Have you ever wondered how much South Indian actors and actresses get paid? With the rise of southern films, surely, they have amassed a considerable amount of wealth?
The South Indian film industry is home to some of the most talented and celebrated stars. Among them, many actresses have not only earned fame for their performances but also built impressive fortunes through films, endorsements, and business ventures.
The richest South Indian actresses are admired for their acting skills and for their ability to balance stardom with smart financial choices. Their journeys are inspiring examples of how talent, hard work, and determination can lead to both artistic and financial success. So, who are the ones leading the financial race of stardom in south indian cinema?
Top 15 Richest South Indian Actresses: Net Worth, Ventures, and Awards
Here is a table summarizing the estimated net worth of leading South Indian actresses in 2025 (numbers are rounded to the nearest crore):
| Actress | Estimated Net Worth (₹ crore) |
| Jyotika | ₹331 crore |
| Nayanthara | ₹200 crore |
| Anushka Shetty | ₹133 crore |
| Tamannaah Bhatia | ₹120 crore |
| Samantha Ruth Prabhu | ₹100 crore |
| Trisha Krishnan | ₹85 crore |
| Kajal Aggarwal | ₹80 crore |
| Rashmika Mandanna | ₹66 crore |
| Raashi Khanna | ₹58.5 crore |
| Pooja Hegde | ₹55 crore |
| Sai Pallavi | ₹50 crore |
| Shruti Haasan | ₹45 crore |
| Keerthy Suresh | ₹41 crore |
| Rakul Preet Singh | ₹40 crore |
1. Jyotika
Net Worth: ₹331 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- National Film Award winner
- Co-owner of 2D Entertainment
Jyotika has been part of hit films like “Chandramukhi” and “36 Vayadhinile.” She built her wealth not just from acting but also from 2D Entertainment, the production company she runs with her husband, Suriya. The company has made several successful movies, adding to her income.
She also earns from brand deals and real estate investments. By mixing strong career choices with smart business moves, Jyotika has become one of the wealthiest actresses in South Indian cinema.
2. Nayanthara
Net Worth: ₹200 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Multiple Filmfare Awards
- Co-owner of Rowdy Pictures
Nayanthara is one of the biggest stars in South India, with hits like “Aramm” and “Bigil”. She also appeared in Bollywood with “Jawan”. Along with her acting career, she co-founded Rowdy Pictures, which produces successful films.
Nayanthara charges some of the highest fees in the industry and endorses big brands in fashion and lifestyle. She has also invested in luxury properties. By working smartly on and off-screen, Nayanthara has built a huge fortune and a lasting career.
3. Anushka Shetty
Net Worth: ₹133 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Three Filmfare Awards
- Forbes India Celebrity 100 star
Anushka Shetty became famous for roles in Baahubali, Arundhati, and Rudhramadevi. She is among the richest South Indian actresses, making most of her wealth through big-budget films. Anushka also works with fitness and lifestyle brands, which adds to her income. She has achieved financial security by investing in real estate. By mixing blockbuster hits with strong performances, Anushka has built both respect and great wealth in her career.
4. Tamannaah Bhatia
Net Worth: ₹120 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Winner of Kalaimamni Award
- SIIMA Award winner
Tamannaah Bhatia has acted in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, proving her versatility. Hits like “Baahubali” and “F2” made her one of the most popular stars. She earns through movies, OTT shows, and many brand endorsements in fashion and beauty. Tamannaah also invests in property and has tied up with fitness and lifestyle businesses. Her smart financial moves, combined with her long list of films, have made her one of the richest South Indian actresses today.
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5. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Net Worth: ₹100 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Four Filmfare Awards South
- Founder of Saaki World
Samantha has starred in hits like “Ye Maaya Chesave” and “Shaakuntalam.” Her role in “The Family Man 2” brought her national fame. She also owns Saaki World, a fashion brand that grew quickly. Along with films, she earns a lot from endorsements in beauty and lifestyle. Samantha has invested in property, making her wealth even more secure. With acting, business, and brand work, she has made sure she stays financially strong beyond her film career.
6. Trisha Krishnan
Net Worth: ₹85 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Multiple Filmfare Awards
- Brand ambassador for top fashion and beauty products
Trisha has stayed relevant for more than two decades with films like “96,” “Saamy,” and “Ponniyin Selvan.” She earns well from movies and brand endorsements. Over the years, she has invested in luxury homes in Chennai and Hyderabad. Her ability to balance commercial movies with critically praised roles has kept her career strong.
Trisha’s smart financial planning and consistent film choices have made her one of the richest south indian actresses in cinema.
7. Kajal Aggarwal
Net Worth: ₹80 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Filmfare Awards South nominee
- Pan-India popularity
Kajal Aggarwal built her career with hits like Magadheera, Thuppakki, and Singham. She is among the highest-paid actresses and also earns through brand deals in fashion and beauty.. She also supports startups and wellness projects. By maintaining a presence in both South cinema and Bollywood, Kajal has kept her wide fan following.
