In 2016, the top 10 highest-paid Bollywood actors collectively raked in hundreds of millions of dollars, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the pack with earnings of $33 million. Salman Khan followed closely, thanks to box office hits like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Sultan.' Akshay Kumar's lucrative endorsement deals and Amitabh Bachchan's legacy value secured their spots on the list. Hrithik Roshan's box office success with 'Kaabil' and Ranveer Singh's diverse brand endorsements also contributed to their high earnings. Deepika Padukone's successful Hollywood debut and Ajay Devgn's strategic filmmaking choices rounded out the top 10. Continue to explore the world of Bollywood's highest-paid actors.
Key Takeaways
• Shah Rukh Khan ranked 8th globally with earnings of $33 million in 2016, driven by his enduring popularity and versatility.
• Salman Khan's substantial acting fee and profit share led to significant earnings, boosted by box office hits like 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' and 'Sultan'.
• Akshay Kumar's high-paid endorsements and significant contribution to overall earnings made him a top earner in 2016.
• Ranveer Singh earned $10 million in 2016, driven by diverse brand endorsements and his rising star power.
• Deepika Padukone was the highest-paid female actor in Bollywood in 2016, with successful films and multiple brand endorsements.
Shah Rukh Khan Tops the List
With a staggering $33 million in earnings, Shah Rukh Khan secured the top spot on the list of Highest Paid Bollywood Actors in 2016. He not only dominated the Bollywood industry but also ranked 8th globally, outearning renowned actors like Ryan Gosling and Matt Damon.
As the leading Bollywood actor in earnings for that year, Shah Rukh Khan's success was undeniable. Despite tough competition, he emerged as the top earner in Bollywood, showcasing his strong presence and success in the industry.
Shah Rukh Khan's earnings were a proof of his enduring popularity and versatility as an actor. His ability to consistently deliver box-office hits and his massive fan following contributed significantly to his impressive earnings.
As the highest paid Bollywood actor, Shah Rukh Khan's success was a benchmark for other actors in the industry. His remarkable earnings in 2016 solidified his position as one of the most successful and highest paid Bollywood actors of all time.
Salman Khan's Blockbuster Year

Salman Khan's 2016 was marked by immense financial success, thanks to his lucrative film deals and endorsement contracts. His substantial acting fee of 100 Crore, along with a 70% share in profits, greatly contributed to his earnings.
With record-breaking box office hits and a reported endorsement fee of 3.5 Crore, Salman Khan's blockbuster year was nothing short of remarkable.
Box Office Hits
In 2016, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan rode a tidal wave of success, churning out back-to-back blockbusters that shattered box office records. His films not only broke records but also solidified his position as one of the highest paid actors in Bollywood.
Salman Khan's success in 2016 was a clear indication, with two of his films crossing the 300 crore mark at the box office. Here are some of the key highlights of his blockbuster year:
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan: Crossed the 300 crore mark at the box office, cementing Salman's status as a box office king.
- Sultan: One of the highest-grossing films of 2016, earning over 300 crores and further solidifying Salman's position as a bankable star.
- Consistency: Salman Khan's success in 2016 showcased his ability to consistently deliver box office hits, a key factor in his ranking among the highest paid actors in Bollywood.
Salman Khan's box office dominance in 2016 was a reflection of his enduring star power and appeal to audiences. His ability to deliver hits consistently has made him a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood.
Record-Breaking Earnings
His blockbuster year in 2016 catapulted him onto the Forbes list of highest-paid Bollywood actors, where he secured the 14th position with a staggering $28.5 million in earnings.
Salman Khan's significant earnings in 2016 were a result of his successful movies and brand associations. Despite being ranked below Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan's financial success in 2016 showcased his prominent position in the Bollywood industry. His earnings placed him among the top 10 highest-paid Bollywood actors, solidifying his status as a bankable star.
The Forbes list highlighted Salman Khan's record-breaking earnings, which were a sign of his enduring popularity and appeal. With a slew of successful films and lucrative endorsement deals, Salman Khan's earnings continued to soar, making him one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood.
His impressive earnings in 2016 cemented his position as a top earner in the industry, further solidifying his status as a Bollywood superstar.
Akshay Kumar's Endorsement Goldmine

