When discussing India’s wealthiest actresses, names like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, or Priyanka Chopra often come to mind. However, the richest actress in the country hails from the 90s era, with no significant box office success since 2009, yet her fortune surpasses that of today’s biggest stars. Let’s uncover how she built such impressive wealth.
A 90s Superstar, Yet Among the World’s Wealthiest
The 1990s marked a significant turning point for Indian cinema, as actors started commanding ₹1 crore or more for a single movie. Alongside their rising film fees, many top actors began endorsing a range of products, multiplying their incomes. Some, including actresses, expanded into businesses, allowing them to amass even greater wealth. Consequently, it’s not shocking that one of India’s actresses ranks among the world’s 10 wealthiest actresses.
What does surprise me, however, is that this actress has not had a hit film in over a decade. Despite that, her fortune stands strong, thanks to her wise investments and strategic business decisions.
Juhi Chawla: The Richest Actress in India
Juhi Chawla, a beloved star from the 90s, holds the title of the richest actress in India. According to the Hurun Rich List of 2024, she trails only behind her friend and business partner, Shah Rukh Khan, when it comes to the wealthiest actors in India. Juhi’s net worth is estimated to be ₹4600 crore, or approximately $580 million, which far exceeds the fortunes of her peers from the film industry, both past and present.
Surpassing Today’s Leading Ladies
If you combine the net worth of five of the wealthiest actresses after Juhi, their total would still fall short of her impressive wealth. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan takes the second spot with an estimated fortune of over $100 million (₹850 crore). Priyanka Chopra, bolstered by her global brand endorsements, production company, and successful Hollywood career, comes in third with a wealth of ₹650 crore. Rounding off the top five are Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone, both current leading stars with successful business ventures of their own.
How Juhi Chawla Built Her Fortune
Although Juhi Chawla was one of the most popular actresses of the 90s, the bulk of her wealth does not come from her acting career alone. In fact, her last significant box office hit was in 2009 with Luck By Chance. The majority of Juhi’s fortune comes from her savvy business investments, most notably her association with the Red Chillies Group.
Juhi is one of the founding members of Red Chillies Entertainment, the media company co-owned with Shah Rukh Khan. As a co-producer, she plays a significant role in the production of films under this banner. More importantly, she also holds co-ownership of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has been a lucrative venture over the years.
Additionally, Juhi’s wealth is bolstered by her extensive real estate holdings and other business investments. Together with her husband, Jay Mehta, a successful businessman, she has diversified her investments across different industries, ensuring a steady income stream outside of the entertainment world.
The Secret Behind Juhi’s Success
Juhi Chawla’s story is a testament to the power of intelligent financial decisions and diversification. While her contemporaries continue to thrive in front of the camera, Juhi’s wealth is primarily the result of her strategic business partnerships and investments. By aligning herself with pivotal ventures like Red Chillies Entertainment and KKR and securing significant real estate holdings, she has ensured her financial success extends far beyond the movie industry.
In an era where most actresses’ earnings come from films and endorsements, Juhi stands out as a pioneer in leveraging her success for long-term financial growth. Despite stepping away from the spotlight in recent years, her fortune continues to grow, making her the wealthiest actress in India today.
Click here to know more.
