In India, Bollywood and cricket have always been at the center of fame and fortune. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan dominates the film industry, while Virat Kohli is a cricket icon. Recently, however, Kohli, despite his massive net worth of over ₹1000 crore, fell behind when it came to paying taxes, trailing Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
A report from Fortune India revealed the highest tax-paying celebrities for the financial year 2023-24. Topping the list is none other than Shah Rukh Khan, proving once again why he’s called the King of Bollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Thalapathy Vijay Lead the List
Shah Rukh Khan secured the top position by paying an impressive ₹95 crore in taxes. He emerged as the highest tax-paying celebrity, maintaining his reign not only in Bollywood but also financially. Following him is South Indian star Thalapathy Vijay, who paid ₹80 crore in taxes, securing the second spot.
Superstar Salman Khan, often referred to as Bollywood’s “Bhai,” stands in third place, contributing ₹75 crore in taxes. These numbers highlight how Bollywood stars continue to dominate financially.
Virat Kohli – Top Tax-Paying Cricketer
Though Virat Kohli is one of the wealthiest cricketers in the country, he ranks fifth on this list. Kohli paid ₹66 crore in taxes, making him the highest tax-paying athlete for 2024. His popularity on the cricket field has translated into financial success, yet he still trails behind the likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in terms of tax payments.
Kohli isn’t the only cricketer on the list. Other notable players, including former Indian captain MS Dhoni and legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, have also made significant contributions. Dhoni secured the 7th spot by paying ₹38 crore, while Sachin Tendulkar is at the 9th position, paying ₹28 crore.
Virat Kohli Tops the List of Highest Tax Paying Athletes in India
Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Others in the Top Spots
Apart from cricketers and Bollywood megastars, actor Ajay Devgan also made the list, paying ₹42 crore, placing him just below Kohli. Ranbir Kapoor, another leading Bollywood actor, paid ₹36 crore in taxes, landing in the 8th position.
The list is further complemented by celebrities like Hrithik Roshan, comedian Kapil Sharma, and actress Kareena Kapoor. Kapil Sharma, notably, is the only comedian on the list, paying ₹26 crore in taxes. Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor contributed ₹20 crore and ₹18 crore, respectively.
With such impressive figures, this list reflects not only the massive earnings of India’s top celebrities but also their contributions to the nation’s economy.
