Shah Rukh Khan becomes world's 4th richest actor, overtakes THESE Hollywood heavyweights

Bollywood supremo Shah Rukh Khan, known across (and even outside) India for his films and charismatic personality, has made it to the global list of the richest actors in the world. 

According to an Esquire report ranking the world's highest paid actors, Shah Rukh Khan now occupies the fourth position, with an estimated net worth of $876.5 million. This figure is just shy of third place holder Tom Cruise's net worth of $891 million. 

Topping the list is veteran bodybuilder-turned-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger with $1.49 billion, who is now a real estate mogul. Former wrestler and Hollywood action hero Dwayne Johnson comes second, at $1.19 billion. 

Shah Rukh Khan's position in the prestigious list places him well above the likes of Hollywood veterans like Robert De Niro, Brad Pitt and Jackie Chan. 

On Thursday, the first day of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 in India, Shah Rukh Khan reflected on his foray into the industry, having migrated from the world of theatre and television.

"I believe I was brash, overconfident, reckless, and a lot more stupid. I'm happy I was like this otherwise, I wouldn't have chosen the path I did with such wonderful people. I was a little gutsy also. Thank you, young Shah Rukh Khan, for being so cool,” he said, during a session titled ‘The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler’, in which he shared the stage with actor Deepika Padukone and Karan Johar, who was anchoring the discussion.

Having done quite a bit of theatre (especially local staged productions of the 'Ram Leela'), he transitioned to television in 1989 with 'Fauji', which aired on DD National. From there, he quickly became a household name, overcoming personal tragedies, and made his debut with 'Deewana' in 1992. From then on, there was no looking back. 

Over the years, Shah Rukh Khan has delivered countless hits and iconic performances in films like 'Baazigar', ' Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', Dear Zindagi', remakes of Amitabh Bachchan's 'Don', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai', 'Dil Se', 'Fan', and so many more. 

Last seen in Rajkumar Hirani's 2023 film 'Dunki' (alongside Taapsee Pannu), he will next be seen in Siddharth Anand's thriller 'King', opposite his daughter Suhana, as well as Deepika Padukone, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhishek Bachchan. 

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