Akshay Kumar's lucrative endorsement deals, which fetch him a whopping 1.5-2 Crore per brand, have become a noteworthy contributor to his overall earnings. Despite his acting fee of 72 Crore, Akshay Kumar's endorsement deals are a substantial source of income. His endorsement earnings reflect his popularity and marketability in the advertising industry.
Here are three key facts about Akshay Kumar's endorsement goldmine:
- Lucrative fees: Akshay Kumar charges 1.5-2 Crore per brand, making him one of the highest-paid endorsers in Bollywood.
- Diverse brand portfolio: Akshay Kumar has endorsed brands across various sectors, showcasing his appeal to a wide range of advertisers.
- Key contributor to earnings: Akshay Kumar's endorsement deals contribute significantly to his overall earnings, in addition to his acting fees.
As one of the highest-paid Bollywood actors, Akshay Kumar's endorsement deals have become an essential part of his income. With his marketability and popularity, he continues to be a sought-after endorser for brands across India.
Amitabh Bachchan's Legacy Value

Amitabh Bachchan's legacy value in Bollywood is a reflection of his enduring presence in the industry, with a career spanning decades and numerous iconic roles.
His early life and struggle, marked by perseverance and determination, laid the foundation for his success.
As we examine his legacy value, we'll explore his iconic film roles and brand endorsement value, which have contributed to his status as a Bollywood legend.
Early Life and Struggle
Born in Allahabad, India, in 1942, Amitabh Bachchan's early life was marked by struggle, which ultimately became the foundation of his enduring legacy. His journey to stardom wasn't without its challenges, and it's these struggles that have made him the iconic figure he's today.
Here are just a few examples of the obstacles Bachchan faced:
- Financial struggles: Bachchan's family faced financial difficulties, and he had to work multiple jobs to support them.
- Rejection and perseverance: Bachchan was rejected by the All India Radio due to his 'unimpressive' voice, but he didn't give up, going on to become one of India's most recognizable voices.
- Near-fatal accident: Bachchan suffered a near-fatal accident during the filming of Coolie in 1982, which could have ended his career, but he made a remarkable recovery.
Despite these setbacks, Bachchan's resilience and dedication to his craft have solidified his iconic status in Bollywood, earning him a spot on the Actors List alongside other greats like Khan.
His ability to reinvent himself over the decades has contributed to his enduring popularity and relevance in the film industry.
Amitabh's Iconic Film Roles
Through a repertoire of unforgettable characters, Amitabh Bachchan has cemented his status as a Bollywood legend, with iconic film roles that continue to captivate audiences to this day.
His portrayal of the angry young man in the 1970s revolutionized Indian cinema and established him as a superstar. Who can forget his iconic roles as Vijay in 'Deewar' and Jai in 'Sholay,' which have become legendary in Bollywood? These characters have become synonymous with Amitabh's on-screen presence, which uses cookie-cutter formulas to create memorable performances.
His versatility as an actor was further showcased in his critically acclaimed performance as a lawyer in 'Pink.' Additionally, his role as a father seeking justice for his daughter in 'Piku' earned him accolades and added to his diverse filmography.
Known for his deep baritone voice and commanding screen presence, Amitabh Bachchan's legacy value in Indian cinema remains unparalleled. With a career spanning decades, Amitabh continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, solidifying his position as a Bollywood icon.
Brand Endorsement Value
What drives Amitabh Bachchan's significant brand endorsement value is his legacy value in the industry, which enables him to command high fees for endorsing brands. His enduring appeal and influence in the market make him a valuable asset for brands, leading to a substantial stream of revenue.
Amitabh Bachchan's brand endorsements reflect his enduring appeal and influence in the market. Here are a few examples of what contributes to his high brand endorsement value:
- Long-standing career: With a career spanning over four decades, Amitabh Bachchan's legacy is unparalleled in the industry.
- Immense popularity: His immense popularity across generations makes him a sought-after endorser for brands.
- Diverse revenue streams: His association with various products adds to his diverse revenue streams.
Amitabh Bachchan's brand endorsement value is estimated to be significant, contributing to his overall earnings. His ability to command high fees for endorsing brands is a reflection of his enduring legacy in the industry.
Hrithik Roshan's Box Office Pull

