The Friday Fever, like most in the Hindi film industry call it, is not folklore. It does exist. Any Bollywood star, no matter how big, small, famous or in the dark, dreads the Friday fever, when their movie releases and goes in for the first weekend. The first weekend is make or break in almost all cases. By Sunday it is clear if the movie is set out to achieve what it had planned to or is it on the way out as audiences reject it.
Many of us believe that when an actor or star has a flop movie, he or she won’t get more movies easily and it is the beginning of the end for them. It’s common to think that it’s over for them. But even if they stop working in movies tomorrow, they are probably set for life, in some cases, generations.
Because unlike the average Indian, these smart stars have financial minds working with them to ensure their money grows even when they sleep. These celebrities are savvy investors, diversifying their wealth into startups, companies, stock markets, and venture capital opportunities to multiply their fortunes.
Here are some of the lesser-known investments of some of the biggest stars of the industry.
Now before you delve into this, do note that this is just an informational feature. We have no insights into the decision-making process adopted by the investors themselves and as such, there is no proof that they are successful investors per se.
Note: We have used multiple sources for the data presented in this article. Like Outlook Business, Startup Times, Reddit, Siasat.com, Business Connect Magazine, Tradebrains, Goodreturns, Press Trust of India (PTI), and a host of other sources.
So, don’t make much of it, other than, perhaps, admiring the “life” these stars have created outside of Bollywood.
The Baadshah of Diversification
Shah Rukh Khan, or as every Indian proudly calls him, “Baadshah of Bollywood,” was recently cited the wealthiest star on the planet with a net worth of over Rs 12,000 cr. He beat Tom Cruise for the top spot. Contrary to popular belief, this is not all remuneration he charged for his movies.
Much of this wealth is a product of some very smart investments beyond his Red Chillies Entertainment. Shah Rukh’s family office has been actively investing in startups, focusing on sectors like health tech, edutainment, and financial services. In the mid-2010s, Shah Rukh backed a health tech venture, Numi, via his family office. In 2011, he acquired a 26% stake in Kidzania India, an edutainment franchise that shot to fame for its mix of education and entertainment for children. This investment of Shah Rukh expanded with facilities in Mumbai and Noida, capitalizing on family-oriented experiences.
Shah Rukh’s portfolio also holds new age tech companies like Meerkat, a social media and streaming app, which he invested in 2015. More recently, he also placed his bets on Nourish (health and nutrition) and MirrAR (live streaming) in the 2020s. In 2025, he participated in quite a few high-value rounds as per Outlook Business: Mythik (media tech, $15mn funding), Ashika Group Co-Investment (financial services, ~$3mn), Sri Lotus Developers (real estate, about $1.3mn co-investment), and Venture Catalysts (financial services, $18mn round).
Gauri Khan, his wife, a producer, interior designer to the stars and co-owner of Red Chillies Entertainment also invested in sustainable and consumer-focused startups like Organic Recycling Systems Ltd (waste management, 1.25 lakh shares in 2022), Subko Coffee (food and beverages, Series B in 2022), GO DESi (food and beverages, Series B), Matter (electric mobility, Series B), Olyv (financial services, Series B), Chupps (footwear, undisclosed), Oyo (hospitality, 2.4 million shares in 2024), and Innov8 (hospitality, $128 million round in 2025) through the family trust.
The King Khan’s approach emphasizes long-term value and shows that he is a value investor and not a trader. He smartly blends personal interests in tech and media with his widely known philanthropy. It would not be completely wrong to call him the Warren Buffett of the Indian Film Industry.
Bhaijaan of Fitness and Tech
The Bhaijaan of the Hindi film industry, Salman Khan, with a net worth of about Rs 3,000 cr has diversified through his own brands and selective startup investments very smartly. His flagship venture, Being Human that launched in 2012 as a clothing line, donates profits to education and healthcare via the Being Human Foundation. Now expanded globally, the brand contributes significantly to the Dabangg’s overall income.
The fitness freak that Salman is, he would not be too far away from health-based investments. Salman owns SK-27 Gym, a chain promoting health, and launched Being Strong, a fitness equipment line. He also ventured into personal care with FRSH, a grooming brand.
When it comes to his investments, Salman Khan had acquired a 5% stake in Yatra.com in 2012, as per a March 2012 press release on the company’s website. However, we cannot confirm if he still holds the same. The company is an online travel company, and a stake in it says a lot about his early interest in tech.
Further in 2021, Salman Khan also invested in a short-video platform called Chingari, during its Series A round. On the other hand, his production company, Salman Khan Films (SKF), produces hits and TV shows, adding to his portfolio. So, money seems to be coming in from all ends.
Salman Khan’s strategy is focussed on lifestyle brands that are in line with his public image as a fitness icon for the Gen Z and Millennials alike, ensuring steady revenue streams outside his acting career.
