuted with the debacle, Biwi Ho To Aisi in 1988, but it was not until Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) that he swept the nation, received appreciation and became the “Prem” of one and all. Some of his hits include, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun..! (1994), Dabangg (2010) and Kick (2014).
2. Shah Rukh Khan - $32.6 million
One of the most iconic superstars, Shah Rukh Khan's popularity is outreached. He was born on 2nd November 1965 in New Delhi.
He started off as a television actor and now is known as “King Khan”, the “Badshah” of Bollywood. Some of his immensely successful films include, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Chennai Express (2014).
3. Amitabh Bachchan - $31.7 million
Formerly known as the “angry young man” of Bollywood for his portrayal of the brooding man in his films, Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most respected and immensely admired superstars of Bollywood. In his initial days as an actor, he was planning to quit movies after delivering 13 consecutive flops. However, the success of Zanjeer (1973) changed the game, and there's been no looking back for him. Some of his successful films include, Namak Halaal (1982), Sholay (1975) and Amar Akbar Anthony (1977).
4. Akshay Kumar - $27.7 million
Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Bhatia on 9th September 1967. This martial arts enthusiast was initially referred to as a casanova. He has had his shares of hits and flops. Although he has been versatile in his choice of films, he has gained a lot of appreciation for his comedy films. Khiladi (1992), Heyy Babyy (2007), Singh is Kinng (2008) and Rowdy Rathore (2012) are some of his successful films.
5. Ranbir Kapoor - $15.1 million
Ranbir Kapoor comes from the famous Kapoor lineage in Bollywood. With his Great Grandfather, Grandfather, Great Uncles, Uncles, Aunties, parents and cousins being great film icons, it was but an obvious choice that Ranbir Kapoor would follow suit.
Born on 28th September 1982, Ranbir debuted in Bollywood in 2007 with Saawariya. It didn't too well at the box office but he received immense recognition for his talent.
Some of his popular films include, Wake Up Sid (2009), Barfi (2012) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013).
6. Hrithik Roshan - $13.7 million
There was a worldwide frenzy when Hrithik Roshan debuted in 2000 with Kaho Naa... Pyaar hai.
He was born on 10th January 1974 with an extra thumb on his right hand, which he considers as his good luck factor. He won everyone's heart and became an overnight rage. He has had his share of flops, but nothing deterred him to back down. His popularity grew and his success followed with blockbuster movies. Some of his successful films include, Dhoom 2 (2006), Jodha Akbar (2008) and the recent Bang Bang (2014).
7. Aamir Khan - $12.9 million
Born on 14th March 1965, Aamir Khan is referred to as a perfectionist. His family have been part of the film industry. He did a small role as a child in his Uncle, Nasir Hussain's film, Yaadon Ki Baraat. His first feature role was in the experiment film, Holi (1984), but Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) was his official launch as a Bollywood actor. That film also starred Juhi Chawla and post the release, they became household names and a sensational film pair.
Some of his memorable films include, Lagaan: Once Upon A Time In India (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006), 3 Idiots (2009) and P.K. (2014).
8. Deepika Padukone - $10.8 million
Deepika Padukone was born on 5th January 1986 in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is the daughter of the internationally reputed badminton player, Prakash Padukone.
She was a state level badminton player, however, acting was her true calling. She became a successful supermodel and then forayed successfully into Bollywood. She has also been famous for her relationships, such as with Ranbir Kapoor and currently Ranvir Singh, which she neither denies or accepts.
Some of her famous films include, Om Shanti Om (2007), Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and Goliyon Ki Raasleela: Ram-Leela (2013).
9. Saif Ali Khan - $10.1 million
Saif Ali Khan is a “Nawab” in true sense. Born on 16th August to parents, actress Sharmila Tagore and Nawab and cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi (also known as Tiger Pataudi).
Saif Ali Khan was previously married to actress Amrita Singh and has two children. He married Kareena Kapoor in 2012 after being in a relationship with her for five years.
Some of his remarkable roles are from, Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Omkara (2006) and Hum Tum (2004).
10. Priyanka Chopra - $8.8 million
Former Miss World, Priyanka Chopra was born on 18th July 1982. Apart from being a Bollywood actress, she is an international singer and is currently in the process of filming her maiden TV series in America.
Her notable roles have been in films, such as Fashion (2008), Barfi (2012) and Mary Kom (2014).
