The moneymakers

They own the silver-screen and get the cash registers ringing. We crunch the numbers to list the top seven moneymakers in Bollywood

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Aamir Khan: Perfectionist, marketing genius, brilliant actor, successful director and smart producer, all put in one. He made a successful film debut as an actor in the late eighties and had his share of hits and flops. But with Ghajini (2008), all bets were off—Aamir set the benchmark of Rs100-crore business for a film in the first week with the South remake. His next release, 3 Idiots surpassed the collections of Ghajini and with Dhoom 3, the superstar has started the Rs400 crore club making it the biggest grosser of all-time in Bollywood. While the actor chooses to do only one film in a year, he is shrewd enough to pick the right subjects and spin a success. Expectations are high from his forthcoming film, PK in which he teams with 3 Idiots director, Rajkumar Hirani. That the film will fetch over Rs100 crore is a given, the real question is will it break the record of his earlier film. As Aamir had said in an interview, ''The first step of selecting any film is emotional and truly instinctive. The second step has to be practical.'' Doesn't that say it all?

Salman Khan: Considered the Rajinikant of Hindi cinema, any film that Salman does pretty much turns into gold or in filmi parlance collects Rs 100 crores! This trend started with Wanted and since then all his films including Ready, Bodyguard, Dabangg I and II, and Ek Tha Tiger have touched the magic figure. Even Jai Ho that people felt had fallen short of expectations made Rs 110 crore becoming the first film to reach the elite club in 2014. He is the only Bolly hero to have back-to-back Rs 100 crore films, so much so that Salman and Rs 100 crore are synonymous. His next, an action thriller Kick is a Eid release and it's a known fact that Dabangg Khan and Eid release is a winning combo. And, with the trailers already becoming a talking point, there is little doubt about it becoming a money-spinner!

Shah Rukh Khan: To the Badshah of Bollywood goes the credit of ushering in the legacy of Rs 200 crore club. His Chennai Express made the fastest Rs 100-crore business and eventually Rs 200 crores. Earlier his films Ra.One and Jab Tak Hai Jaan have garnered over Rs 100 crore. Apart from being a part of the biggest all-time hits like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, which ran in a theatre for more than 18 years, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Om Shanti Om to name a few, SRK ventured into his favourite sport cricket by owning an IPL (Indian Premiere League) team, Kolkata Knight Riders that has won the trophy two times since the league started. The production house Red Chillies Entertainment he set up has been behind hits like Om Shanti Om. Apart from a few setbacks, like the TV division, which has shut down, SRK has made money with his different initiatives. Recently, he was declared the second richest actor in the world by a Wealth-X list, beating even Hollywood celebs Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise!

Ajay Devgn: Known for his macho appeal, brooding intensity and great comic timing, Ajay has four films Son of Sardaar, Singham, Bol Bachchan and Golmaal 3 in the Rs 100 crore bracket. That apart, Ajay has several hits to his credit and has maintained a balance between commercial masala films and the ones off the beaten track like Raincoat. A shrewd businessman, Ajay turned distributor with Devgan Software Private Limited. He is the first Bolly star to acquire a private jet for transport to shooting locations, promotions and personal trips. He is also the first Indian to own a Maserati Quattroporte and is said to have a fleet of high-end four wheelers. For his wife Kajol's birthday he gifted an Audi Q7 recently. His next release is Singham 2 and looking at his track record with Rohit Shetty this should be another blockbuster!

Amitabh Bachchan: The Shahenshah of Hindi cinema, Amitabh Bachchan has been giving hits long before the whole Rs 100 crore club started. Back then the film's success was measured by the number of weeks it ran in theatres and several of Bachchan's films have been golden and platinum jubilees. He has been quoted saying, "If you do a relative comparison with the films that celebrated 'jubilee weeks' in earlier days and compare their business to the rupee equivalent today, you'll find that those films earned around `300-350 crore." With Kaun Banega Crorepati, Bachchan revolutionised TV viewing. KBC was the first-of-its-kind show to offer a prize money of one crore and he also pocketed almost that amount to host the show. Now, he is set to change the game again with his acting foray on the small-screen. At 71, the baap of all superstars is not only going strong but also reinventing, himself. Hats off to the living legend!

Akshay Kumar: Action, comedy, romance - name it and Akshay Kumar has done it, with elan. Primarily known for his action films thanks to the runaway success of Khiladi that spawned a franchise with at least three more films in the series, Akshay presented a softer, romantic side in Yeh Dillagi and Dhadkan consolidated it. After going through a rough patch in the late '90s the Khiladi was back with a bang in the comedy Hera Pheri. A spate of comedy films followed, all with varying degree of success. Akshay can also be called sequel king as most his films have had sequels, Hera Pheri, Khiladi and Housefull! With Special 26, that also saw him turning a singer, Akshay won a lot of critical acclaim. Though the Khiladi's films have been money-spinners, for some strange reason only two films have made it to the 100 crore mark, Housefull 2 and Rowdy Rathore. His recent release Holiday is expected to touch the magic figure. He turned producer with Oh My God!, that made over Rs 70 crore. Not just commercial potboilers, Akshay is producing films off the beaten track too. An actor who has been big on promoting sports and fitness martial arts expert, Akshay hosted three seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi and has recently bought a kabbadi team in the World Kabbadi League.

