Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan debuts on India's richest list with Rs 7,300 cr — here's how the King made his wealth

Shah Rukh Khan, widely known as the "King of Bollywood," has officially joined the ranks of India’s wealthiest, debuting on the 2024 Hurun India Rich List with an impressive wealth of Rs 7,300 crores. But how did a Delhi boy with dreams of making it big in Mumbai become one of India’s richest individuals? Let’s dive into the ventures that propelled King Khan into the billionaires' club.

Red Chillies Entertainment

Shah Rukh Khan’s production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, has been a significant contributor to his wealth. Founded in 2002, Red Chillies has become a key player in Bollywood, producing blockbuster films and investing in high-quality visual effects. From chart-topping films like Chennai Express and Raees to the massive success of Pathaan in 2023, Red Chillies has consistently delivered box office hits.
With an estimated revenue consistently in the hundreds of crores and a profit of Rs 85 crores last year, the company has not only cemented SRK’s position as a top actor but also as a successful producer. Furthermore, the company’s VFX division, Red Chillies VFX, has set new benchmarks in the Indian film industry, working on major projects that have earned critical and commercial acclaim, such as Ra.One, Fan, and Laal Singh Chaddha. These ventures have significantly bolstered SRK’s wealth, making Red Chillies Entertainment a cornerstone of his business empire.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Shah Rukh Khan’s entry into the sports business with the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been a masterstroke. Co-owned by SRK, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta, KKR has become one of the most successful and profitable franchises not just in the Indian Premier League, but also in the sporting world. The team’s consistent performance on the field has been matched by its financial success off it, with KKR’s brand value rising steadily over the years.

As per Forbes, the cricket team was valued at over $1 billion in 2022. This surge in valuation played a crucial role in boosting SRK’s wealth, contributing significantly to his fortune. The success of KKR, coupled with its passionate fan base and strong marketing, has made it a jewel in SRK’s business portfolio, further solidifying his status as a businessman.

Brand SRK: The most followed Indian on social media

More than just a business mogul, Shah Rukh Khan is also a brand unto himself. With 44.1 million followers on Twitter, SRK is the most followed individual from the 2024 Hurun India Rich List on Indian social media. His massive social media presence has translated into lucrative endorsement deals and collaborations with global brands.
Consistently being one of the most visible endorsers, SRK earns substantially from brand endorsements, with an estimated fee of Rs 4-5 crores per endorsement. His portfolio includes major brands like Hyundai, Dubai Tourism, and BYJU'S, further adding to his immense wealth. His ability to leverage his celebrity status into profitable business ventures has undoubtedly been a key factor in his wealth accumulation.

Real estate

Real estate has always been a key component of wealth building, and Shah Rukh Khan is no exception. Shah Rukh Khan’s real estate ventures extend far beyond his iconic Mumbai residence, Mannat. One of his lesser-known yet highly lucrative ventures is in Dubai, where he and his wife Gauri Khan launched a luxurious beachfront residential project, the "SRK Boulevard," located in the posh Dana Islands.

This mega project, worth over Rs 18,000 crore, features 10 residential buildings with high-end facilities, including marine sports and leisure amenities. Designed by Los Angeles architect Tony Ashai, with interiors by Gauri Khan, this project highlights SRK’s foray into international real estate

And of course, films

Shah Rukh Khan’s earnings from films and endorsements are a significant part of his wealth. Known as one of the highest-paid actors in India, SRK reportedly charges over Rs 100 crores per film. This is certainly no small amount, but it is unlikely that filmmakers will find fault with it, considering how his films regularly break box office records. As per IMdB, both 2023 films Jawan and Pathaan grossed over Rs 1000 crores worldwide.

All in all, King Khan’s entry into the Hurun India Rich List is significant not just for him, but for the entire entertainment industry. SRK’s success reflects the growing financial clout of Indian film stars and the increasing importance of entertainment in wealth creation. In 2024 alone, Hurun India Rich Listers from the entertainment industry added Rs 40,500 crores to their wealth, with SRK leading the charge. This trend highlights the expanding influence of Bollywood and the entertainment sector in India’s broader economic landscape.