India’s Leading Ladies: Top 10 Highest-Paid and Most Influential Actresses Across Indian Cinema

🥇 1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas

• Salary: ₹15–30 Cr per film, reportedly ₹30 Cr for S.S. Rajamouli’s next project (filmibeat.com, filmibeat.com)

• Projects: Bollywood–Hollywood crossover star; slated for the Rajamouli film.

• Fanbase: Massive global presence, including Hollywood, Bollywood, production, and endorsements .

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🥈 2. Deepika Padukone

• Salary: ₹15–30 Cr (15–30 Cr range reported by multiple sources)

• Projects: Set for high‑budget Indian and international titles (Kalki 2898 AD, Pathaan 2) (moneycontrol.com)

• Fanbase: 80M+ Instagram followers; founder of Live Love Laugh Foundation and a top-tier global brand ambassador .

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🥉 3. Kangana Ranaut

• Salary: ₹15–27 Cr per film (filmibeat.com)

• Projects: Known for strong, significant roles (Queen, Thalaivii).

• Fanbase: Bold, outspoken, acclaimed (multiple National Awards), backed by significant social and political clout (neplych.com).

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4. Alia Bhatt

• Salary: ₹10–20 Cr per film (filmibeat.com)

• Projects: Leading roles in upcoming YRF Alpha film, international brand ambassadorship (L'Oréal at Cannes)

• Fanbase: 85M+ Instagram followers; co-owner of Eternal Sunshine Productions .

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5. Katrina Kaif

• Salary: ₹15–25 Cr per film

• Projects: Consistent Bollywood hits; brand-backed ventures (Kay Beauty); business-minded artist

• Fanbase: 80M+ Instagram followers; strong commercial appeal .

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6. Nayanthara

• Salary: ₹10 Cr per film (noted for Jawan and several Tamil releases) (filmibeat.com)

• Projects: Expanding into Hindi (Jawan success); leads in Netflix titles (Test) (en.wikipedia.org)

• Fanbase: South India’s “Lady Superstar”; pan‑Indian recognition via crossover films.

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7. Rashmika Mandanna

• Salary: ₹10–13 Cr (₹13 Cr reported for Pushpa 2; ~₹10 Cr average)

• Projects: Key roles in Animal, Pushpa 2, and upcoming pan‑India ventures

• Fanbase: 45M+ Instagram; bracketed as India’s “National Crush,” major South + North India appeal .

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8. Anushka Sharma

• Salary: ₹8–12 Cr per film

• Projects: Bollywood performer-producer hybrid; major roles and production output (Clean Slate Films) (gaonwalo.com)

• Fanbase: 68M+ Instagram; high-profile endorsements enhance visibility .

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9. Kareena Kapoor Khan

• Salary: ₹8–18 Cr per film (moneycontrol.com)

• Projects: Roles in Bollywood films & OTT; strong producer and media presence (podcasting)

• Fanbase: Long-standing celebrity with multifaceted brand image (timesofindia.indiatimes.com).

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🔟 10. Shraddha Kapoor

• Salary: ₹7–15 Cr per film (businessinsider.in)

• Projects: Known for Stree, Baaghi franchise; further range via horror and rom-com roles (newsfirstprime.com)

• Fanbase: 85M+ Instagram; appeals across Hindi mainstream and genre cinema .

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📊 At-a-Glance Comparison

Rank	Actress	Salary (₹Cr)	Known Projects & Strengths
1	Priyanka Chopra Jonas	15–30	Rajamouli film, global star & producer
2	Deepika Padukone	15–30	Bollywood masterpieces, global endorsements
3	Kangana Ranaut	15–27	Strong performances, outspoken presence
4	Alia Bhatt	10–20	Youth icon, production house, global ambass.
5	Katrina Kaif	15–25	Commercial appeal, product line owner
6	Nayanthara	~10	South & Bollywood crossover, leading roles
7	Rashmika Mandanna	10–13	Pan-India reach, highly marketable
8	Anushka Sharma	8–12	Actress-producer, strong endorsement deals
9	Kareena Kapoor Khan	8–18	Veteran status, media & podcast presence
10	Shraddha Kapoor	7–15	Genre versatility, strong youth following

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🌟 Insights

• Pay scales reflect both traditional industry hierarchy and emerging female-led franchises. Stars commanding ₹15–30 Cr per film (Priyanka–Deepika) are rare and trailblazers.

• Fanbase metrics span social media (up to ~85 M+ followers), brand deals, and cross-cultural appeal.

• Project slate is diversified: from epic blockbusters and OTT ventures to production and business enterprises.

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🏆 Final Word

India’s leading actresses are not only commanding eye-popping fees—they’re shaping storytelling, launching businesses, and defining cultural narratives. From Priyanka and Deepika’s global ventures to Nayanthara and Rashmika’s pan-India footprint, female stars are central to cinema's future.