Hrithik Roshan: He had a dream launch no doubt, but Hrithik known for his Greek-God looks has proved to be an actor of great substance. From the romantic hero in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai, the royal king in Jodha Akbar the quadriplegic magician in Guzaarish, the angry young man of Agneepath, to superhero Krrish, Hrithik continues to spin his magic at the BO. Agneepath and Krrish 3 were the highest grossing all-time films of Bollywood. He and his father Rakesh Roshan have been a winning combination. The only time they went wrong was in Kites, which Roshan senior produced. The actor who believes in doing only one movie at a time is now teaming up with his Jodha Akbar director Ashutosh Gowariker for Mohenja-Daro. Given their track record they are likely to recreate or perhaps surpass the success of Jodha Akbar.

Rakhi Sawant joins RPI, challenges Raj Thackeray

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Rakhi Sawant on Saturday joined the Republican Party of India (RPI) as the national executive president of its women’s wing.

RPI chief Ramdas Athawale said she was a known face and a household name across the country

“I am not scared of anyone… If required, I am ready to contest the forthcoming Maharashtra assembly elections against (Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief) Raj Thackeray,” Sawant said soon after joining the RPI.

Raj Thackeray had recently announced his plans to contest the ensuing state assembly elections and is even prepared to become his party’s chief ministerial nominee.

Sawant’s statement would help strengthen the RPI’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, whose chief Uddhav Thackeray is also being pushed by his party to become chief ministerial candidate.

Welcoming Sawant into the party, RPI chief Ramdas Athawale said she was a known face and a household name across the country. “Besides being a popular actress, she is also a dedicated social worker. In fact, we have some artistes in the RPI, who are engaged in social work.”

Explaining the high-level position given to Sawant despite her political inexperience, RPI spokesperson Mayur Borkar said she was a known crowd-puller, a trait which would come in handy to the National Democratic Alliance in the northern states during elections.

Just before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Sawant – who starred in the Bigg Boss One in 2006 – wholeheartedly supported the BJP and Narendra Modi.

However, when the BJP overlooked her for a ticket, Sawant floated her own political party – Rashtriya Aam Party – and contested the polls from the Mumbai North-West constituency, securing just 1,995 votes.

Sunny Leone turns showstopper for Rohit Verma

The ex-adult filmstar walked the ramp for bridal wear

At a starry event Rohit Verma launched his latest bridal wear collection. Sunny Leone walked the ramp as the showstopper for her favourite fashion designer and along with her hubby Daniel Webber. Sunny wore an ornate gown for the show. Rohit gave her look an Indian taste with a tinge of Victorian feel. Sunny looked ravishing in the bridal wear.

Also present at the event were Jesse Randhawa, Sandeep Soparkar, Rashmi Desai and Rohit’sBigg Boss housemate Kamya Punjabi

Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar to share screen space?

Yogen Shah

If the latest grapevine is true then the Aitraaz co-stars will soon join hands for a project. Read on to know full scoop…

Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar haven’t teamed up for a long time and we all know why. Though this jodi sizzled on the big screen, the duo stopped working together after rumours about them being romantically involved in real life started doing the rounds. This was back in 2005 and since then PC and Akki have maintained safe distance personally and professionally. However, we now hear the two actors will be seen in a music video. Apparently, both Priyanka and Akshay have verbally agreed to the video. Is this video for Ms Chopra’s music album, we wonder? Though there has been no official announcement regarding the same so far, we are looking forward to this collaboration. After all, the Exotic babe did share a crackling chemistry with AK, no?

That’s not all! It is being said that Khiladi Kumar wanted Priyanka to play the lead in his next Singh Is Bling. Reports also claim that the duo along with director Prabhu Dheva had a closed door meeting for the same. That’s news! However, the dusky beauty’s spokesperson rubbished all the reports and said to a leading tabloid, “No such film has been offered to Priyanka.”

Preity-Ness, Aishwarya-Salman: Break-ups that made news

Chris Brown-Rihanna and Preity Zinta-Ness Wadia

Break-ups are quite common in tinsel town. While a few have quietly moved on, certain relationships have taken an ugly turn. The latest in this list is Preity Zinta, who has accused her ex-beau Ness Wadia of 'outraging her modesty'. Ness, for his part, has denied her allegations. 

We take a look at some of the celebrities whose break-ups have been widely discussed.

Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia

Considered one of the most good looking couple, Preity's relationship with businessman Ness Wadia was one of the most talked about in Bollywood. The lovey-dovey couple was seen hand-in-hand at most public events. They took their relationship to the next level when they bought an IPL team together. However, their relationship didn't last long and the couple called it quits a few years ago. While they still chose to own the IPL team together, their relationship took an ugly turn when Preity filed a complaint of abuse against her former beau. She accused Ness of grabbing her hand and abusing her during a cricket match. While Ness has issued a statement saying her allegations are "totally false and baseless," an investigation is on to find the truth.

