Salman Khan

Salman Khan, one of Bollywood's highest-paid actors, earned his first significant income through a combination of acting and endorsements early in his career.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Salman Khan made his acting debut in 1988 with the film Biwi Ho To Aisi, but it was his role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) that catapulted him to fame. This film was a massive success and established him as a leading actor in the industry, significantly boosting his earning potential. By the early 1990s, he was already earning substantial sums from his film roles.

Earnings from Acting

Initially, Salman earned between ₹5 to ₹10 crore per film as he rose to stardom. His earnings increased dramatically over the years; he now commands around ₹150 crore per film, making him one of the top earners in Bollywood. His ability to negotiate profit-sharing deals—where he takes a percentage of the box office earnings—further contributed to his financial success.

Endorsements and Commercials

Before fully establishing himself as a leading actor, Salman Khan also engaged in various commercials and endorsements. He reportedly earns approximately ₹6 crore to ₹7 crore for each endorsement deal, working with major brands such as Suzuki Motorcycles and Mountain Dew. His early involvement in advertising helped him accumulate wealth even before his major film successes.

Summary

In summary, Salman Khan's first million was earned through a combination of breakthrough film roles and lucrative endorsement deals during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His strategic choices in both acting and brand partnerships laid the foundation for his later financial success, which has expanded into multiple income streams including production, real estate, and television hosting.