India’s Bollywood industry is renowned for its massive box-office collections and a global fanbase that eagerly awaits the release of each new blockbuster. With stars who deliver not just on talent but also at the ticket counters, Bollywood’s box-office giants are those actors whose films consistently bring in record-breaking collections. This article celebrates 20 of these legendary actors whose movies have marked milestones in Bollywood box office history, illustrating their lasting impact and immense appeal.
1. Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan, often called “Mr. Perfectionist,” is known for his meticulous approach to cinema. He has been a part of several record-breaking films that pushed the boundaries of Indian cinema.
- Key Hits: Dangal, PK, 3 Idiots, Ghajini
- Box Office Impact: Dangal became one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, raking in massive revenue domestically and internationally, especially in China.
Aamir Khan’s selective approach ensures each film he stars in is thoughtfully crafted, with storytelling that appeals to a diverse audience.
2. Shah Rukh Khan
Known as the “King of Bollywood,” Shah Rukh Khan has charmed audiences for over three decades. His charisma and skillful acting have secured his place in numerous successful films.
- Key Hits: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Chennai Express, Raees, Pathaan
- Box Office Impact: Pathaan achieved unprecedented success, surpassing global records and firmly reinstating SRK as a box-office titan.
From romantic dramas to action thrillers, Shah Rukh Khan’s versatility has ensured enduring box-office appeal.
3. Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s films are known for their larger-than-life appeal, often delivering masala entertainment that Bollywood fans love.
- Key Hits: Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai, Kick
- Box Office Impact: Salman’s Bajrangi Bhaijaan touched hearts worldwide, while his Tiger series has become an action-packed favorite, solidifying his position as a box-office magnet.
With his iconic persona and loyal fanbase, Salman’s movies are a surefire way to get audiences flocking to theaters.
4. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar is Bollywood’s “Khiladi” and one of the most bankable actors in the industry. Known for his high productivity, he consistently delivers multiple hits each year.
- Key Hits: Kesari, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4, Rowdy Rathore
- Box Office Impact: Akshay’s films are known for entertaining plots with underlying social messages, making him a favorite for both audiences and the box office.
His versatility and dedication have allowed him to explore various genres, from comedy to action and patriotic films.
5. Hrithik Roshan
With his remarkable dance skills and action-packed roles, Hrithik Roshan has delivered some major blockbusters over the years.
- Key Hits: War, Krrish, Bang Bang!, Super 30
- Box Office Impact: War, co-starring Tiger Shroff, became one of Bollywood’s highest-grossing films, showcasing Hrithik’s charm and talent.
Hrithik’s ability to pull off both intense roles and lighthearted characters makes him a versatile box-office draw.
6. Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh’s energetic and intense performances have catapulted him to the top ranks of Bollywood’s most bankable stars.
- Key Hits: Padmaavat, Simmba, Gully Boy, Bajirao Mastani
- Box Office Impact: Padmaavat and Simmba both crossed the ₹200 crore mark in India, solidifying Ranveer’s reputation for drawing in massive crowds.
With his unique charisma and daring role choices, Ranveer has become a standout box-office star.
7. Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgn has had a career full of blockbuster hits that span decades. His intense screen presence has made him a consistent draw at the box office.
- Key Hits: Tanhaji, Golmaal Again, Singham, Drishyam 2
- Box Office Impact: Tanhaji was a huge success, appealing to audiences with its historical narrative and visual effects.
Known for both action-packed roles and comedies, Ajay’s versatility keeps him relevant and popular.
8. Ranbir Kapoor
Ranbir Kapoor brings an emotional depth to his roles, often exploring complex characters that resonate with audiences.
- Key Hits: Sanju, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Brahmāstra
- Box Office Impact: Sanju became one of the biggest hits in Indian cinema, further proving Ranbir’s skill in selecting impactful roles.
Ranbir’s combination of talent and charm ensures a steady box-office draw with each release.
9. Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan is known for his vibrant and high-energy performances, especially in family-friendly movies that attract a wide audience.
- Key Hits: Judwaa 2, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Street Dancer 3D, Dilwale
- Box Office Impact: With Judwaa 2 and Dilwale, Varun proved he can hold his own in the box-office arena.
As one of the few newer actors with a high success rate, Varun has established himself as a bankable star.
10. Kartik Aaryan
Kartik Aaryan’s relatable and humorous roles have earned him a strong following among young audiences.
- Key Hits: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Luka Chuppi, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Pati Patni Aur Woh
- Box Office Impact: Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 emerged as one of the biggest hits of the post-pandemic era, cementing Kartik’s status as a rising box-office star.
Kartik’s fresh, relatable persona has made him a favorite among Bollywood’s younger audiences.
11. Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan, known as the “Shahenshah” of Bollywood, is an evergreen star whose presence has drawn audiences for decades.
