Many Indian celebrities have ventured beyond entertainment, building businesses that thrive in diverse industries. While their acting, singing, or sporting careers made them famous, these stars have also demonstrated entrepreneurial acumen, launching and investing in businesses that operate successfully behind the scenes.
Unlike celebrity endorsements, where stars lend their names to brands, these individuals have taken ownership, personally steering their ventures toward success. Their stories are inspirational for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that passion, strategy, and smart investments can create long-lasting businesses.
Here are 10 Indian celebrities who have built highly successful businesses, showcasing their entrepreneurial mindset.
1. Shah Rukh Khan – The King of Bollywood and Business
Business Ventures
- Red Chillies Entertainment – A major film production and VFX company
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – A successful IPL franchise
How He Built His Business Empire
Shah Rukh Khan co-founded Red Chillies Entertainment in 2002, transitioning from acting to producing blockbuster films. The company is one of India’s leading production houses, with massive hits like Chennai Express, Raees, and Pathaan. It has also dominated the visual effects industry, working on major Bollywood films.
KKR, which he co-owns, has expanded beyond the IPL, launching teams in the Caribbean Premier League and UAE’s International League T20. Today, it is one of the most valuable sports franchises in India, proving that SRK’s business acumen extends far beyond the film industry.
Inspiration
Shah Rukh Khan’s approach to business mirrors his work ethic in films—passion, persistence, and smart investment in emerging markets.
2. Akshay Kumar – The Producer Who Controls His Own Films
Business Ventures
- Hari Om Entertainment – A film production company
- Grazing Goat Pictures – A company producing regional and indie films
How He Built His Business Empire
Unlike many actors who depend on production houses, Akshay Kumar took control of his career by launching Hari Om Entertainment in 2008. Through this company, he produces and co-produces his own films, ensuring creative control, financial stability, and long-term success.
He further expanded with Grazing Goat Pictures, a company dedicated to regional films and indie cinema, proving that content-driven storytelling can be profitable.
Inspiration
Akshay Kumar’s business model is about self-reliance and diversification, showing that ownership leads to creative and financial freedom.
3. Deepika Padukone – From Acting to Strategic Investments
Business Ventures
- KA Enterprises – An investment firm
- All About You – A successful clothing line
How She Built Her Business Empire
Deepika Padukone launched KA Enterprises to invest in high-potential startups like Furlenco (furniture rental), Epigamia (Greek yogurt), and Purplle (beauty marketplace). These investments have significantly grown, making her an active investor rather than a passive brand ambassador.
Her fashion label, All About You, caters to modern Indian women, successfully selling through major e-commerce platforms like Myntra.
Inspiration
Deepika’s story teaches the power of strategic investments—not just starting businesses but backing the right ideas and entrepreneurs.
4. Amitabh Bachchan – Smart Investments and Equity Deals
Business Ventures
- Ziddu.com – A technology startup investment
- Equity investments in JustDial and Stampede Capital
How He Built His Business Empire
Amitabh Bachchan has invested in emerging technologies and startups, recognizing the importance of digital transformation. His early investment in JustDial proved lucrative when the company went public.
His stake in Ziddu.com, a blockchain-based cloud storage provider, showcased his willingness to invest in future technologies.
Inspiration
Amitabh Bachchan’s success proves that timing and foresight in investment can be game-changers.
5. Alia Bhatt – Entrepreneur in Fashion and Beauty
Business Ventures
- Ed-a-Mamma – A sustainable fashion brand
- Investor in Nykaa and Phool.co
How She Built Her Business Empire
Alia Bhatt founded Ed-a-Mamma, a sustainable kids’ fashion brand that quickly gained popularity. She later expanded into maternity wear, showing her ability to identify market gaps.
Her investment in Nykaa before its IPO was a smart financial move, and her stake in Phool.co, a startup that recycles temple flowers into luxury incense, aligns with sustainable business models.
Inspiration
Alia Bhatt proves that young entrepreneurs can make sustainability profitable.
6. Anushka Sharma – Disrupting Traditional Film Production
Business Ventures
- Clean Slate Filmz – A content-first production company
How She Built Her Business Empire
Anushka Sharma launched Clean Slate Filmz with her brother, focusing on content that challenges mainstream Bollywood norms. The company has produced hits like Paatal Lok and Bulbbul, which gained international acclaim.
Inspiration
Anushka’s journey shows that new voices and fresh storytelling can thrive without big studio backing.
7. Hrithik Roshan – India’s Fitness and Lifestyle Icon
Business Ventures
- HRX – A fitness and sportswear brand
How He Built His Business Empire
HRX, launched in 2013, is India’s first homegrown fitness brand, competing with international giants like Nike and Adidas. The brand sells apparel, accessories, and fitness-related services, making Hrithik Roshan an influential entrepreneur in the wellness sector.
Inspiration
Hrithik’s business model shows how building a brand around personal passion leads to lasting success.
8. Katrina Kaif – Beauty Entrepreneur with Kay Beauty
Business Ventures
- Kay Beauty – A beauty brand in partnership with Nykaa
How She Built Her Business Empire
Instead of launching a typical celebrity brand, Katrina Kaif created Kay Beauty with inclusivity and affordability in mind. The brand focuses on high-quality makeup products for Indian skin tones.
Inspiration
Katrina Kaif’s approach highlights the importance of partnering with the right platform to scale a business successfully.
9. Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Global Business Expansion
Business Ventures
- Anomaly – A sustainable haircare brand
- Sona – A high-end Indian restaurant in New York
How She Built Her Business Empire
Anomaly’s plastic-free, sustainable haircare products made a mark in the US and Indian markets. Sona, her restaurant, has positioned Indian cuisine as fine dining, proving that Indian entrepreneurs can succeed globally.
Inspiration
Priyanka Chopra shows that global markets are open to Indian entrepreneurs who think beyond traditional businesses.
10. Suniel Shetty – Fitness, Hospitality, and Tech Investments
Business Ventures
- Smaaash Entertainment – Gaming and sports entertainment
- Multiple fitness-related businesses
How He Built His Business Empire
Suniel Shetty’s investments in interactive entertainment have made Smaaash a leader in virtual gaming. His focus on fitness startups aligns with his personal brand.
Inspiration
His journey proves that diversification and investing in emerging industries can lead to sustained success.
Final Thoughts – More Than Just Celebrities
These celebrities have transitioned into entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders, proving that success isn’t limited to one field. Whether it’s film, fashion, sports, or tech, their strategic thinking and willingness to take risks have helped them build strong business legacies.
Their success stories serve as powerful inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, proving that creativity, innovation, and smart financial decisions can lead to lasting success.
