Nothing captures India's imagination like cinema and cricket. Both fields have a voluminous and illustrious history, and they churn out the biggest stars in the country. However, beneath the larger-than-life persona, there exists a responsible citizen and they need to fulfil those duties just like us mere mortals. Fortune India recently released a list of the highest-paying celebrities in India, which is dominated by actors and cricketers. We take a look at them.
Shah Rukh Khan - ₹92 crore
It's been a quiet year for Shah Rukh Khan, after an eventful 2023 where he delivered two mega hits, Pathaan and Jawaan, and a critically acclaimed Dunki. He recently announced an action-thriller movie with his daughter Suhana Khan, The Kill, likely to be released in 2026. Shah Rukh's aura shows no signs of fading even though he is going to be a sexagenarian next year. In a list released by Fortune India, Shah Rukh emerged as the highest tax-paying celeb in the country, paying a whopping ₹92 crore in 2024. As per India.com, he earned ₹350 crore from his 55% share from Pathaan's box office collection.
Thalapathy Vijay - ₹80 crore
Thalapathy Vijay, one of the biggest icons of Tamil Cinema, is ranked second, as he paid ₹80 crore from his income as tax. Vijay recently ventured into Tamil Nadu politics with the launch of a new party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhaga. His status as one of the highest tax-paying celebs will surely earn him goodwill amongst the masses.
Salman Khan - ₹75 crore
Salman Khan has been in the news this year for all the worrying reasons, and he had to beef up his security after he received multiple life threats. Despite that, his earnings continued to soar, and he contributed to the nation's economy by paying ₹75 crore in tax. Salman has a special appearance in the Varun Dhawan-starred Baby John.
Amitabh Bachchan - ₹71 crore
Amitabh Bachchan, at 82, continues to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, along with his son Abhishek, Amitabh invested a huge sum in Mumbai's real estate market, buying half a dozen of flats in the city. Amitabh's contribution to the Income Tax Department in 2024 was worth ₹71 crore.
Virat Kohli - ₹66 crore
Virat Kohli is the highest tax-paying cricketer in the country. Kohli continues to be a dominant force on field, and he has investments spread across numerous sectors, thus adding to his income. As per Forbes' list, Kohli is the richest cricketer in the world, and he paid a sum of ₹66 crore as tax to the Indian government.
Ajay Devgn - ₹42 crore
With a career spanning over three decades, Ajay Devgn has delivered numerous blockbuster films and established himself as a versatile performer. The Singham star is one of the richest Bollywood actors and is also an able producer. He paid a tax of ₹42 crore in the financial year of 2023-24.
MS Dhoni - ₹38 crore
MS Dhoni has made the No. 7 his own in Indian cricket, and coincidentally he is ranked seventh in the list of celebrities who paid the highest taxes. Dhoni, who has retired from international cricket, but continues to be the face of Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, paid ₹38 crore in tax.
