Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan only Indians in Forbes List of World's Highest-Paid Entertainers

Business magazine Forbes has released a List of the World's Highest-Paid Entertainers. The time period in consideration was from 1 June 2017 to 1 June 2018. Only two celebrities from India - Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan - made it to the list that covers 98 celebrities from all around the world.

On the 76th position, Akshay Kumar earned $40.5 million (approximately Rs276.9 crore at current exchange rate) in the period. Akshay featured in two films Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017) and Pad Man (2018). The former earned over Rs130 crore nett at the domestic box office. As per trade source, the actor had bagged around Rs70 crore (which includes his fees and share from profit) from the film. Pad Man wasn’t a commercial success as the film made around Rs78 crore nett in domestic business.

As per trade sources, on an average Akshay charges anywhere between Rs45 to Rs56 crore for a film. While he had two releases during this period, the actor also shot for films likes Reema Kagti's Gold (2018) and Dharma Productions’ Kesari. He also signed Housefull 4, that went on floors in the first week of June 2018, and the third instalment of the Hera Pheri franchise.

Apart from acting in films, Akshay endorses a host of brands ranging from auto-mobile, clothing, footwear, food and beverage.  

Meanwhile, Salman Khan took the 82nd spot earning of $37.7 million (approximately Rs257.7 crore). Khan had three releases in the period with Tubelight (2017), Tiger Zinda Hai and Race 3 (2018). Tubelight was not a commercial success, but Tiger Zinda Hai bagged over Rs330 crore nett in domestic business.

Despite the negative reviews, Race 3 earned over Rs160 crore nett at the Indian box office. Khan was also distributor of Race 3. From June 2017 to June 2018, Khan signed a satellite deal with Zee Network in which the actor is said to have pocketed close to Rs100 crore for each film. He had earlier signed a digital deal with Amazon Prime Video, which is reported to be for around Rs900 crore. Khan also returned to host the reality TV show Bigg Boss last year.

The Forbes list is topped by American boxer Floyd Mayweather who made $285 million (approximately Rs1,948.8 crore) during the period.

Mayweather is followed by actor George Clooney who earned $239 million (approximately Rs1,634 crore). At number three is TV personality, entrepreneur, socialite Kenny Jenner with an earning of $166.5 million (approximately Rs1,138.5 crore). Jenner was at the 59th posiiton in the corresponding list previous year.

American lawyer, TV personality and author Judy Sheindlin who earned $147 million (approximately Rs1,005 crore) is at number four. Sheindlin was at the 43rd rank in the previous year.

Hollywood star Dwanye Johnson took the fifth place as he bagged $124 million (approximately Rs847.9 crore) from June 2017-June 2018.