- Key Hits: Sholay, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Piku, Pink
- Box Office Impact: Sholay remains a benchmark in Bollywood, while Pink demonstrated Amitabh’s continued relevance in modern cinema.
Even today, Big B’s films continue to perform well, proving his enduring box-office appeal.
12. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone’s versatility and natural elegance have allowed her to become one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses.
- Key Hits: Padmaavat, Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chhapaak
- Box Office Impact: Padmaavat was a massive success, showcasing Deepika’s strong screen presence.
Her ability to balance commercial and critical successes has made her a top draw in Bollywood.
13. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan, also known as “Bebo,” has maintained her stardom with a combination of box-office hits and critically acclaimed roles.
- Key Hits: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, 3 Idiots, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Good Newwz
- Box Office Impact: 3 Idiots remains one of Bollywood’s all-time top films, while Good Newwz solidified her box-office appeal.
Her strong presence in the industry has kept her consistently relevant and popular among fans.
14. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is an international star whose Bollywood journey includes numerous box-office hits.
- Key Hits: Bajirao Mastani, Don, Krrish 3, Fashion
- Box Office Impact: Bajirao Mastani was a major box-office success, and Fashion garnered both acclaim and commercial success.
Her range of roles and international appeal make her one of Bollywood’s most influential actresses.
15. Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut has made a name for herself by choosing unconventional and impactful roles.
- Key Hits: Queen, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Manikarnika, Panga
- Box Office Impact: Tanu Weds Manu Returns became one of the highest-grossing female-led films in Bollywood.
Known for her fearless approach, Kangana’s films consistently resonate with audiences and deliver at the box office.
16. Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt has quickly ascended the ranks to become one of Bollywood’s most bankable young stars.
- Key Hits: Raazi, Gully Boy, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, Brahmāstra
- Box Office Impact: Raazi was both a commercial and critical success, grossing over ₹190 crore worldwide.
Alia’s talent and choice of diverse roles make her one of the most successful young actresses in Bollywood, capable of both critical acclaim and high box-office numbers.
17. Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma’s career is marked by her impressive range and commitment to quality cinema, often balancing mainstream and niche roles.
- Key Hits: Sultan, PK, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
- Box Office Impact: PK and Sultan were both phenomenal hits, establishing her as a dependable name in Bollywood.
Anushka’s ability to shine alongside top actors and her choice of impactful roles have ensured her place as a box-office draw.
18. Tiger Shroff
Tiger Shroff’s high-octane action films and impressive dance skills have earned him a unique fan base, particularly among younger audiences.
- Key Hits: War, Baaghi, Baaghi 2, Heropanti
- Box Office Impact: War, co-starring Hrithik Roshan, was a major box-office success, and his Baaghi series continues to perform well.
Tiger’s focus on action-packed roles has carved out a niche for him as one of Bollywood’s rising action stars.
19. Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan has enjoyed a diverse career with numerous hits across genres, from comedy to intense dramas.
- Key Hits: Dil Chahta Hai, Tanhaji, Race, Love Aaj Kal
- Box Office Impact: Tanhaji, where he played a compelling antagonist, became a massive success, adding to his list of memorable roles.
Saif’s willingness to experiment with different characters makes him a versatile and consistent box-office performer.
20. Vicky Kaushal
Vicky Kaushal, a relatively new entrant, has already proved his potential as a box-office magnet with his commitment to character-driven roles.
- Key Hits: Uri: The Surgical Strike, Raazi, Sardar Udham, Sanju
- Box Office Impact: Uri: The Surgical Strike became a runaway hit and one of the most successful war films in Bollywood.
Vicky’s dedication to his craft and willingness to take on challenging roles position him as an emerging star with box-office potential.
Box Office Success Factors
Each of these actors has contributed significantly to Bollywood’s box-office success. Their hits are driven by a variety of factors:
- Star Power: Established stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan have fan followings that guarantee an initial rush to theaters.
- Genre Versatility: Actors like Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn have experimented with a wide range of genres, ensuring a broad appeal that brings in different audience segments.
- Impactful Storytelling: Films like Dangal, Uri, and Raazi demonstrate that a powerful narrative combined with strong performances can lead to box-office success, even without traditional commercial elements.
- Global Reach: With actors like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone gaining international fame, Bollywood movies now reach a global audience, contributing to larger box-office earnings.
- Franchises and Sequels: The Tiger, Baaghi, and Housefull franchises have shown that successful sequels can lead to enduring box-office appeal.
Conclusion
Bollywood’s box-office giants have a remarkable ability to draw in audiences with each release. Their charisma, talent, and versatility set them apart, making them iconic figures in Indian cinema. From veterans like Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan to rising stars like Kartik Aaryan and Vicky Kaushal, these actors continue to shape Bollywood’s success story, one hit at a time. Their impact on the box office is a testament to Bollywood’s unique blend of storytelling, star power, and cinematic appeal, ensuring that the industry continues to thrive both in India and around the world.
