David Lagachu5. Ajay Devgan
Total Box-Office Collections: 1951 crores approx.
Ajay Devgan is a well balanced actor. His hits and flops don’t make as much news as his contemporaries’ films do but the honesty and sincerity in his performances always stands out. He is very choosy about the kind of people he wants to work with and is a moody actor as is evident from his screen roles. His last hit was ‘Drishyam’ in 2015 and is clearly more comfortable in roles that tap on his emotional side. Last year his passion project ‘Shivaay’ fell short of emerging a winner at the box office but he has already moved on to his future projects with a renewed enthusiasm. Apart from the Khans he is one of the few actors who have survived the onslaught of time and younger actors with grace and dignity.
4. Shah Rukh Khan
Total Box-Office Collections: 2210 crores approx.
He is the undisputed king of Bollywood and perhaps the only actor who is equally famous in India as well as in the overseas. He has given some of the biggest blockbusters of Indian cinema like ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’ and ‘Happy New Year’. With age he is only getting hotter just like a fine bottle of wine. He has an innate ability to lose himself in a role which makes his performances so wonderful to watch. Of late even his loyal fans are complaining that the box office numbers of his films are increasing but the quality is going down tremendously. At 50 plus he is giving his best to whatever opportunities he is getting and it looks like he has still got a few tricks in him, so get ready to be dazzled by the king Khan as always.
3. Akshay Kumar
Total Box-Office Collections: 3029 crores approx.
From action star to comedy star to the star who can also handle emotional scenes well, Akshay Kumar’s transformation as an actor over the years is both exemplary and inspiring. He has given a string of hits in whatever genre of films he has worked in. Right now he is in that phase of his career where he uses his star power and films to promote social equality and fraternity. After winning the National Film Award in the category of best actor for his underplayed performance in ‘Rustom’ he is all set to repeat his winning feat with his upcoming film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ based on the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ of India.
2. Salman Khan
Total Box-Office Collections: 3060 crores approx.
Salman Khan has been on a roll ever since his film ‘Wanted’ struck gold at the box office. He had hundred a percent track record at the box office until ‘Tubelight’ played spoilsport at the box office earlier this year. His films are not the most meaningful ones out there but they are clearly entertaining as so many people flock to the theatres see him sing, dance, romance and fight the bad guys. His continuous success at the box office also means that he has started taking his stardom for granted and the belief that whatever he does will be lapped up by the audiences got a reality check when his film ‘Tubelight’ got a cold reception. Hits and flops are a part and parcel of actor’s life and there’s no doubt that Salman will bounce back soon with a bigger and hopefully better film.
1. Aamir Khan
Total Box-Office Collections: 3500 crores approx.
It comes as no surprise that Aamir Khan tops the list. His last release ‘Dangal’ alone grossed over 2000 crore worldwide. Apart from being a fantabulous actor and a sensitive director he is also a marketing genius. He knows how to sell his work of art. It is said that he hit the busy roads of Mumbai to promote his debut film ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. Who doesn’t know about his all India tour as a promotional activity for his film ‘3 Idiots’. He didn’t mind even becoming a barber to promote his film ‘Ghajini’. Despite maintaining all the shenanigans of a star he never compromises on his quality of work. His films always functions as a double edged sword – entertaining as well as thought provoking. He has been consistently giving hits and memorable performances for the last 27 years. So he more than deserves the number one spot.
