With a solid history of over one century, the multi-billion-dollar Bollywood industry is not only among the largest in the world, but it also holds some of the world’s best talents. From veterans like Amitabh Bachchan to screen kings like Shah Rukh Khan and Bollywood royals like Ranbir Kapoor, this list holds 15 of India’s finest screen performers whose irresistible charisma and hard work have earned spots among the region’s most popular actors.
1. Shah Rukh Khan
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Shah Rukh Khan is that face that you just can’t miss in the best of Bollywood productions. His on-screen charisma and natural appeal make him one of the most loved actors in the industry. The New Delhi native whose film career began in the late 80s has evolved into an award-winning actor, movie producer, and successful TV personality. His status as the Baadshah of Bollywood has been proven over three decades of excellence, and his appearance in the million-dollar-grossing “Dunki” movie is a testament to his dynamism and excellence as a versatile entertainer. Shah Rukh’s career success hasn’t been without a train of awards in recognition of his talent. Since Shahrukh Khan has given 3 constant blockbusters in one year, he remains the number one Bollywood actor of 2024.
2. Amitabh Bachchan
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If there is another name for dexterity, it would be Amitabh Bachchan, the Sadi Ke Mahabayak of Bollywood, an actor whose presence commands respect and grace. A highly revered movie veteran, Bachchan began his journey to charming his viewers with his effortless brilliance way back in the late 60s and climbed up the career ladder with mesmerizing speed. In almost six decades of his exciting presence on the screen, Amitabh has entertained Indian and global audiences with his skills in acting, voice acting, TV presentation, and film production. The screen enigma who is a proud recipient of four National Film Awards among many others is credited for being a revolutionary in Indian Cinema, and even at 81, the Filmfare Best Actor is still serving us the hottest meals in the streets of Indian Cinema.
3. Salman Khan
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Talk about personified capacity. Since his debut in 1988, Salman Khan has been in over 100 movies, earning himself several appearances and titles in the yearly highest-grossing movies in Hindi Cinema! The multi-talented actor has been so consistent in his excellent role interpretations that it is almost impossible to set him apart from his action characters in Bollywood. “Tiger 3,” which is one of his 2023 releases has grossed over 4 billion INR in box office collections, increasing his worth as one of the highest-earning Indian entertainers. Alongside his two National Film Awards, Khan is a recipient of over 70 accolades.
Also See: 15 Hottest Bollywood Actresses of 2024
4. Ranbir Kapoor
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What is the most popular actor list without a Kapoor?! Ranbir Kapoor is indisputably everything that a multitalented actor should be. His progression into the world of acting has always been a sure deal, given his relations with Bollywood’s most influential entertainers, the Kapoors. Following his education in the Arts, the actor was clearly prepared for the world ahead because his works in less than one decade of performing shot him up into the spotlight. An A-game actor, Ranbir’s appearance and excellent performance in Sandeep’s “Animal” is no doubt a great contributor to the overall success of the movie which grossed about $105 – $110 million in the Box Office collection!
5. Aamir Khan
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Another of Bollywood’s top-rated talents, Aamir Khan definitely lives up to his title of Bollywood’s ‘Mr. Perfectionist’. Apparently, his terrific screen performances aren’t all you should know about him, as this actor has been a trailblazer in his endless efforts to encourage quintessential filmmaking in India. A four-time National Film Awardee, Aamir’s career began far back in the 70s to 80s, before his original fame began much later in in the 90s. Just as he effortlessly stars as a thespian, the “Secret Superstar” actor, which is in fact one of India’s highest-grossing, also kills it in his directorial and production commitments.
6. Ajay Devgan
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There is no way Vishal Veeru Devgan, who we all call Ajay Devgn is going to be missing from this list. A Bollywood superstar and multi-award-winning actor, Ajay began his film career in the early 1990s, with “Phool Aur Kaante”. Three decades later, he has carved out his own space in Bollywood as an irresistible screen king, appearing in diverse characters, and entertaining Indian and global audiences with his craft. Just like his father Veeru Devgan has set his legacy in choreography, the talented Vishai is doing even more as an actor and film director, while breaking ground with his Ajay Devgn FFilms (ADF) production company.
