Noted business magazine Forbes has issued the list of 100 highest-paid celebrities in the world. Topping the list is American musician Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs who has earnings of $130 million (approximately Rs864 crore at the current exchange rate). Combs is followed by another musician, Beyonce Knowles, who has earnings of $105 million (Rs698 crore). Taking the third spot is British author JK Rowling with earnings of $95 million (Rs632 crore).
From India, only three celebrities made it to the top 100 list. Shah Rukh Khan took the 65th spot with earnings of $38 million (approximate Rs252 crore at current exchange rate). Shah Rukh is tied at the 65th spot with American singer/actor Jennifer Lopez. Apart from brand endorsements, and cricket investments (Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League) Shah Rukh's Fan released in 2016, while Raees released in January this year.
“King Khan continues to bank big from starring roles in Bollywood movies. He also cashes in on endorsement deals for dozens of brands most Americans have likely never heard of,” Forbes said in its release.
Salman Khan took the 71st spot with earnings of $37 million (approximate Rs246 crore). Salman is tied with Brazilian footballer Neymar. Salman had one release in 2016 with Yash Raj Films’ blockbuster Sultan. Salman also hosted another season of the TV reality show Bigg Boss in 2016.
Akshay Kumar shared the 80th spot with American musician Bon Jovi, withearnings of $35.5 million (approximate Rs235 crore). Akshay had doled out a hat-trick of hits in 2016 (Airlift, Rustom and Housefull 3). He also produced a fourth successive in Jolly LLB 2 this year.
The richest actors in this period was Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg who had earnings of $68 million (approximate Rs452 crore).
Dwayne Johnson, who was the highest paid actor last year with earnings of $64.5 million, came second to Wahlberg with earnings of $65 million (Rs 432 crore). Johnson, popularly known as The Rock, took the 22nd spot in the top 100 highest paid celebrity list.
Johnson was followed by action hero Vin Diesel who took the 31st spot with earnings of $54.5 million (Rs362 crore).
While the second and third sport are taken by women, there only 16 women in Forbes’ 100 highest paid celebrity list. Italian TV and film actress Sofia Vergara was the highest paid actress with earnings of $41.1 million. Forbes listed her as a TV actress.