Beneath the surface of all the glitz and glamour, numerous challenges exist. Overcoming obstacles, some of the actresses in the Hindi film industry stand as a testament to resilience, talent and perseverance. They have carved a space for themselves over the years and paved the way for upcoming actresses. From Deepika Padukone to Shraddha Kapoor, these leading ladies are powerhouses of talent, skill, and hard work, which has made them the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood.
Additionally, they are not confined to being just actors but have also branched out as producers, entrepreneurs and investors. Their influence goes beyond the silver screen. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen female-centric cinemas fill up theatres for weeks on end. Movies like Crew (2024), Jigra (2024), Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and more prove that these actresses are more than deserving of the staggering fees they charge.
However, despite their undeniable impact, actresses in Bollywood are still fighting for equal pay. According to a report from the Economic Times, Deepika Padukone is the highest-paid actress in Bollywood, charging between INR 15 to 30 crore. Meanwhile, the highest-paid actor in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan and several other male actors, are reportedly known to charge over INR 100 crore. Despite the glaring gap, these actresses continue to prove their mettle and challenge the status quo.
On that note, let’s take a look at the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood who command higher salaries and redefine stardom with their blockbuster movies.
Highest-paid Bollywood actresses: 10 leading ladies who earn big
Deepika Padukone
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Fees: INR 15 to 30 crore
Net worth: INR 500 crore
Deepika Padukone is the highest-paid and most sought-after actress in Bollywood. Debuted in 2007 in the movie Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan, the actress worked with several big names in the industry and delivered a number of blockbusters, including movies like Pathaan (2023), Fighter (2024), Kalki 2898 AD (2024) and more in recent times.
For the movie Pathaan, she reportedly took home INR 15 crore. The actress also made her Hollywood debut in the movie XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017) opposite Vin Diesel.Additionally, she enjoys 80.4 million followers on Instagram, which also adds to her net worth.
The actress is currently spending time with her family and her newborn daughter, Dua and is yet to announce her next film.
Kangana Ranaut
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Fees: INR 15 to 27 crore
Net worth: INR 91 crore
Kangana Ranaut is the most controversial actress in Bollywood due to her bold and unabashed way of expressing her strong opinions. The self-made star is often praised for her authentic performances in critically acclaimed movies like Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai (2010), Queen (2013), and more. She has also won four National Film Awards for her praiseworthy performances in movies.
In the last couple of years, Ranaut ventured into the industry as a producer and made several movies. However, her last couple of movies like Dhaakad (2022), Thailavii (2021), Tejas (2023), and Emergency (2025) have failed to make a mark at the box office. The actress is currently serving as a Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, from Mandi.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
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Fees: INR 15 to 25 crore
Net worth: INR 694 crore
Priyanka Chopra is not only one of India’s top actresses but also known globally for her powerhouse acting and persona. She made her acting debut in the movie Thamizhan (2002) opposite Thalapathy Vijay followed by a Bollywood feature film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in 2003. She went on to appear in hit films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Aitraaz (2004), Fashion (2008), Barfi! (2012), Mary Kom (2014), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Bajirao Mastani (2015) and more. She received critical acclaim for her versatile performances and was conferred with two National Film Awards.
After briefly being absent from Bollywood, she made her Hollywood debut in the 2015 American television series Quantico and never looked back. Today, she is a producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and one of the biggest global stars from India. She is married to American singer Nick Jonas and has a daughter named Malti Marie Chopra Jonas.
Katrina Kaif
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Fees: INR 15 to 25 crore
Net worth: INR 224 crore
Katrina Kaif is another one in the list of most successful actresses in India. She transitioned to acting after modelling for a couple of years. She made her Bollywood debut 2003 film Boom alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Jackie Shroff. Although the movie flopped at the box office, it opened doors of opportunity for the young actress who had stolen hearts with her charming looks. She went on to star in some of the biggest films in Bollywood alongside actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and more.
Some of her blockbusters include Tiger 3 (2023), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Dhoom 3 (2013), Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), Welcome (2007), and Sarkar (2005). Although the actress is widely regarded as a commercial actress with critics often calling out her subpar performances, the actress established herself as a solid performer in many of her underrated projects.
Alia Bhatt
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Fees: INR 10 to 20 crore
Net worth: INR 550 crore
Alia Bhatt is one of the top actresses in Bollywood currently. Despite being criticised for her connections in the industry, Bhatt has established herself as a serious actor, one versatile script at a time. Her performances in critically acclaimed films like Udta Punjab (2016), Raazi (2018), Gully Boy (2019), Darlings (2022), Highway (2014) and more made her a crowd-favourite over the years. She also bagged the National Film Award for Best Actress for her goose-bump-inducing performance in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022).
