Bollywood's Billionaire Entrepreneurs: Stars Who've Taken the Business World by Storm
Bollywood isn't just about glitz, glamour, and box office blockbusters anymore. Today, many of its brightest stars have stepped off the silver screen and into the boardroom, transforming their celebrity power into thriving business empires. These Bollywood A-listers are not just actors—they are visionaries, making waves across industries from fashion and beauty to wellness and tech. Their success in business proves that the hustle doesn’t stop when the cameras turn off, but rather, it’s only just beginning.
In a world where fans crave authenticity, these stars are tapping into their personal passions and making serious money while at it. With the rising demand for homegrown brands, sustainable products, and celebrity-backed ventures, Bollywood’s elite are showing they’re not only masters of the film world but also savvy business moguls with a sharp eye on market trends.
What’s the secret sauce behind their success? It’s a mix of entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and the ability to connect with their fanbase on a deeper level. By launching brands that resonate with their personal lifestyles, these stars are proving that they have what it takes to build empires that extend far beyond Bollywood.
So, let’s dive into the stories of these Bollywood icons-turned-entrepreneurs who’ve built successful brands that are just as famous as they are.
Priyanka Chopra
When she's not gracing international red carpets or making waves in Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra is building a business empire. Chopra’s first major foray into entrepreneurship came with her New York-based restaurant, Sona, which has become a hotspot for foodies with a love for modern Indian cuisine. But that's not all. In 2021, Priyanka launched her haircare brand, Anomaly, which quickly took off, making £429 million in 2022 alone.
Anomaly’s appeal lies in its clean, sustainable formulas—100% vegan and cruelty-free, offering everything from deep-conditioning masks to volumizing shampoos. With an emphasis on affordable luxury, Priyanka’s line has become a global sensation, cementing her status as not only an actress but a powerhouse entrepreneur. Oh, and let's not forget her collaboration with BON V! V Spiked Seltzer, bringing her distinct flair to the world of beverages.
Shilpa Shetty
Shilpa Shetty has been a Bollywood icon for decades, but her business ventures have truly set her apart. With a passion for wellness, she founded the popular spa chain IOSIS in 2009, which revolutionized the wellness industry in India. But Shetty didn’t stop there—her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open Bastian At The Top, a luxurious restaurant offering a fine-dining experience from the 48th floor of Mumbai’s tallest commercial building.
Her ventures are a reflection of her multifaceted personality—focused on fitness, well-being, and luxury. Shilpa's business savvy is as sharp as her on-screen presence, and her wellness empire continues to expand, making her one of the most respected businesswomen in Bollywood.
Alia Bhatt
At just 30 years old, Alia Bhatt is already making her mark in the business world. Bhatt launched Ed-A-Mamma, a sustainable fashion line for children, in 2020. The brand quickly gained traction and is now valued at Rs 150 crore. Alia’s commitment to ethical fashion and creating eco-friendly apparel has won her fans beyond Bollywood, as environmentally conscious parents flock to her brand for stylish, affordable, and sustainable options.
But Bhatt’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop with fashion. She also co-founded Style Cracker, a styling platform designed to bring affordable fashion advice to the masses. With these ventures, Alia is not only ruling Bollywood but also making her name in the fashion industry, one sustainable piece at a time.
Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, famously known as Bollywood’s Khiladi, is also a mastermind in the business world. His first big business move came with the launch of Hari Om Productions, which he founded with his wife Twinkle Khanna in honor of his late father. The company has produced some of his biggest films, adding another feather to his cap.
But Kumar’s passion for sports led him to invest in the Khalsa Warriors, a team in the World Kabaddi League. This venture combined his love for fitness and his entrepreneurial drive, turning him into a major player in the sports industry. Kumar has proven that he’s more than just a box office hit—he’s also a business juggernaut.
Anushka Sharma
Anushka Sharma has turned her personal style and love for storytelling into serious business ventures. Her fashion line, Nush, reflects her laid-back, feel-good style and is loved by fans across the country. With Rs 65 crores in revenue, Nush is proof that Sharma knows how to turn trends into profits.
In addition to fashion, Anushka also co-founded Clean Slate Filmz with her brother, a production company focused on fresh, innovative storytelling. Clean Slate Filmz has been behind hit films and web series like Paatal Lok, NH10, and Bulbul, proving that Sharma is just as skilled behind the camera as she is in front of it. Her business ventures have added another dimension to her stardom, making her one of Bollywood’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.
Related: Asian Celebrities You Didn’t Know Are Crushing It as Entrepreneurs
Katrina Kaif
Katrina Kaif is as much a beauty mogul as she is a Bollywood superstar. In 2019, she co-launched Kay Beauty with Indian e-commerce giant Nykaa, offering a range of high-quality, cruelty-free beauty products. Kay Beauty’s empowering message encourages women to embrace their inner strength, making it more than just a makeup brand—it’s a movement.
With an annual revenue of around USD 12 million, Kay Beauty has rapidly become one of the most popular beauty brands in India. Katrina's deep involvement in the brand’s creative process has helped it resonate with her massive fanbase, making her a true force in the beauty industry.
Sonam Kapoor
Sonam Kapoor, known for her impeccable style, took her passion for fashion to the next level with the launch of Rheson, a clothing brand she co-founded with her sister Rhea Kapoor. The brand’s unique combination of global fashion trends and accessible pricing makes it a hit among young Indian women.
Rheson represents an urban Indian girl’s take on modern fashion—wearable, stylish, and affordable. Sonam’s eye for detail and her dedication to empowering women through fashion has made Rheson a runaway success, proving that she’s not just a style icon, but a formidable businesswoman too.