Kajal’s smart combination of films, endorsements, and business ventures has created a stable and growing financial portfolio, making her one of the most financially successful actresses across South Indian cinema.
8. Rashmika Mandanna
Net Worth: ₹66 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Forbes India Celebrity 100 entrant
- Brand Ambassador for Crocs India
Rashmika became a star with films like “Geetha Govindam” and “Pushpa.” She has also acted in Bollywood films like “Goodbye” and “Mission Majnu.” A strong candidate for this list of the richest South Indian Actresses, she is one of the youngest top earners, charging premium rates for films and endorsements. She works with brands in fashion, beauty, and tech. With her growing pan-India fame and financial planning, she is one of the fastest-rising actresses in the country.
9. Raashi Khanna
Net Worth: ₹58.5 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Brand Ambassador for wellness and lifestyle products
- Recognized for OTT projects
Raashi Khanna has acted in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, with projects like “Tholi Prema” and “World Famous Lover.” She became even more popular through the OTT series “Farzi.” Raashi earns through her film work, endorsements, and brand deals in fashion.
By choosing projects strategically and investing smartly, she is steadily growing her wealth. Raashi combines on-screen popularity with business intelligence, ensuring a stable financial future while continuing to rise in the entertainment industry.
10. Pooja Hegde
Net Worth: ₹55 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Brand Ambassador of pTron
- Works in both Bollywood and Telugu films
Pooja Hegde has starred in hits like “Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo” and Bollywood films like “Housefull 4.” She is one of the top actresses who works in both the North and South industries. She earns high fees for films and is a popular face for fashion and beauty endorsements. Her pan-India appeal helps her maintain a steady income and strong market value.
11. Sai Pallavi
Net Worth: ₹50 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Winner of multiple awards
- Qualified doctor
Sai Pallavi is famous for her natural acting in “Premam” and “Fidaa.” She carefully chooses brand endorsements that match her values. While she charges less for films, her smart selection of projects and business ventures ensures steady income. Sai Pallavi’s mix of simplicity, talent, and financial planning has made her both a respected actress and a financially secure one.
12. Shruti Haasan
Net Worth: ₹45 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Filmfare Awards nominee
- Brand Ambassador for Solethreads, Poomer Fashion, etc
Next up in the richest South Indian actresses list is Shruti Haasan. She is multi-talented, starring in films like Gabbar Singh and performing music in concerts. She earns from acting, music, and brand endorsements. Her diversified income streams help her stay financially secure while pursuing multiple creative paths. Shruti’s ability to balance films, music, and business makes her a versatile celebrity in the entertainment industry.
13. Keerthy Suresh
Net Worth: ₹41 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- National Award for Mahanati
- SIIMA Award Nominee
Keerthy Suresh became a major star with her award-winning role in “Mahanati.” She also appeared in successful films like “Sarkar” and “Dasara.” Keerthy earns through films and brand endorsements. She is known for balancing commercial movies with content-driven roles, which keeps her in demand. Her steady career growth and smart financial planning have made her one of the rising financial powerhouses in South cinema today.
14. Rakul Preet Singh
Net Worth: ₹40 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Owns F45 gym franchises
- Brand Ambassador for Lux & Drools Pet Foods
Rakul Preet Singh is known for films like “Dhruva” and “De De Pyaar De.” She also runs F45 gyms, endorses brands, and invests in property. Her diverse income streams show smart business planning alongside her acting career. Rakul’s approach ensures steady growth in wealth while establishing her as one of the most financially aware actresses in India.
15. Mrunal Thakur
Net Worth: ₹33 crore
Achievements, Awards & Ventures:
- Rising pan-India recognition
- Brand Endorsements
Mrunal Thakur has quickly risen to fame with films like “Super 30,” “Jersey,” and “Sita Ramam.” She earns from Bollywood and Telugu films as well as endorsements in beauty and fashion. Though still newer compared to others, she has started investing in lifestyle businesses to grow her wealth. With her pan-India appeal and smart career choices, Mrunal is building her financial profile quickly and looks set to join the top league of South Indian actresses.
Conclusion:
The richest South Indian actresses have redefined success in the entertainment world by excelling both on and off the screen. Their achievements go beyond cinema, as many have expanded into brand endorsements, business ventures, and philanthropic activities. They stand as role models for aspiring actors and young women everywhere, proving that with dedication, talent, and financial wisdom, it is possible to create lasting legacies in both film and life.
FAQ
1. How do South Indian actresses earn apart from films?
A. Besides acting, they earn through endorsements, brand collaborations, event appearances, and investments in business ventures such as beauty brands, restaurants, or production houses.
2. Do South Indian actresses charge more than Bollywood actresses?
A. Some South Indian actresses, like Nayanthara and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, charge fees that rival top Bollywood stars, especially for big-budget projects.
3. Which South Indian actress has expanded into Bollywood?
A. Actresses like Rashmika Mandanna and Samantha have entered Bollywood with films and OTT projects, boosting their earnings and national recognition.
