In an industry driven by outsized personas, lavish productions, and theatrical excess, the earnings of top South Indian actresses reach staggering proportions. Helicopter entrances, remote island villas, and enviable fleets of luxury vehicles – the lifestyles of Tollywood and Kollywood superstars match their larger-than-life onscreen avatars. Now, most of the South Indian actresses are part of Bollywood projects, and they are surely at the top of their game. In this article, we will look at the richest actresses in South India who continue to rise in popularity.
Nayanthara:
Undoubtedly, Nayanthara has emerged as the highest-paid actress in South Indian cinema today. Nayanthara’s journey began with her 2003 debut in Manassinakkare. After early supporting roles, she rose to leading lady status with hits like Chandramukhi, Dubai Seenu, and Billa. However, it was her performances in acclaimed films like Sri Rama Rajyam, Aramm, and Kolamaavu Kokila that highlighted her acting skills.
The 2010s saw Nayanthara become the most sought-after actress in South cinema with blockbusters like Raja Rani, Maya, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, and Viswasam. She forayed into Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan with 2023’s Jawan. She commands paychecks between Rs. 5-10 crores per film now, cementing her status as the numero uno heroine in the Tamil and Telugu film industries. Her net worth stands at Rs. 165 crores and counting.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu:
Though not a conventional beauty, Samantha won over audiences with her lively screen presence and lively performances. After starring in Tamil and Telugu hits like Ye Maaya Chesave, Theri, and Mersal, Samantha expanded her repertoire with the acclaimed web series The Family Man.
Samantha reportedly charges around Rs. 3-5 crores per film presently. Her upcoming projects like Shaakuntalam and Kushi attest to her popularity with filmmakers and audiences. Recently separated from husband Naga Chaitanya, Samantha has an estimated net worth of Rs. 89 crores. She continues to be one of the most sought-after names in South Indian cinema today.
Pooja Hegde:
Pooja Hegde has quickly established herself as one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in South films today. Though just 32, she has already worked opposite nearly all the top heroes in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. She made her acting debut in the Tamil film Mugamoodi in 2012. However, it was the 2016 Telugu blockbuster Oka Laila Kosam that catapulted her to stardom.
She consolidated her position with hits like Duvvada Jagannadham, Aravinda Sametha Veera Raghava, and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. Today, Pooja Hegde charges Rs. 3.5-5 crores per film. She continues to be in high demand, working with stars like Salman Khan in Bollywood and Mahesh Babu and Prabhas in the South. With a net worth of Rs. 50 crores, Pooja’s career graph continues to rise steadily.
Anushka Shetty:
When it comes to the top league of South Indian actresses, Anushka Shetty’s name shines bright. The 41-year-old star worked her way up from supporting roles to become the leading lady of blockbusters like Baahubali, Size Zero, and Rudhramadevi. Known for her screen presence, Anushka charges around Rs. 4 crores per project.
After endearing herself to pan-India audiences in Baahubali, Anushka remains a highly coveted star. With hits like Billa and Singam 2, Anushka Shetty has amassed assets worth Rs. 100 crores so far. She may be selective about signing new films, but Anushka’s star power and box office pull remain formidable.
Rashmika Mandanna:
At just 26, Rashmika Mandanna has already achieved the kind of stardom and success that usually takes decades to attain. After making her mark in Kannada films, she delivered back-to-back blockbusters in Telugu like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, and Pushpa.
Rashmika quickly won national fame and the tag ‘national crush’ thanks to her lively screen presence and relatable charm. Today, she charges Rs. 3-4 crores per film in the South. After a dream Bollywood debut in Goodbye opposite Amitabh Bachchan, Rashmika’s stock will likely soar higher. Her net worth stands at Rs. 28 crores already, a figure expected to grow exponentially.
Tamannaah Bhatia:
Another leading lady ruling South films today is Tamannaah Bhatia. Known as the ‘Milky Beauty’, Tamannaah has been enthralling audiences for over 15 years across Tamil, Telugu and Hindi cinema. Some of Tamannaah’s biggest hits include Baahubali, Happy Days, Racha, and Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy.
Her glamorous song-and-dance skills make her a prime choice for commercial potboilers. Tamannaah reportedly earns around Rs. 3 crores per film presently.
Now 33, Tamannaah has also started working in OTT and television. With an estimated net worth of Rs. 110 crores backed by multiple income sources, she remains a highly popular and bankable star.
Hansika Motwani:
Despite her young age, Hansika Motwani has emerged as one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in South Indian films. She began as a child actor in Hindi TV shows before transitioning into lead roles in Kollywood and Tollywood. Some of her biggest hits include Velayudham, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, and Singam II opposite stars like Vijay and Suriya.
She also produces and invests in films under her own banner. Hansika charges between Rs. 80 lakhs to 1 crore for films, on par with leading Bollywood heroines. Hansika’s net worth stands at an estimated Rs. 35 crores. She leads a lavish lifestyle with expensive cars, designer clothes, and luxury vacations.
Shriya Saran:
Having made her debut in 2001’s Ishtam, Shriya Saran rose to fame with Santosham in 2002. Her 2007 blockbuster Sivaji opposite Rajinikanth was a career highlight. Today, Shriya’s paycheck for films stands at over Rs. 1 crore. She balances Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi projects, including hits like Drishyam. Her glamorous image and accomplished dancing skills make Shriya a prime choice for commercial entertainers.
Now 40, Shriya Saran has accumulated wealth worth Rs. 80 crores through prudent investments and film salaries. She leads a lifestyle as lavish as her on-screen persona. With continued success, Shriya remains one of the highest-paid actresses in South cinema.
Kajal Aggarwal:
Kajal Aggarwal is undoubtedly one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses spanning Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Though she started off with small roles, the 2009 blockbuster Magadheera proved to be her big break. Today, Kajal commands paychecks of over Rs. 2 crores per film. She has starred in some of the biggest South hits like Mr. Perfect, Businessman, Temper, and Khaidi No. 150 opposite top stars.
Her glamorous image and accomplished dancing skills make her a top choice for commercial potboilers. Kajal leads a lavish lifestyle with her entrepreneur husband Gautam Kitchlu. Through investments and brand endorsements besides films, she has built personal wealth of around Rs. 100 crores. Kajal remains a highly bankable star with pan-India popularity.
Rakul Preet Singh:
Rakul Preet Singh is another actress who seamlessly straddles multiple film industries. After winning several beauty pageants, she made her debut in the 2009 Tamil film Gilli before foraying into Telugu and Hindi movies. The 2011 Telugu hit Keratam elevated Rakul Preet’s stardom.
Today she charges around Rs. 1.5 crores per film across languages. Rakul has starred in hits like Sarrainodu, Spyder, De De Pyaar De, and Runway 34. Her net worth stands at an estimated Rs. 40 crores with social media following and brand endorsements contributing significantly to her income.