In the world of glitz, glamor, and stardom, Bollywood actors often shine not just on the silver screen but also as the top entrepreneurs in the world. These versatile individuals have proven that their talents extend far beyond acting, venturing into the business realm with remarkable success. From fashion labels to production companies, they have diversified their portfolios and achieved remarkable feats. In this blog, we will explore the top actors in India who have seamlessly transitioned into the world of entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment and business industries.
These Bollywood actors have not only left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment but have also demonstrated their mettle as successful and famous businessmen. Their ability to diversify their interests and invest in sectors they are passionate about serves as an inspiration to aspiring businesspersons and cements their status as influential figures both on and off the screen.
Here are some of the Top Actors in India who have excelled as an Entrepreneur.
Twinkle Khanna
In 2001, Twinkle Khanna was one of the top actors in India when she gracefully stepped away from the glitz of the red carpet, venturing into a diverse realm where her talent truly shined. Becoming a luminary in the world of business, Twinkle honed her skills as an accomplished interior designer, producer, and writer and a top female entrepreneur.
Together with her mother, Dimple Kapadia, she co-owns ‘The White Window,’ a business celebrated for both its candles and exquisite interior designs, even clinching the prestigious Elle Décor International Design Award. Twinkle’s brilliance doesn’t stop there; renowned for her sharp wit, she wears the hats of an esteemed author and columnist for The Times of India and DNA. Her debut book, ‘Mrs Funny Bones,’ became a bestseller in 2015, establishing her as the highest-selling female writer of the year.
Beyond the realms of design and writing, Twinkle is a powerhouse film producer, overseeing projects under the Grazing Goat Pictures banner. But her entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t halt; she’s also the visionary founder behind Tweak India, a groundbreaking digital media company. Twinkle Khanna’s journey exemplifies creativity, business acumen, and the art of reinvention.
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan, renowned not only as one of the top actors in India but also as one of the most famous businessmen in India, has ventured into diverse investments. His foray into the real estate sector includes ownership of the upscale SRK BOULEVARD in Dubai and endorsing the esteemed real estate group, “Royal Estates.” He is undoubtedly one of the top entrepreneurs in the world.
Khan’s multifaceted business portfolio extends to sports as well, where he is associated with the popular IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Moreover, he co-chairs the highly successful production house, Red Chillies Entertainment, recognized for its blockbuster movies and cutting-edge VFX and animation services.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Khan owns a significant stake in KidZania’s Indian franchise and has a remarkable presence in brand endorsements, with notable associations including Pepsi, Nokia, Hyundai, DishTV, Tag Heuer, and more. As a multifaceted entrepreneur, Shah Rukh Khan stands as one of Bollywood’s most prominent and successful celebrities.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma, a prominent Bollywood actress, has solidified her status as one of the top female entrepreneurs in India. In 2014, she, along with her brother and producer, Karnesh Sharma, co-founded Clean Slate Films, a production company dedicated to delivering innovative cinema and nurturing emerging talent in the Indian entertainment industry. She is one of the top actors in India at the moment as well.
Beyond her acting career, Anushka ventured into the world of fashion in 2017 by launching her clothing brand, Nush. Catering to women seeking both comfort and contemporary style, Nush has become a prominent choice in many wardrobes.
Suniel Shetty
The acclaimed actor from ‘Border’ effortlessly commanded the spotlight in the past. Much like several top actors in India venturing into the world of business, Suniel Shetty has proven to be a savvy entrepreneur. His journey began at the age of 16, working in his father’s restaurant, but it didn’t stop there. Shetty has since evolved into one of the most famous businessmen with a diverse portfolio.
Today, he’s a fitness enthusiast and the owner of multiple gyms across India. He also boasts a thriving restaurant chain and a successful production company called ‘Popcorn Entertainment,’ responsible for hit films such as Bhagam Bhag, Mission Istanbul, Khel, Rakht, Loot, and EMI.
In addition to these achievements, he’s the proprietor of ‘Mischief,’ a boutique chain in Mumbai, and an investor in luxury real estate projects and health-tech startups. Notably, his investments in The Biohacker, Klassroom Edutech, and Vieroots Wellness demonstrate his vision to revolutionize health and lifestyle in India. Another remarkable collaboration is with Branquila Brand Ventures, an integrated brand management agency overseeing his brand and diverse business ventures.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone has ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship with strategic investments. She’s become a partner in Drum Foods International Pvt. Ltd, the company behind the popular Epigamia yogurt brand, and has extended her support by endorsing the brand. Deepika is also a notable investor in various startups, including the educational platform FrontRow, electric vehicle startup BluSmart, and the beauty products brand Purplle, to name a few.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Deepika has made a significant impact in the fashion industry with her private clothing label, ‘All About You,’ which has risen to prominence as one of Myntra’s top brands. Furthermore, she’s expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors into the skincare industry with the launch of ’82E,’ a brand prioritizing natural remedies over chemicals.
Beyond her business ventures, Deepika is committed to social causes. She’s the driving force behind the ‘Live, Love, Laugh’ foundation, dedicated to supporting and destigmatizing mental health issues. Her influence extends to endorsements for renowned brands like Tanishq, Coca-Cola, Oppo, and Axis Bank. With her multifaceted contributions to business, fashion, and philanthropy, Deepika Padukone continues to make her mark in diverse arenas.
Salman Khan
Beyond being one of the top actors in India, Salman Khan is also celebrated for his philanthropic endeavors. He is the visionary behind ‘Being Human,’ a prominent NGO that operates sustainably through its online clothing sales. A noteworthy aspect of ‘Being Human’ is its commitment to social welfare, as a portion of the proceeds from clothing sales is channeled back to support the underprivileged segments of society. Salman Khan’s dedication to both his craft and humanitarian causes is a testament to his enduring impact on Bollywood and society at large.
Alia Bhatt
Since her debut, Alia Bhatt has consistently showcased her remarkable talents across diverse domains and established herself as one of the top actors in India. Her on-screen performances, combined with her prowess as a dancer and singer, have solidified her reputation as a true multi-talent and overachiever. Beyond her impressive entertainment career, she has achieved yet another milestone by launching Ed-a-Mamma, a sustainable children’s clothing brand that recently entered a joint venture with Reliance Retail. Alia has also made undisclosed investments in SuperBottoms, a sustainable baby and maternal care brand, as well as a groundbreaking venture affiliated with IIT Kanpur, dedicated to converting floral waste into eco-friendly incense products.
These top actors in India have ventured into diverse sectors, showcasing their versatility and entrepreneurial spirit. Their success stories demonstrate that a passion for business, combined with a strong work ethic and a willingness to take calculated risks, can lead to prosperity beyond the silver screen. As they continue to inspire and redefine the boundaries of success, the Bollywood industry witnesses an exciting blend of entertainment and entrepreneurship, enriching both their lives and the business world.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, these seven actors have shown that they are not just stars on celluloid but also astute entrepreneurs. Their forays into various industries reflect their determination, vision, and willingness to embrace new challenges. Through their diversified ventures, they have not only secured their financial futures but also inspired countless others to dream big and venture into uncharted territories. As the lines between showbiz and business continue to blur, these actors serve as shining examples of what can be achieved with talent, ambition, and an entrepreneurial spirit in the dynamic world of Bollywood.