In a stellar display of financial contribution, Bollywood’s King, Shah Rukh Khan, has secured his spot as the highest tax-paying individual celebrity in India for the financial year 2023-2024. Propelled by a triumphant year at the box office and lucrative endorsements, Khan’s tax contributions have surpassed even the opening day collections of his film ‘Pathaan’. According to a report by Fortune India, the actor paid an astounding Rs 92 crore in taxes.
Shah Rukh Khan’s impressive tax contribution reflects his recent successes in the film industry. In 2023, he delivered blockbuster hits such as ‘Pathaan’, ‘Jawan’, and ‘Dunki’. The actor’s earnings have shot through the roof owing to a groundbreaking performance by these films, which together grossed over Rs 2000 crore globally. Khan, known as the Badshah of Bollywood, not only earned from the box office but also from brand endorsements and his diverse business ventures, further inflating his earnings.
Following closely behind Khan is Tamil cinema’s towering star, Thalapathy Vijay, who paid a whopping Rs 80 crore in taxes. Vijay, revered as one of the highest-paid actors in Tamil cinema, had an equally successful year with his critically acclaimed movie ‘Leo’. Additionally, his latest venture, ‘GOAT (Greatest Of All Times)’, is anticipated to shatter box office records. Vijay’s financial success and significant tax contribution showcase the booming prosperity within the South Indian film industry.
Ranked third is Salman Khan, another stalwart of Bollywood, with a tax payment amounting to Rs 75 crore. Despite a relatively quieter year in terms of box office releases, Salman Khan emerged as a major taxpayer. His consistent income from various film projects, television appearances, and endorsements secured him a high position on the tax-paying list. Salman Khan’s contributions speak volumes about his enduring presence and income in the entertainment industry.
Another iconic name in Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, landed in the top five, paying Rs 71 crore in taxes.
. Bachchan, who shows no signs of slowing down, played a pivotal role in the colossal box office hit ‘Kalki 2898AD’. His significant earnings from this blockbuster, coupled with other ventures, have made him one of the highest taxpayers in the country.
In the realm of sports, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli stands out as the highest tax-paying athlete, contributing Rs 66 crore. Kohli’s income not only comes from his skills on the cricket field but also from a myriad of endorsements and business investments. Other sports personalities making it to the top taxpayer list include MS Dhoni with Rs 38 crore, Sachin Tendulkar with Rs 28 crore, Sourav Ganguly paying Rs 23 crore, and Hardik Pandya with Rs 13 crore, securing slots among the top 20 taxpayers.
Other notable figures in the entertainment industry also made substantial contributions. Ajay Devgn paid Rs 42 crore in taxes, while Ranbir Kapoor’s contribution amounted to Rs 36 crore. Hrithik Roshan, featuring in the film ‘Fighter’ last year, made it to the top 10 with a tax payment of Rs 28 crore. Kapil Sharma chipped in with Rs 26 crore, Shahid Kapoor with Rs 14 crore, and Pankaj Tripathi paying Rs 11 crore. Aamir Khan stood at the 21st spot with a tax contribution of Rs 10 crore. South Indian superstars Mohanlal and Allu Arjun, both significant earners, paid Rs 14 crore each.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Kareena Kapoor has emerged as the highest female tax payer, contributing Rs 20 crore. Although no female celebrity entered the top 10 list, Kapoor’s substantial tax payment highlights her significant earnings within the industry. Other notable female contributors include Katrina Kaif with Rs 11 crore, and Kiara Advani who paid Rs 12 crore.
Shah Rukh Khan’s emergence as the highest tax-paying celebrity in India showcases not only his immense success and contributions to the film industry but also his substantial role in contributing to the nation’s economy. The list of top taxpayers, which includes prominent figures from both the film industry and sports, underscores the diverse sources of income and financial influence these celebrities command.
