He has climbed his way up to become one of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood, and has also gained a reputation for being a savvy businessman. Known for his impeccable punctuality, admirable work ethic and his chiselled physique, the 53-year-old actor is not only one of Hindi cinema’s most talented actors, but he is also one of the richest.

His wealth has landed him on the 52nd spot on Forbes’ World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities in 2020 list – making him the only Indian actor to be featured. According to Forbes, his annual income is around US$48.5 million.


Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the film Pad Man, about an ordinary man who went on a crusade to make affordable sanitary pads for poor Indian women. Photo: SCMP

Without a single flop in six years, he is now preparing to dominate theatres again with his newly released spy thriller Bell Bottom. With so many back-to-back box office successes, it’s no surprise that he is one of Bollywood’s top-earning actors.

Here is how the witty and talented actor rakes in the money and spends his riches.


Akshay Kumar in a still from Mission Mangal. Photo: Handout

With recent box office hits like Housefull 4, Rustom and Good Newz, Hindustan Times reported that Kumar makes quite the amount by charging around US$16 million per film. Now that there’s more weight to his name with his continuous box-office hits, and many prestigious awards including the Filmfare Award, National Award and the honourable Padma Shri, Bollywood Hungama reported that he will be charging around US$18 million per film in 2022.


Akshay Kumar plays Laxmi, Gayatri’s (Radhika Apte) loving husband in Padman. Credit: Panasia Films

GQ India stated that according to News 18, producers flock to the action hero because his films guarantee return, making him a low risk actor at a time where Covid-19 has crippled the otherwise bustling Hindi film industry.

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As one of India’s most powerful celebrity brands, Kumar’s brand value is worth US$104.5 million, according to GQ India.

The talented actor has supported and endorsed various start-ups and luxury brands throughout his career. According to The Financial Express, Kumar charges roughly US$200,000 per day for an ad shoot.

GQ stated that Kumar is the top choice for personal care brands, and he is also one of the top five celebrities in demand for the“Product Brands with Maximum Digital Media Impact” category.

Production houses


Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar attends the launch of Segways, a two-wheeled self-balancing scooter, in Mumbai. Photo: AFP

Another main source of the actor’s income is his own production company Hari Om Entertainment, which has produced over 15 Bollywood blockbuster films such as Singh is King, Airlift, Rustom and Padman.

How he spends it:

Luxury houses

With so much money in the bank, this B-town A-lister is an international real estate enthusiast. According to Times Now News, he owns a sea-facing duplex and four other flats in Mumbai, a Portuguese style beach-house in Goa that’s worth nearly US$670,000, an entire hill in Toronto and another luxurious beach house in Mauritius.

Cars


Top-earning Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar peering out of a plane. Photo: @akshaykumar/Instagram

He is also a lover of cars, owning high-end luxury rides such as a Porsche Cayenne, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Range Rover Vogue, Mercedes GL Class (SUV) and Honda CR-V.

DNA India reports that he owns a private jet worth US$35 million too.

Sports


Akshay Kumar is the only Bollywood actor who landed on the Forbes’ Top 100 Highest-Paid Celebrities in the World in 2020 list. Photo: @akshaykumar/Instagram

A fan of martial arts and fitness, it came as no surprise when he bought “Bengal Warriors”, a pro team in the World Kabaddi League. He also opened a martial arts school, the Women’s Self Defence Center in Mumbai, where women and girls can learn all kinds of self defence moves.

Charity


Akshay Kumar in a still from Padman. Photo: Handout

But the Khiladi actor is not just about splurging on himself. He is also known for lending a helping hand to those in need. According to India Today, in 2015, he donated around US$130,000 towards Chennai flood relief work and recently donated the same amount to the Gautam Gambhir Foundation to help those affected by the pandemic. He also donated US$130,000 to rebuild a school in Kashmir, reported Hindustan Times.