7. Akshay Kumar
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At 56, Akshay still possesses the compelling charm that he had when he started in Abbas-Mustan’s “Khiladi” in 1992. The Delhi-born actor did not have the smoothest journey early on, in the streets of Bollywood. However, his profile career picked up pace in the early 2010s, and his excellent works have earned him multiple awards including an honorary accolade from the Indian government. When Akshay Kumar is not busy with interesting roles in Hindi films, the actor can be caught hosting immersing television shows or giving his philanthropic services in funding and activism.
Also See: Top 10 Hottest South Indian Actresses 2024
8. Shahid Kapoor
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Hindi Cinema’s renowned lover boy, Shahid Kapoor began his successful film career as a young actor in 2003, performing in Ken Ghosh’s “Ishq Vishk”. Over the years, Kapoor has evolved into a versatile thespian, switching between his roles in romantic comedies to more diverse characters like his “Sunny” role in Raj & DK’s Farzi. It’s no secret that the talented Indian entertainer is also one of the best in looks, as he has been honored over time for his great appearance. The brilliant actor, who is still in his early 40s has been awarded multiple accolades from the Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, Indian Television Academy Awards, and Zee Cine Awards, among others.
9. Ranveer Singh
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Over the years, Ranveer has solidified his status as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, having been a frequent face in blockbuster Hindi movies. The Bombay-native actor rose to fame in the early 2010s and has contributed greatly to the arts with his knack for the screen nurturing music talents with Inclnk. Beyond acting, Ranveer is popular for being an alluring style icon with several brand deals with global fashion and beauty brands.
10. Vicky Kaushal
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We are not even over his role in ‘Dunki”, and he’s already got more performances cooking in 2024. Vicky Kaushal is definitely who he thinks he is! From his debut appearance in Indian cinema, this Bombay-born talent had all the makings of a star. Over a decade into his career, Kaushal has established himself as a malleable entertainer, one who can slip into any character without disappointment. His expressive and perfect role interpretation skills haven’t gone unnoticed and that is because the film star is a method actor, one of the rare attributes you can find in today’s entertainment. Alongside his successful acting career, Vicky is also a superb TV awards host.
11. Hrithik Roshan
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Watching the award-winning Hrithik Roshan perform is pure bliss, as there’s this irresistible aura the actor carries that makes you glued to the screen when he is performing. This captivating allure has been gracing Hindi Cinema since the early 2000s. 24 years after debuting with “Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai”, the brilliant performer yet again showcased his artistry in Anand’s 2024 movie “Fighter”, which grossed over Rs. 330 cr in the Box office collection. Roshan’s strengths as a great actor and dancer haven’t stopped him from shining as a superb style icon, building a million-dollar clothing brand, HRX.
12. Varun Dhawan
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Varun personifies the title of a fan idol. He is one of those film stars with an effortless screen appeal, and this explains his numerous brand endorsement opportunities with global businesses. His career began in 2012 with “Student of the Year”, rising to fame with diverse romantic films, before moving on to more action dramas. His appearances in some of Bollywood’s highly successful movies reflect his position as a big, household in India and abroad.
Also See: Top 10 Most Popular Taapsee Pannu Bollywood Films
13. Sanjay Dutt
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In over 40 years, Sanjay Balraj Dutt has dominated Bollywood. His early career years had him performing in legendary productions that quickly set him apart as a promising talent. Despite the early legal problems that the actor had to battle, the thespian overcame all odds to keep showcasing his prowess, and stealing the hearts of millions of viewers. Beyond his father’s existing success, the legendary actor has built a solid legacy from his career, amassing multiple awards and nominations in recognition of his works.
14. Manoj Bajpayee
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Belwa-born Manoj is one of the most dynamic actors in Indian cinema, with his versatile roles on and off the different segments in the industry. A six-time Filmfare Awardee, Bajpayee’s authentic artistry has earned spots in highly acclaimed Indian movies like “Satya”, “Pinjar” and The Family Man, among others. Manoj has been praised as a big-time Bollywood superstar.
15. Nawazuddin Siddiqui
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Since 2012, Siddiqui has been a popular face in Bollywood, taking up challenging roles out of his comfort zone, and giving a voice to the Indian middle class. Despite his relatively calm demeanor, the actor’s skillful performances have been widely appreciated, earning him appraisal and accolades from India’s most prestigious award institutions including Filmfare and the National Film Awards.
