As entertainment tools expand into our homes through OTT, featuring movies and series starring renowned faces of Bollywood, their charm continues to rule the theatres by delivering acclaimed films based on story, visuals, and acting.
To ensure success, the film's protagonist plays a pivotal role before the story, visuals, and so on. An actor's fan base fuels anticipation that paves the way for a movie's success. However, while male leads seem to get paid around ₹100 to ₹150 crore at the highest, female leads' fees tend to fall much lower, resulting in a huge gap that underscores payment inequality in the industry.
Nevertheless, some actresses' fees compete with those of male actors—though not yet at the same level, it still reflect the changes occurring in Bollywood that inspire the generation and promote equality among the actors' fraternity. Their source of income is not confined to film projects only, as many of these actresses have launched their own brands, positioning themselves as successful founders alongside brand endorsements and OTT contracts. Here is the list of the highest-paid Bollywood actresses:
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The actor and entrepreneur Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a renowned Bollywood actress who works in both Bollywood and Hollywood movies and series, earning her fame all over the world. She began her journey by winning Miss World in 2000, followed by numerous hit movies in which she played the central role, like Barfi, Don, Mary Kom, Dil Dhadakne Do and many more. Her acting journey expanded to Hollywood, which further cemented her position as a global star.
She reportedly charges ₹30 to ₹40 crore for a film and founded her own brand, Anomaly Haircare, along with multiple investments and brand endorsements that place her among the highest-paid actresses of Bollywood.
Alia Bhatt
The journey that began with Student of the Year in 2012 gradually kept her on a track that delivered many blockbusters. Her performance and effortless charm on screen, which she carries from one character to another, flawlessly showcase her command over acting and have earned her many accolades, including one National Award, six Filmfare Awards and three IIFA Awards. The major hit movies that earned her recognition include Gangubai Kathiawadi, Raazi, RRR and Gully Boy.
She reportedly charges ₹25–30 crore for a movie and also founded a children's and maternity clothing brand, Ed-a-Mamma. Aside from this, she founded the production house Eternal Sunshine Productions and also does brand endorsements that diversify her income sources.
Deepika Padukone
Since her first movie—Om Shanti Om—her screen presence enchanted viewers, which continues through the later projects that make her the first choice for big-budget movies. From Padmaavat and Piku to Gehraiyaan, Chhapaak and Pathaan, her versatility is reflected in the roles she internalises, even though they are poles apart. She also works in the Hollywood industry and has appeared in major celebrated films that showcase her popularity beyond Indian borders.
Her fees per film reportedly span ₹20 to ₹30 crore, and she also does brand endorsements that further raise her income. Additionally, she founded the 82°E skincare brand.
Kangana Ranaut
The actor and politician Kangana Ranaut is known for her outspoken nature and strong screen presence that place her among the few actresses who can solely attract an audience to the theatre. The major hits of her career include Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Queen, Manikarnika and Thalaivi, which reflect her effortless screen presence and vary according to the demands of each role. She is also actively engaged in politics, having been elected from the Mandi constituency in the 2024 general election.
Her ability to play lead roles and land major hits without relying on a male lead places her among the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood, where she reportedly charges around ₹25–30 crore per film.
Katrina Kaif
The actress Katrina Kaif has been part of the film industry for more than two decades, which includes many hits and strong performances in both acting and dancing that elevated her to the A-list actresses of the Indian film industry. Her captivating performances spanning Ek Tha Tiger, Welcome, Singham Returns, Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Dhoom 3 left an impact on viewers that continues to draw audiences to the theatre.
The numerous major hits of her career have reportedly raised her fees to ₹15 to ₹20 crore per movie. She also holds long-term brand ambassador contracts and founded her biggest commercial success, Kay Beauty cosmetics.
