Shah Rukh becomes Bollywood’s first billionaire with $1.4bn fortune

The 59-year-old actor’s net worth is estimated at $1.4 billion (£1.03 billion), placing him alongside global celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rihanna, Tiger Woods, and Taylor Swift, whose fortunes are valued at $1.6 billion by Forbes.

Other Bollywood stars on the list include actress Juhi Chawla, actors Hrithik Roshan and Amitabh Bachchan, and filmmaker Karan Johar.

Known as Bollywood’s “king of romance,” Khan has spent over three decades in the Hindi film industry, evolving from actor to entrepreneur, running the production company Red Chillies Entertainment and owning the IPL team Knight Rider Sports.

“Khan’s billionaire status comes largely from his stakes in Red Chillies and Knight Rider Sports,” said Anas Rahman Junaid, founder of Hurun India. He added that Khan also earns from films, advertisements, and real estate investments worldwide.

Junaid noted that Khan’s rise reflects a shift in India’s wealth landscape, with sports, entertainment, and intellectual property now becoming major wealth creators, similar to trends in the US where celebrities like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Oprah Winfrey dominate rich lists.

While other Bollywood celebrities and their families made Hurun’s list this year, Khan’s fortune far surpasses them. Juhi Chawla ranks second at $880 million, Hrithik Roshan third at $260 million, Karan Johar around $200 million, and Amitabh Bachchan with family at $183 million.

India’s billionaire count now exceeds 350, with Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani holding the top positions, reports UNB.