Hrithik Roshan's box office prowess was once again demonstrated with the success of Kaabil, which more than made up for the disappointing performance of Mohenjo Daro.
Despite the setback with Mohenjo Daro, Hrithik Roshan maintained a strong box office pull with successful movies. His ability to bounce back after a less successful film was showcased with Kaabil's success.
The film's performance solidified his status as a leading actor in Bollywood, with a consistent presence in the industry.
Hrithik Roshan's brand endorsements also contributed to his overall earnings and popularity. His brand associations have been a significant factor in his success, with his popularity translating to box office success.
With Kaabil's success, Hrithik Roshan has proven that he's a bankable star, capable of drawing in audiences and delivering hits. His box office pull is undeniable, and his ability to adapt to different roles has cemented his position as one of Bollywood's highest-paid actors.
Ranveer Singh's Rising Star

Ranveer Singh's rising star power in 2016 showcased his hard work and dedication to his craft, solidifying his position among Bollywood's elite and earning him a spot alongside established actors like Hrithik Roshan. His energetic performances and diverse brand endorsements highlighted his growing influence in the industry. Despite the performance of the film Befikre, Ranveer Singh's brand associations contributed to his decent earnings.
Here are three key factors that contributed to Ranveer Singh's rising star power in 2016:
- Earnings: Ranveer Singh earned a whopping $10 million in 2016, placing him among the top 10 highest-paid Bollywood actors.
- Brand Endorsements: His diverse brand endorsements and projects mirrored his growing popularity and influence in the industry.
- Rising Popularity: Known for his energetic performances, Ranveer Singh's increasing popularity reflected in his earnings that year.
Ranveer Singh's rising star power in 2016 was a reflection of his hard work and dedication to his craft. His ability to connect with audiences and his versatility as an actor have made him a household name in India.
Ajay Devgn's Consistency Pays

Ajay Devgn's consistent success in Bollywood is a reflection of his enduring appeal, with a strong track record of box office hits and a lucrative fee structure that showcases his value to filmmakers.
His ability to command high earnings is rooted in his proven ability to deliver impactful performances, as well as his shrewd business acumen.
As a result, Devgn has solidified his position as one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood, with a reputation that continues to attract top brands and filmmakers alike.
Devgn's Box Office Magic
With a string of successful films under his belt, Devgn's consistency in delivering box office hits played a major role in his earnings in 2016. His ability to balance acting, directing, and producing films showcased his versatility in the industry. The profitability of Devgn's films, combined with his acting fee and share in profits, solidified his position as a top earner in Bollywood.
Here are three key factors that contributed to Devgn's box office magic:
- Shivaay's success: His film choices, like Shivaay, were a significant contributor to his earnings that year.
- Consistency is key: Devgn's ability to consistently deliver successful films earned him a spot among the top 10 highest-paid Bollywood actors in 2016.
- Versatility pays: His ability to balance acting, directing, and producing films showcased his versatility in the industry and added to his earnings.
Ajay Devgn's box office success and financial gains reflected his enduring popularity and appeal to audiences. His ability to deliver hits consistently has made him a force to be reckoned with in the Bollywood industry.
Consistency Is the Key
Consistency has been the hallmark of Devgn's career, catapulting him to the 4th spot on the list of highest-paid Bollywood actors in 2016. Despite facing challenges in filmmaking, Devgn's earnings placed him ahead of industry stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan.
His successful ventures in acting and production contributed to his impressive earnings in 2016. The actor's ability to balance mainstream films like Shivaay with commercial success showcases his versatility and appeal to audiences. Devgn's strategic choices in filmmaking and his intense acting style have solidified his position as a top earner in Bollywood.
His consistency is a reflection of his dedication to his craft, and it has paid off literally. With a string of successful films under his belt, Devgn has proven that he's a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His ability to adapt to different genres and roles has made him a favorite among audiences and filmmakers alike.
As a result, Devgn's bank balance has seen a significant boost, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood in 2016.
Staying on Top
His ability to balance artistic merit with commercial success has enabled Ajay Devgn to stay on top of the game, further solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid Bollywood actors in 2016. Ajay's consistency in delivering successful films has contributed to his high earnings, despite the challenges faced by the industry. His strategic choices have guaranteed his continued success, making him a valuable asset in the Bollywood landscape.
Here are three key factors that have contributed to Ajay Devgn's success:
- Smart film choices: Ajay has consistently chosen films that have resonated with the audience, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.
- Shrewd business deals: Ajay's ability to negotiate lucrative endorsement deals, earning between ₹1 crore to ₹1.5 crore, has notably added to his earnings.
- Profit-sharing model: Ajay's deal, which includes a 50% share of profits, has enabled him to reap the benefits of his film's success.
Ajay's ability to adapt to the changing landscape of Bollywood has enabled him to maintain his position as one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Deepika Padukone's Earning Power

