In India, celebrities are more than just entertainers; they are significant contributors to the country’s economy. In fiscal year 2024, India’s top film stars and athletes paid substantial amounts in income tax, revealing not just their earnings but their status and influence. These figures illustrate the financial power of the entertainment and sports industries, with leading names paying millions in taxes to the government. Here’s a look at who paid the most and what these numbers signify for India’s economy, as per ICMYI report by Rediffusion.
| Celebrity | Industry | Tax Paid (Rs crore) |
|---|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | Bollywood | 92 |
| Vijay | South Indian Cinema | 80 |
| Salman Khan | Bollywood | 75 |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Bollywood | 71 |
| Virat Kohli | Cricket | 66 |
| Ajay Devgn | Bollywood | 42 |
| M.S. Dhoni | Cricket | 38 |
| Ranbir Kapoor | Bollywood | 36 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Cricket | 28 |
| Hrithik Roshan | Bollywood | 28 |
| Kapil Sharma | Comedy/TV | 26 |
| Sourav Ganguly | Cricket | 23 |
| Kareena Kapoor | Bollywood | 20 |
| Shahid Kapoor | Bollywood | 14 |
| Mohanlal | South Indian Cinema | 14 |
| Allu Arjun | South Indian Cinema | 14 |
| Hardik Pandya | Cricket | 13 |
| Kiara Advani | Bollywood | 12 |
| Katrina Kaif | Bollywood | 11 |
| Pankaj Tripathi | Bollywood | 11 |
| Aamir Khan | Bollywood | 10 |
| Rishabh Pant | Cricket | 10 |
The Bollywood Elite: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and More
Bollywood has always been synonymous with glitz, glamour, and enormous earnings, and FY24 was no different. Amongst the top contributors, Shah Rukh Khan reigns supreme. Known as the ‘King of Bollywood,’ his Rs 92 crore tax contribution reflects his sustained success, not only through his blockbuster films but also his numerous endorsements and business ventures. His tax payment alone places him among the most significant contributors to the Indian economy, showcasing how entertainment fuels economic growth.
Close on his heels is Salman Khan, Bollywood’s beloved ‘Bhai,’ who contributed Rs 75 crore. Despite controversies and legal battles over the years, Salman’s dominance at the box office and his philanthropy work through the ‘Being Human’ foundation continue to drive his popularity, and by extension, his earnings.
Amitabh Bachchan, with over five decades in the industry, proves that age is just a number. His contribution of Rs 71 crore is a testament to his relevance, even in an industry that often celebrates youth. The ‘Shahenshah’ of Bollywood, Bachchan’s ongoing film and brand commitments across generations keep him a top earner in the industry.
South India Rising: Vijay, Allu Arjun, and Mohanlal
Bollywood stars aren’t the only heavy hitters. The south Indian film industry has been making waves, and its stars are showing up on the tax charts. Vijay, also known as ‘Thalapathy,’ paid Rs 80 crore in taxes, reflecting the growing prominence of Tamil cinema.
Similarly, Allu Arjun, the ‘Stylish Star’ of Telugu cinema, contributed Rs 14 crore. His recent hits have propelled him to pan-Indian fame, with growing brand endorsements pushing his earnings into the top tier. Mohanlal, the stalwart of Malayalam cinema, also marked his presence with Rs 14 crore in taxes, showing that regional cinema holds its own against Bollywood in terms of financial muscle.
Sports Icons: Virat Kohli, M.S. Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar
Moving beyond the film industry, sports stars have also made their mark on the tax charts. Cricket is more than a sport in India; it’s a massive business. Leading the pack is Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing superstar, who paid Rs 66 crore, making him the highest-paying sportsperson in FY24. Kohli’s success on the field, coupled with his vast brand endorsements, from sports brands to lifestyle and tech companies, makes him one of the wealthiest athletes in the country.
Though retired, M.S. Dhoni continues to lead by example, contributing Rs 38 crore. Dhoni’s legacy as a cricket captain has translated into brand endorsements and businesses that keep him among India’s top earners. Similarly, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar remains relevant, paying Rs 28 crore in taxes. His cricketing career may have ended years ago, but his brand value and investments keep him at the top.
The Rising Stars: Ranbir Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Others
Bollywood’s next generation is also making significant financial contributions. Ranbir Kapoor paid Rs 36 crore in taxes, a reflection of his box office success and growing commercial endorsements. He has moved from being a heartthrob to a serious actor and is now one of the industry’s leading earners.
Rising Bollywood star Kiara Advani, known for her blockbuster films in recent years, made a notable contribution of Rs 12 crore. Similarly, Shahid Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, and Pankaj Tripathi each contributed substantial sums, proving that the new wave of actors is as financially successful as the established names.
Comedy and Beyond: Kapil Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, and More
Beyond films and sports, India’s top comedian Kapil Sharma paid Rs 26 crore, showing the earnings potential in the comedy and television space. Sourav Ganguly, former cricketer and now BCCI President, contributed Rs 23 crore, proving that the post-retirement financial success of sports stars is a growing trend.
The fact that actors and cricketers dominate the top taxpayer list is a reminder of the massive influence these industries have on the Indian economy. As more stars emerge from regional cinema and sports, we can expect the list of top taxpayers to become even more diverse, reflecting the broader cultural and economic shifts in the country.