Bollywood actors do have some charm with which they mesmerize audiences in front of the camera, but several of them do quite well as entrepreneurs. Several actors have converted fame into money over the years and diversified into just about any field, ranging from fashion to fitness, food, technology, and entertainment. Some interpreted their passions into empires, while others ventured into completely alien territory. From the creation of global brands to investments in greenfield startups, these stars showcase that ambition and creativity go far beyond the world of cinema. Let’s now take a look at some of the best Bollywood actors who have carved their own successful business paths far away from the glitz of the silver screen.
7. Shah Rukh Khan: Beyond the Spotlight
King of Romance in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan commands respect equally in the business world. He set up Red Chillies Entertainment, a full-fledged film production and VFX company. His sports investment, the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team, is one of the most profitable franchises in cricket. SRK also holds stakes in Kidzania India, a chain of parks where education meets entertainment and fun. His assortment of ventures presents a vision for nurturing entertainment businesses and brand value, which allows him to operate well beyond acting.
6. Deepika Padukone: Taking Care of Yourself and Your Money
Deepika Padukone’s not just a movie star; she’s also a savvy businesswoman. She started 82°E, a skincare and wellness brand that mixes science with traditional practices. Plus, she’s putting money into startups that are doing cool things in education, food, and how we get around. It shows she cares about industries that can make a real impact. Mental health is a big deal for Deepika. She’s using her business to do good while also making money. So, her brand is all about purpose and profits.
5. Hrithik Roshan: Living it Up, Active Style
Back in 2013, Hrithik Roshan helped start HRX, a fitness and lifestyle company, and he’s the main face of the brand. The whole point was to get young folks in better shape. He’s also put some money into Cure.fit, a health startup with a bunch of fitness centres, some even branded HRX. Plus, he’s involved with FilmsKraft Productions, the film company his dad, Rakesh Roshan, started way back in 1977, which is behind movies like Koi Mil Gaya and Kites.
4. Sushmita Sen: Business with Heart
Sushmita Sen’s got her hands in a few cool businesses. She runs Tantra Entertainment, a lifestyle label called Sensazione, a restaurant in Mumbai, and a jewellery shop over in Dubai. These businesses really show off who she is—stylish, sure, but also someone who cares about offering people unique experiences. What’s cool is that her businesses are all about being yourself and keeping things classy.
3. Alia Bhatt is now running her own business with Ed-a-Mamma.
Alia Bhatt kicked off Ed-a-Mamma, a trendy clothing brand for moms and kids, in 2020. Initially, it was just kids’ stuff, but they got into maternity wear later with a pretty quick turnaround. After that, in 2023, Reliance acquired a major stake in the company. In addition to that, in 2021, Alia set up her own production company called Eternal Sunshine Productions, and their first film, Darlings, was released on OTT. Above all of these, she has also invested in companies like Nykaa (the beauty platform) and Phool (a startup that works with biomaterials).
2. Twinkle Khanna: Where Content Meets Cool Ideas
Twinkle Khanna switched gears from acting and has really made a name for herself as a creative businesswoman. She started Tweak India, a fun digital hangout for modern Indian women with content that’s easy to relate to, funny, and smart. Good Glamm Group liked it so much they bought it! She also started a design store called White Window, which is known for its stylish and up-to-date designs. Plus, she helped run Grazing Goat Pictures, a movie company that made some pretty cool and different films. With her humour, eye for design, and storytelling talent, Twinkle has created a bunch of businesses that show how many skills she has and how good she is at turning ideas into cash.
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1. Salman Khan: More Than Just Movies
Beyond acting, Salman Khan’s got his hands in a lot of different businesses—think fashion, fitness, and giving back. His clothing brand, Being Human, is cool because it mixes trendy clothes with a good cause, using the money to help fund education and health stuff through the Being Human Foundation.
But that’s not all! He also started FRSH, a grooming line for men, and SK-27, his own brand of fitness gear. Plus, he puts money into gyms, travel companies, and online stuff, which shows he’s got a big-picture business brain. By mixing making money with helping others, Salman has built a business that does well and does good.
From Silver Screen to Boardroom
Bollywood’s stars are showing that they are more than actors. Their fame is greatly expanding into true businesses that redefine celebrity success.
It goes beyond sports stars or big business; these actors are getting into everything – wellness, fashion, hotels, property, and technology – all things they are passionate about and see great opportunity in. What really inspires is that beyond generating cash flow and profits, they are giving back to charitable causes and social impact initiatives. They are amazing examples of the inspirational idea that social good, combined with the potential for financial success, is the only way for new entrepreneurs to be successful. They show that it is possible to use one’s celebrity for something valuable and durable with the help of talent, initiative, and the sweat of one’s brow.
Written By Nidhi Singh