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“SRK proves why he’s called the King.” With these words, Hurun India chief researcher Anas Rahman Junaid summed up Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s remarkable new milestone, his entry into the billionaire club.
At 59, Khan’s net worth has been pegged at $1.4 billion (£1.03bn) in the Hurun India Rich List 2025. This makes him one of the richest actors in the world and places him alongside international heavyweights like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tiger Woods, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift.
“For years, SRK has been more than just an actor. He is an institution of entertainment and now, a wealth creator,” said Mr. Junaid, noting how Khan’s rise reflects India’s evolving economy.
Bollywood’s Billionaire Star Cast
Khan is not the only face of Bollywood wealth. Other film personalities also made the 2025 list:
- Juhi Chawla and family – $880 million
- Hrithik Roshan – $260 million
- Karan Johar – $200 million
- Amitabh Bachchan and family – $183 million
But SRK towers above them all, with wealth nearly double that of his longtime friend and co-star Juhi Chawla.
From Romance to Empire
Once celebrated as the “King of Romance,” Shah Rukh Khan has rewritten his own story as a business mogul. His fortune goes well beyond box office success.
- His production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, produces blockbuster films and content.
- His IPL team, Knight Rider Sports, remains one of the most successful cricket franchises.
- Global endorsements, smart real estate investments, and film earnings add to his fortune.
Industry insiders say Khan’s billionaire mark is proof of his vision. “He doesn’t just act in films, he builds brands,” said a Mumbai-based trade analyst.
India’s Wealth Map is Shifting
Experts believe Khan’s rise mirrors broader economic trends. “As the Indian economy matures, sectors like sports, entertainment and media are emerging as powerful drivers of wealth,” Mr. Junaid explained.
He compared the shift to the US, where the rich lists that once belonged to bankers and industrialists are now dominated by celebrity-led brands, from Beyoncé to Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Billionaire Club Still Rare
Despite their fame, only a handful of entertainers cross the ten-figure barrier. Forbes notes that fewer than two dozen celebrities globally have achieved billionaire status. With his entry, Shah Rukh Khan has cemented his place among the world’s most elite icons.
India’s Expanding Billionaire Class
India’s billionaire count has surged past 350 individuals this year, with tycoons Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani retaining the top spots. Yet Khan’s story is special.
It shows how a boy from Delhi, who once arrived in Mumbai with dreams in his eyes, has today become not just Bollywood’s brightest star but also a global billionaire.
As one fan tweeted shortly after the announcement: “SRK didn’t just break box office records, he broke the glass ceiling of wealth.”
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