Deepika Padukone's bankability soared in 2016, thanks to her successful foray into Hollywood and a slew of lucrative endorsement deals. Her Hollywood debut in xXx: Return of Xander Cage contributed substantially to her earnings, making her the 10th highest-paid actress globally with an income of $10 million.
As the highest-paid female actor in Bollywood in 2016, Deepika's earnings were substantial, although they still paled in comparison to Shah Rukh Khan's, with her earning only 30% of his total. Despite this, her multiple brand endorsements bolstered her income, solidifying her position as a top earner in the industry.
Deepika's ability to leverage her brand value across multiple platforms has been instrumental in her success, making her a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood. With her global appeal and impressive earnings, Deepika Padukone has cemented her status as a leading lady in the Indian film industry.
Ranbir Kapoor's Brand Value

Ranbir Kapoor's brand value skyrocketed in 2016, propelled by the success of films like Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which showcased his versatility as an actor. His ability to take on diverse roles and deliver outstanding performances has made him a sought-after actor in Bollywood. Despite earning less than other actors, his brand value remains promising due to his potential for future growth.
Here are three key factors contributing to Ranbir Kapoor's brand value:
- Versatility in film genres: Ranbir has demonstrated his range by starring in romantic dramas, comedies, and action films, making him a versatile actor.
- Critical acclaim: His performances have earned him critical acclaim, further solidifying his position in the industry.
- Endorsement deals: Ranbir's popularity has led to lucrative endorsement deals, adding to his brand value.
Ranbir Kapoor's presence in Bollywood solidifies his position as a sought-after actor, and his brand value reflects his popularity and appeal among audiences and filmmakers. His ability to adapt to different roles and genres has made him a household name, contributing to his growing brand value.
Irrfan Khan's Global Appeal

Irrfan Khan's global appeal soared as he seamlessly navigated between Bollywood and Hollywood, engaging audiences worldwide with his unique acting style. His versatility in films like 'Life of Pi' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' showcased his remarkable talent, earning him international recognition.
The actor's ability to connect with audiences across cultures contributed greatly to his global popularity. His successful forays into Hollywood projects such as 'Jurassic World' and 'Inferno' further solidified his status as a respected and sought-after talent in the film industry.
Khan's presence in both Bollywood and Hollywood has earned him numerous awards and accolades on a global scale, acknowledging his significant contributions to cinema. His unique acting style and ability to adapt to diverse roles have made him a household name, transcending cultural boundaries.
As a result, Irrfan Khan has become one of the highest-paid Bollywood actors, with a global appeal that continues to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the Highest-Paid Actor in India 2016?
In 2016, the highest-paid actor in India was Shah Rukh Khan, earning a staggering USD 33 million. His lucrative film deals and numerous endorsement contracts catapulted him to the top spot.
Khan's impressive earnings surpass those of his Bollywood counterparts, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Indian film industry.
Who Is the Top 10 Highest-Paid Actor in India?
In the Indian film industry, the top 10 highest-paid actors are a coveted list of A-listers who command staggering fees for their performances.
It's a domain where actors can earn up to 70 Crores for a single film, like Ranbir Kapoor's Animal.
The top 10 list is dominated by household names, with stars like Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor featuring prominently.
But who'll take the top spot?
Who Is the Highest-Paid Actor in India 2015?
In 2015, Shah Rukh Khan held the title of the highest-paid actor in India, earning a staggering $33 million, according to Forbes.
This significant income catapulted him to the top spot, surpassing his Bollywood counterparts.
His lucrative deal with brands and successful movie releases contributed to his substantial earnings, solidifying his position as the highest-paid actor in India for that year.
Who Is the First Highest-Paid Actor in the World 2016?
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson topped the list of highest-paid actors in 2016, earning an estimated $64.5 million. According to Forbes, his lucrative Netflix deal and starring roles in films like Central Intelligence and Moana contributed to his top spot.
Johnson's earnings surpassed those of Bollywood's highest-paid actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, who ranked 8th globally with $33 million in earnings.
Conclusion
As the curtains close on 2016, Bollywood's top earners have emerged, with Shah Rukh Khan reigning supreme. Like a master chef, he's carefully blended his cinematic recipe, cooking up a lucrative mix of movie magic and brand endorsements.
With a staggering Rs 258 crore in earnings, SRK has proved that his star power remains unmatched, much like a perfectly baked soufflé that rises to the top, leaving the competition in its wake.