The talented and versatile actress made her Hollywood debut in the 2023 film Heart of Stone alongside Gal Gadot. She also gained praise for her strong performance in the 2024 film Jigra. She will be next seen in the YRF Spyverse film Alpha and Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directorial Love & War.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
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Fees: INR 8 to 18 crore
Net worth: INR 485 crore
Kareena Kapoor Khan is one of the brightest talents in Bollywood. Widely regarded for memorable roles like Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham… (2001) and Geet from Jab We Met (2007), she made her debut in 2000 in Refugee alongside Abhishek Bachchan. Kareena then went on to feature in critically acclaimed films like Kurbaan (2009), Talaash: The Answer Lies Within (2012), Heroine (2012), 3 Idiots (2009), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Golmaal 3 (2010), Good Newwz (2019) and more.
In the last couple of years, the actress has been venturing into female-centric movies like Veere Di Wedding (2018) and Crew (2024), which were positively received by the audience. She also started experimenting with her acting skills as she featured in the 2023 thriller The Buckingham Murders. She was last seen in the action movie Singham Again (2024), which bombed at the box office.
Shraddha Kapoor
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Fees: INR 7 to 15 crore
Net worth: INR 123 crore
Shraddha Kapoor is the sweetheart of Bollywood, thanks to her charming looks and down-to-earth personality. She made her debut in the 2010 heist film Teen Patti. Despite her leading roles in several successful films such as Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023), Baaghi 3 (2020), Chhichhore (2019), Stree (2018), Baaghi (2016), Ek Villain (2014), and Aashiqui 2 (2013), she has also experienced her share of box office disappointments.
Nonetheless, Shraddha Kapoor is the most-followed Bollywood actress on Instagram with 94.2 million followers. She was also featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list in 2014 and Forbes Asia in their 30 Under 30 list in 2016. Her last film, Stree 2, in 2024, was a huge hit and made over INR 627 crore at the box office.
Vidya Balan
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Fees: INR 8 to 14 crore
Net worth: INR 136 crore
Vidya Balan is one of the most respected actresses in Bollywood, thanks to her versatile performances and choice of scripts. She is also one of the few actresses who successfully transitioned from being a television actor to a full-fledged Bollywood star. She entered the Hindi film industry through the movie Parineeta in 2005 and then went on to appear in several hit films like Ishqiya (2010), Paa (2009), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) and more. The actress is also praised for her contribution to female-centric cinemas in Bollywood.
Some of her best female-led movies are Sherni (2021), No One Killed Jessica (2011), Tumhari Sulu (2017), The Dirty Picture (2011), Kahaani (2012) and more.
Anushka Sharma
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Fees: INR 8 to 12 crore
Net worth: INR 255 crore
Anushka Sharma started her career as a model and successfully bagged her debut film with YRF. She entered Bollywood in 2018 by starring in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi opposite Shah Rukh Khan. There was no looking back for the actress as she went on to appear in hit movies like Band Baaja Baaraat (2010), Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012), NH10 (2015), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), and Sui Dhaaga (2018). Some of her highest-grossing movies were Sultan (2016), PK (2014) and Sanju (2018).
She is also the co-founder of the production company Clean Slate Filmz, which has produced popular titles like NH10, Paatal Lok (2020) and Bulbbul (2020). As of 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting her comeback on the big screen.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
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Fees: INR 10 crore
Net worth: INR 862 crore
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is one of the most popular and influential actresses in Bollywood. After winning the Miss India World title in 1994, followed by the Miss World crown in the same year, she made her acting debut in Mani Ratnam’s film Iruvar in 1997, followed by her Bollywood debut in the movie Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya in the same year. She went on to be featured in popular films like Jeans (1998), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), Devdas (2002), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000), Guzaarish (2010), Mohabbatein (2000), Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016), Enthiran (2010), Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022), Ponniyin Selvan: II (2023) and more.
Her proficiency in six languages allowed her to act in major regional cinemas and leave an indelible mark on Indian cinema. She also appeared in a couple of Hollywood movies like The Mistress of Spices (2005), Provoked (2007), The Last Legion (2007), The Pink Panther 2 (2009), and more. Although Aishwarya is not the highest-paid actress in Bollywood in 2025, she is the richest actress in the Hindi film industry, thanks to her staggering net worth.
(Hero image: Courtesy deepikapadukone, aliaabhatt and kareenakapoorkhan/Instagram; Feature image: Courtesy aliaabhatt/ Instagram)
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
