KKN Gurugram Desk | Amitabh Bachchan, the iconic Bollywood actor, has set a new record as India’s highest tax-paying celebrity for the financial year 2024-25. The legendary actor’s total income for the year stood at a whopping ₹350 crore, with ₹120 crore paid as tax. This marks a significant achievement, as Bachchan has surpassed fellow Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, who had been holding the top spot previously.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Tax Payments: A New Milestone

Amitabh Bachchan’s rise to the top of the list of the highest tax-paying celebrities comes as no surprise, given his immense popularity and success in the Indian film industry. His income for the financial year 2024-25 was derived from multiple sources, including his roles in major films, lucrative brand endorsements, and his long-running hosting role on the television show “Kaun Banega Crorepati” (KBC), which he has been hosting for over two decades.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, Bachchan’s tax payment of ₹120 crore this year represents a significant increase of 69% from the previous year, when he paid ₹71 crore in taxes. The sharp rise in his tax payments can be attributed to his ever-growing wealth, as well as the success of his professional ventures across various domains.

The Earnings Breakdown: How Amitabh Bachchan Makes His Fortune

Bachchan’s income sources are as diverse as his career. His significant earnings come from his work in Bollywood films, where he continues to play pivotal roles in some of the biggest blockbusters. Additionally, his lucrative brand endorsements make him one of the most sought-after celebrities for advertising campaigns in India.

Furthermore, his enduring success as the host of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” contributes heavily to his annual earnings. The show, which has been a consistent hit for over 20 years, continues to generate substantial revenue, making Bachchan one of the highest-paid television hosts in India.

Reports suggest that despite his age, Bachchan remains one of the most in-demand actors in the Indian film industry. His ability to command high fees for both films and brand endorsements, combined with his strong presence on television, places him among the highest-earning individuals in the entertainment sector.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Financial Discipline

Amitabh Bachchan is widely known for his financial discipline. He has always been punctual with his tax payments and has a reputation for being meticulous when it comes to his financial obligations. This year, despite the global economic uncertainties, Bachchan paid ₹120 crore in taxes, which demonstrates his commitment to fulfilling his financial responsibilities. His final tax installment of ₹52.5 crore for the year was paid on March 15, 2025.

This consistency in paying taxes on time, combined with his strong financial portfolio, further reinforces Bachchan’s position as not just an entertainment industry giant but also as a financially responsible public figure.

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan: Who’s Next?

Amitabh Bachchan’s achievement is significant because he has surpassed fellow Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan in terms of tax payments. Last year, Shah Rukh Khan had paid ₹92 crore in taxes, which made him the highest tax-paying celebrity at that time. However, this year, Bachchan managed to outpace Khan by a margin of 30%, with his ₹120 crore tax payment.

Bachchan’s new position at the top is a reflection of his continued success and relevance in the entertainment industry. While Shah Rukh Khan remains one of the most popular actors in Bollywood, and Salman Khan has a massive fan following, Bachchan’s multifaceted career has allowed him to generate diverse income streams, contributing to his new position as the highest taxpayer in the celebrity category.

Other Celebrities in the List

Amitabh Bachchan’s rise to the top of the list leaves other prominent Bollywood actors, such as Vijay (known as Thalapathy Vijay) and Salman Khan, in the rearview mirror. Vijay, who is a major star in Tamil cinema, paid ₹80 crore in taxes, while Salman Khan contributed ₹75 crore. These figures place them among the top tax-paying celebrities, but they are still behind Bachchan in terms of the amount paid.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Continued Relevance at 81

Despite being 81 years old, Amitabh Bachchan continues to maintain his position as one of the most influential and successful figures in the Indian entertainment industry. His ability to consistently deliver top-notch performances in both commercial films and critically acclaimed projects speaks to his enduring talent and popularity.

Recently, Bachchan worked on two major films, including “Vettaiyan” alongside Rajinikanth, and “Kalki 2898 AD,” which features stars like Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Deepika Padukone. These high-profile collaborations further cement his status as a sought-after actor. Additionally, his return to host the 16th season of “Kaun Banega Crorepati” has been confirmed, ensuring that his presence on television continues to dominate the Indian entertainment landscape.

Bachchan’s longevity in the industry can be attributed to his versatility as an actor and his ability to adapt to changing trends. His continued success in both film and television is a testament to his professionalism and the respect he commands in the entertainment world.

The Role of Brand Endorsements in Amitabh Bachchan’s Earnings

Brand endorsements have played a significant role in boosting Amitabh Bachchan’s earnings. He is one of the most trusted faces in Indian advertising, and his association with leading brands has made him a favorite among marketers. Companies from various sectors, including FMCG, automotive, and technology, have turned to Bachchan to promote their products, further adding to his financial portfolio.

Bachchan’s brand value has remained high, thanks to his impeccable reputation and the positive image he has maintained over the years. Unlike some other celebrities who may see their brand value dip with controversies, Bachchan has remained untarnished, which makes him a valuable asset for advertisers.

Why Amitabh Bachchan Remains an Icon in the Industry

Amitabh Bachchan’s place at the top of the celebrity tax-paying list is a reflection of his larger-than-life persona and unparalleled contribution to Indian cinema. His dedication to his craft, his strong financial management, and his ability to remain relevant in an ever-changing entertainment landscape are the key reasons why he remains a respected figure in the industry.

His ability to generate income from multiple streams—films, television, and brand endorsements—sets him apart from other celebrities who primarily rely on their film careers for earnings. Bachchan’s financial success serves as an inspiration to many young actors and entrepreneurs in India, showing that versatility and hard work can lead to sustained success.

Amitabh Bachchan’s achievement of becoming the highest tax-paying celebrity in India for the financial year 2024-25 is a significant milestone. With an income of ₹350 crore and ₹120 crore paid in taxes, Bachchan has surpassed his contemporaries like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. His financial discipline, combined with his ability to maintain relevance in the entertainment industry at the age of 81, makes him an enduring icon.

Bachchan’s success story is not just about his contributions to the film industry but also about his unwavering commitment to his financial responsibilities. As he continues to dominate the world of entertainment, his legacy as a successful actor, television host, and brand ambassador is firmly cemented.