South Indian actresses are widely recognized for their beauty and acting skills, garnering global fame similar to Bollywood counterparts. Renowned for their stunning looks, these actresses command high fees, rivaling even top Bollywood divas. In the competitive world of Tollywood, these women not only excel in performance but also stand out as some of the highest-paid actresses in South India. Their popularity and talent contribute to their substantial earnings in the film industry.
In the dynamic landscape of Tollywood, actresses continuously vie for top positions, showcasing their prowess not just in acting but also in negotiating lucrative film contracts. This healthy competition among South Indian actresses ensures that the industry witnesses a balance between exceptional performance and substantial remuneration, making it an intriguing realm for both talent and financial success.
List of Highest Paid South Movie Actress
1. Anushka Shetty
Anushka Shetty is the top-paid South Indian actress this year. She began in films in 2005 and has done 30+ Tamil and Telugu movies. She charges Rs 4 crore per film, but after big hits like Rudramadevi and Bahubali-2, she might ask for Rs 5 crores.
Her popular films include Vikramarkuda (2006), Vedam (2010), Rudramadevi (2015), Baahubali: The Beginning (2015), and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Anushka became the highest-paid actress due to her roles in big-budget films. Besides movies, people talk about her personal life; she’s single and enjoying it. Anushka’s beauty and acting skills make her the most popular and highest-paid South Indian actress.
2. Nayanthara
Nayanthara, originally named Diana Mariam Kuria, is the second highest-paid actress in South Indian films, earning Rs 2.5 to 3 crore per film. With nearly two decades in the industry, she has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films.
Making her debut in the 2005 Tamil film “Ayya,” Nayanthara has since won 5 Filmfare Awards for her outstanding acting. She is celebrated as one of the industry’s hottest actresses, often sharing swimsuit photos on social media. Her beauty and allure have contributed to her becoming the second highest-paid actress in the South.
3. Tamannaah Bhatia
Tamannaah holds the title of the hottest and popular actress in both Tollywood and Bollywood. Rising to fame with the blockbuster film Bahubali: The Beginning, she charges Rs 2 to 3 crore per film. Starting with her first Tamil film KD in 2006, Tamannaah transitioned from music videos to the South Indian film industry, becoming one of the most demanded and highest-paid actresses.
Securing the 3rd position in the Top 10 Highest Paid South Indian Actress list, Tamannaah played the role of Avantika in the Baahubali series. Her acting skills contribute to her status among the top earners in South Indian cinema.
4. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Samantha, also known as Samantha Akkineni post her marriage, charges INR 2 to 2.5 crores per film. She has made a mark in the Tamil and Telugu film industry, gaining popularity with hits like Hate-Rick Hist Theri, 24, and A… AA.
With a series of successful films, Samantha has become one of the highest-paid South Indian actresses, owing in part to her stunning appearance that captivates fans. Additionally, she is set to make her Bollywood debut soon.
5. Kajal Aggarwal
Kajal Aggarwal, a beautiful and talented South Indian actress, has featured in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films, earning up to INR 2 Crore per movie. Her breakthrough in the acting arena came with the Bollywood film Kyun Ki! However, her career-defining blockbuster was Magadheera.
Debuting in Telugu cinema with Lakshmi Kalyanam in 2007, Kajal went on to star in various movies, including Vidhayak, Nene Raju Nene Mantri, Adirindi, Janatha Garage, Veevakam, Kavalai Vendam, and Khiladi No 150. Known for her captivating beauty, Kajal holds the 5th position in the list of Highest Paid South Indian Actresses. Currently, she is taking a break from the film industry, enjoying life with her son and husband.
6. Shruti Haasan
Shruti Haasan, known for her beauty, is a singer and actress. At 36, she maintains a youthful appearance and a beautiful curvy body. Single at 37, she earns around INR 1.5 Crore per film.
Acting in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, she is the daughter of superstar Kamal Haasan. Shruti has also received nominations for Filmfare Awards for her songs like “Kannazhaga Kaalazhaga” and “Yendi Yendi.”
7. Rakul Preet Singh
Rakul Preet Singh, known for her hotness and beauty, charges INR 1 Crore per film, working in both Bollywood and South. Her unique beauty heats up Instagram with frequent hot photoshoot uploads, much loved by her fans.
Holder of the People’s Choice Miss India Times title, Rakul is the brand ambassador for Telangana State Government’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program. Her cool and beautiful figure contributes to the increasing demand for her in the industry, with many admiring her slim physique.
8. Shriya Saran
Shriya Saran holds the 8th position among the highest-paid actresses in South Indian Film Industries, earning INR 1 Crore per film. Starting her film journey in 2001 with the Telugu film Ishtam, she later starred in her first English film, “The Other End of the Line.”
Shriya served as the brand ambassador for the Celebrity Cricket League. Notably, her role in the 2007 movie Shivaji, starring Rajnikant, marked the most expensive South Indian film and later became the highest-grossing Tamil movie. This success led to a significant increase in her movie fees. Shriya is also a subject of discussion regarding her personal life and photos.
9. Trisha Krishnan
Trisha Krishnan, an Indian model and South film actress, has featured in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films, earning around ₹1 crore per movie. Renowned for her beauty and captivating voice, she holds a position as one of the highest-paid South Indian actresses.
10. Hansika Motwani
Hansika Motwani, a popular actress in both Kollywood and Tollywood, charges a fee of INR 80 lakhs per film. Known for her early work in the TV serial Shaka Laka Boom Boom and as a child artist in Koi Mil Gaya, she later ventured into Bollywood films with Himesh Reshammiya. Despite facing trolls for looking young at an early age, Hansika quickly rose to become one of the top actresses in the South Indian film industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the South Indian film industry boasts a lineup of highly talented and successful actresses, each making a significant impact in the dynamic world of cinema. From Anushka Shetty’s commanding presence to Nayanthara’s enduring appeal, these actresses not only excel in their craft but also command substantial fees, rivaling their Bollywood counterparts. The mix of beauty, talent, and professionalism has propelled them to the top of the industry, making them some of the highest-paid and most sought-after actresses in South India.
Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.
