In the 1990s, Indian actors reached a new milestone by earning over Rs 1 crore per film. This change not only altered their financial standing but also opened doors to lucrative endorsement deals and business opportunities. Many actors became millionaires, branching into various industries to create wealth beyond just cinema. Therefore, it’s not surprising that India’s richest actress today ranks among the top 10 wealthiest actresses globally, despite not delivering a box office hit in the last decade.
Juhi Chawla holds the title of India’s richest actress. The Hurun Rich List of 2024 reveals that her net worth positions her just behind Shah Rukh Khan, her friend and business partner, in terms of wealth among Indian actors. Juhi’s fortune is estimated at a staggering Rs 4,600 crore, placing her far ahead of her peers and younger colleagues. To put it into perspective, if you were to add the combined net worth of the next five richest Indian actresses, it would still be less than Juhi’s wealth.
Following Juhi on the list is Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who holds second place with a net worth of over $100 million, or roughly Rs 850 crore. Aishwarya has built her wealth through a combination of acting, endorsements, and strategic investments. Priyanka Chopra occupies the third spot, with a fortune of Rs 650 crore, driven by her acting career, her film production company, and various projects in Hollywood. Completing the top five are Bollywood’s current stars Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, both of whom have also ventured into business to supplement their acting careers.
While Juhi Chawla’s rise to wealth initially stemmed from her successful film career, that is only a part of the larger picture. She was one of the top actresses in the 1990s, regularly starring in hit films. However, her last significant success at the box office came in 2009 with the movie Luck By Chance. Despite the decline in her acting career over the past decade, Juhi has built an empire through her involvement in business, specifically in the entertainment and sports sectors.
A major source of Juhi’s wealth comes from her role as a co-founder of the Red Chillies Group. Through this partnership, she co-produces films and co-owns several cricket teams, including the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Her investments don’t stop there—Juhi has also built a substantial portfolio in real estate. Her business acumen, along with her marriage to millionaire businessman Jay Mehta, has further boosted her financial standing. Together, they have pursued various ventures that have secured their place as one of the wealthiest power couples in the industry.
In contrast to Juhi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who ranks second, continues to be a significant public figure. Aishwarya’s wealth comes from a variety of sources, including her film career, endorsements, and appearances at international events. Over the years, she has endorsed numerous luxury brands, and her association with beauty products like L’Oréal has contributed to her growing wealth. Additionally, Aishwarya’s smart investment choices, combined with her work in the Indian and international film industries, have made her one of the most recognized faces worldwide.
Third on the list, Priyanka Chopra, has made her mark both in Bollywood and Hollywood. Her wealth, which stands at Rs 650 crore, comes not only from acting but also from her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures. Moreover, her Hollywood projects, which include roles in films and TV shows, have helped expand her brand internationally. Priyanka’s success in crossing over to the Western film industry has set a new benchmark for Indian actresses, making her a global icon.
As for Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, both actresses have been highly successful in recent years, not just on-screen but in the business world as well. Alia, who has gained prominence through her acting, has diversified her portfolio with investments in fashion and start-ups. Deepika, who is widely regarded for her performances, also has a range of business ventures, from fashion labels to fitness brands, which have contributed to her growing wealth.
Despite Juhi Chawla’s absence from the film spotlight in recent years, her financial success story is a testament to her strategic decisions off-screen. Her collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan in the Red Chillies Group has been a major contributor to her wealth. This partnership has allowed her to maintain a significant presence in the film industry as a producer, even as her acting career has taken a back seat. Moreover, her involvement in the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders has added another dimension to her business portfolio, as cricket in India is not just a sport but a massive industry.
Juhi’s decision to invest in real estate has also paid off handsomely. Over the years, she has accumulated several high-value properties, further increasing her wealth. Additionally, her marriage to Jay Mehta, a successful businessman in his own right, has expanded their joint investments, making them one of the wealthiest couples in India.
While other actresses like Aishwarya, Priyanka, Alia, and Deepika continue to be in the limelight with films and public appearances, Juhi’s journey reflects a different path to success. Her business ventures and investments have not only kept her relevant but have also made her one of the richest actresses in the world. Her ability to transition from a film star to a successful entrepreneur showcases her versatility and business acumen.
The 90s era of Indian cinema laid the foundation for many actors to transition into millionaires. Juhi Chawla stands out as a prime example of someone who leveraged her fame and business skills to build a fortune that surpasses even the current stars of Bollywood. Despite not having had a major hit film in over a decade, Juhi’s wealth, primarily driven by her business ventures, places her among the world’s top 10 wealthiest actresses. Meanwhile, her peers like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone have continued to build their fortunes through a mix of acting and entrepreneurship, further cementing their status as leading figures in both Bollywood and the global entertainment industry.