Precision to High-Growth Sectors
One does not need to say the name aloud after saying “Perfectionist” in the context of Bollywood. Aamir Khan, famous for his methodical approach in films and a perfectionist reputation, does not stray from his image when it comes to his investments. The Perfectionist focuses on innovative tech and sustainable ventures. He bought 46,600 shares for Rs 25 lacs in Drone Acharya Aerial Innovations during its pre-IPO round. It doubled in value post-listing, but then saw a downward spiral. Listed at Rs 107, the stock is now trading at Rs 60.
Aamir had also backed a furniture rental service, Furlenco and Xolopak, a wood containers and packaging firm, in their respective seed rounds. In 2025, he invested in Karamtara Engineering, an IPO-bound company in hardware and services.
The perfectionist’s portfolio always goes strong on emerging technologies like drones and sustainability, which aligns very well with his keen interest in things that have a strong social impact. His investments, however selective, have shown strong returns, contributing to his net worth of over Rs 1,800 cr.
Health, Wellness, and Agritech Focus
Bollywood’s own Khiladi, Akshay Kumar, with a net worth of over Rs 2,500 crore, is not far behind his contemporaries. He invests heavily in health and wellness startups, which we all know is an area he is very invested in even socially and mentally. In 2019, he joined GOQii’s Series C round, a wearable devices maker promoting fitness tracking. He also co-founded SocialSwag in 2021, which is a fan engagement platform, which raised Rs 7.73 cr.
Akshay also entered agritech with a Rs 1.5 cr investment in Two Brothers Organic Farms in 2023, which is today valued at over Rs 110 crore.
He also invested in The Biohacker (DIY healthcare), Klassroom Edutech (edtech), and formed a joint venture with Good Glamm Group for men’s personal care products.
Akshay’s choices reflect his personal commitment to fitness and organic living, turning endorsements into equity for some solid returns.
Global Tech and Lifestyle Bets
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, or as media lovingly calls her, Piggy Chops, is a global star known for a lot of things. One of them is her diverse portfolio, majorly holding tech and consumer goods companies. She invested in Bumble, the dating app, in 2018, helping to launch it in India. And she has reaped good gains from the app’s growth.
She backed Genies (avatar tech), Holberton School (coding education), and Apartment List (rental marketplace) in 2021. Priyanka also founded Anomaly Haircare in 2021, which was cited as the second-wealthiest celebrity beauty brand in 2023. The company made US$50mn in revenue in FY24, beating Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s brands.
She also invested in food ventures like Rob’s Backstage Popcorn, The Naked Market, and True Food Kitchen. She also co-owns a New York restaurant called Sona, which adds to her hospitality play. As global ambassador for Women’s rights, Priyanka prioritizes women-led and socially impactful companies, expanding her wealth internationally.
Spacetech to Skincare Innovator
Deepika Padukone’s investments through KA Enterprises pursue innovative and sustainable startups. She invested somewhere between Rs 3 to 5 crore each in Epigamia (yogurt brand), Bellatrix Aerospace (spacetech), Atomberg Technology (fans), and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters. She also co-founded 82°E, a skincare brand, raising Rs 75 lacs in 2022.
Some of her other bets include, Furlenco (furniture rental) which even Aamir Khan invested in, Mokobara (luggage), and Nua (feminine hygiene). She had also invested in BluSmart Mobility, which turned out to be a dead horse. Take a look at what the company’s employees posted on X.
Deepika’s portfolio puts a strong emphasis on wellness and tech, with stakes growing alongside India’s startup surge, giving a boost to her net worth above and beyond her acting earnings.
A New Era of Celebrity Capitalism
Bollywood’s elite are redefining wealth creation, blending stardom with some very smart and strategic investments. These ventures not only grow their money but also drive innovation in India’s economy. As startups continue to thrive, one can only expect more and more Bollywood stars to join the party sooner or later.
But it doesn’t end there as a major part of their riches is their real estate possessions. But that’s a story for another day.
Please Note that detailed individual shareholding patterns for non-major shareholders like celebrities are not always itemized in quarterly filings (e.g., via BSE/NSE), so the findings in this article are based on historical disclosures and lack of divestment news.
The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points, and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only.
Suhel Khan has been a passionate follower of the markets for over a decade. During this period, he was an integral part of a leading Equity Research organisation based in Mumbai as the Head of Sales & Marketing. Presently, he is spending most of his time dissecting the investments and strategies of the Super Investors of India.
Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks discussed in this article.
The website managers, its employee(s), and contributors/writers/authors of articles have or may have an outstanding buy or sell position or holding in the securities, options on securities or other related investments of issuers and/or companies discussed therein. The content of the articles and the interpretation of data are solely the personal views of the contributors/ writers/authors. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their specific objectives, resources and only after consulting such independent advisors as may be necessary.