ALSO READ: Celebs who bonded with exes post break up

Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan

While both actors have moved on in their lives, Aishwarya and Salman's relationship was one of the most talked about in Bollywood. They met during the shoot of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and fell in love. Aishwarya broke up with Salman after he reportedly confessed that he was cheating on her. However, Aishwarya issued a press statement in which she said that the actor reportedly 'suspected her of having affairs and even assaulted her' on a few occasions. Aishwarya was later rumoured to be dating Vivek Oberoi and things turned ugly when Vivek called for a press meet and alleged that Salman had threatened him.



Ranvir Shorey and Pooja Bhatt

Pooja Bhatt has had a rather controversial life and her relationship with Ranvir Shorey made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The duo got close during the shoot of Jism in 2004. It was rumoured that the couple used to spend a lot of time together while filming the movie and even started living together. However, reports of their fallout emerged when allegations of excessive drinking and violence were made. The scene turned ugly when Ranvir accused Pooja's brother Rahul of assaulting him. While Pooja issued a statement that he (Rahul) tried to protect her, Ranvir had a different version altogether.

Rita Ora and Rob Kardashian

Rita Ora and Rob Kardashian's relationship turned nasty when the latter tweeted about her unfaithful ways. He tweeted, "She cheated on me with nearly 20 dudes while we were together. But I mean 20?" This was followed by a series of nasty tweets about the British singer-songwriter and actress by Rob before he decided to delete them. But much before that, his tweets went viral, grabbing eyeballs and making their relationship popular on social media.

Chris Brown and Rihanna

They sure are in a love-hate relationship, most of the time. But Rihanna's complaint against former beau Chris Brown for alleged domestic violence shocked fans as it came at a time when both were thought to be head over heels in love. The assault happened when Rihanna found messages of 'another woman' in Brown's phone. It was reported that an angry Brown had banged Rihanna's head against the window and threatened to kill her. Later, the couple was seen together again and their on and off relationship continues to make headlines.

Ritesh Deshmukh wants to quit acting and start directing?

Even after being praise for his role in Humshakals, the actor’s latest release has been panned by the critics and fans alike. Is that why he is contemplating moving to direction? Find out…

Actor-producer Ritesh Deshmukh says that he would love to direct a film in the future. ”Film making is a great process…acting is great and I am enjoying myself in production (too). As a producer you own the entire film, while director is the creator. I feel I should direct a film but not right now I am not ready but in future I will direct a film,” Ritesh told.

As a producer, he has received his first National Award for his second Marathi production ventureYellow at the 61st National Film Awards ceremony, May 3. The actor, son of late political leader Vilasrao Deshmukh, also feels that as a citizen one must know about their country but not sure whether he will join the politics in near future or not. ”Whether I want to join it or not is a different thing but as a citizen you must know about your country. Being aware is important and having an opinion is very important,” said Ritesh who made his Bollywood acting debut with Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003.

The film also helped him find his soul mate in his co-star Genelia D’Souza, with whom he tied the knot in 2012.

3 reasons why Sajid Khan should stop making comedy films!

Farah Khan’s brother may have tasted success with Housefulland Housefull 2 but his latest comic caper hasn’t managed to impress the critics at all. Is it time for Sajid Khan to give up on comedy genre? Absolutely yes…

We all know slapstick comedy is Sajid Khan’s forte. After Heyy Babyy did well at the box office, Khan struck gold with the Housefull franchise. But then the filmmaker ventured into a different territory and gave us Himmatwala which turned out to be dud. And now Khan has made his comeback with Humshakals which is out-an-out a comedy. But sadly the film is nowhere close to being a rib tickler. In fact, many have thrashed the movie left right and center on the social networking site Twitter. Well, we aren’t surprised coz Humshakals is indeed like an endurance test which I am sure very few can pass. So has Sajid Khan lost his comic charm? His latest offering seems to be nothing less than a torture so the answer would be – Hell yeah! But apart from that, we list down three reasons why Mr Sajid Khan should bid adieu to his favourite genre ASAP.

Firstly, we don’t understand how Humshakals can be a tribute to comic legends like Kishore Kumar and Jim Carrey… even in the humblest way. Coz vulgarism was never a part of any Kishore Da films and Humshakals thrives on it. And if Khan thinks his latest venture is like Jim Carrey’s Dumband Dumber then wethinks he is totally wrong. You can’t make a Hindi version of a Hollywood film which released 25 years ago that too in typical Bollywood style.

Also, a comic film is supposed to make people laugh and not offend. But Jacqueline Fernandez’s ex-boyfriend doesn’t get the point it seems. Watch Humshakals and you’ll agree with us.

Lastly, “The biggest achievement of #Humshakals is that it has made even Himmatwala look like a blockbuster.” There you go..that’s the most important reason why Sajid Khan should stop making comedy movies. FYI – The above comment was posted by someone on Twitter.