Miss moneybags of modern-day show business

There is no business-like showbiz. However, new-age Bollywood actresses have used their savvy entrepreneurial acumen to pour their talent and hard-earned money into various business ventures that are booming. Former Miss World turned actress Manushi Chhillar recently launched a sustainable swimwear brand called Dweep (meaning island) that prides itself on using eco-friendly fabrics like Tencel linen, recycled polyester, Ahimsa silk, Italian Carvico Vita, and the like. While Chhillar is perhaps the most recent name in Bollywood to jump onto the entrepreneurial bandwagon, she’s clearly not among the first few to foray into the world of business. Here are some of India’s top stars who’ve managed to strike gold even as entrepreneurs.

Money Matters

Actors who have invested undisclosed amounts into business ventures (Info source: Inc 42)

• Deepika Padukone—Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Series B Funding Round

• Dia Mirza Rekhi—BabyChakra

• Kajal Agarwal—The Ayurveda Co.

• Kareena Kapoor Khan—Pluckk, a D2C fruits and vegetables brand

• Malaika Arora—Get-A-Whey, a dessert start-up

• Mzsaba Gupta—Purple Style Labs

• Nayanthara— The Divine Foods, A D2C superfoods brand

• Parineeti Chopra—Clensta, a personal care start-up

• Shilpa Shetty Kundra—WickedGud, KisanKonnect, two homegrown brands

Alia Bhatt—Ed-a-Mamma

While she’s ruling the charts with a series of blockbusters, there’s no refuting that Alia Bhatt’s doing equally well with her maiden venture Ed-a-mamma, a sustainable maternity and children’s clothing label. It was launched in 2020 and even after four years, Bhat looks personally into the nitty-gritty of her maiden empire. The Gangubai Kathiawadi actress has also invested in multiple ventures including another mother care and baby brand named Super-Bottoms. Industry insiders and investment gurus say Bhatt is known to have a knack for turning everything she touches into gold.

Bebo might be aging like fine wine, but she’s also placing her money at places where it will grow multi-fold. The Crew actress recently entered into a joint venture, taking on the role of a co-founder at Quench Botanics, a Korean skincare brand, besides investing an undisclosed amount into Pluckk, a D2C fruits and veggies brand.

Deepika Padukone — 82oE and All About You

The gorgeous mama-to-be is an astute entrepreneur who is clearly laughing her way to the bank. Thanks to the success of her ventures like 82oE, a skincare brand launched in 2022, and All About You, a womenswear clothing label in 2015. Besides being one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood, her entrepreneurial pursuits are known to contribute to Padukone’s lofty net worth, which is estimated to be around Rs 500 crore.

Anushka Sharma — Nush

In 2017, Sharma made it official to the world that she was turning entrepreneur with an athleisure cum casual western clothing label for women named Nush. While the brand has attracted controversies in the past, the brand currently stands as a profitable venture as of 2024.

Sonam Kapoor Ahuja — Rheson

The Bollywood fashionista decided to join forces with her sister Rhea in 2017, and birthed Rheson — an edgy clothing brand. Known for its eclectic range of casual western wear, the Kapoor sisters have successfully managed to create waves with their fashion brand. She also co-owns lifestyle brands like VegNonVeg and Bhane with her husband Anand Ahuja.

Katrina Kaif — Kay Beauty

In 2019, Kat made headlines when she announced her big move — Kay Beauty by Katrina, a makeup line that grew into one of the most sought-after homegrown beauty brands in India today. Jointly developed by Nykaa, the brand claims to only use cruelty-free and skin-friendly ingredients and is reportedly valued at Rs 100 crore.

“Being a public figure doesn’t always help in business, though it helps in opening some doors. Beyond that, it is purely business and how good your product is.” — Dino Morea, actor and entrepreneur

Celebrity Talk

Sharing his journey of entrepreneurship, model-turned-actor cum entrepreneur Dino Morea says that he has always been ambitious. Dino says, “I’ve always wanted to get involved with brands. I had an interest in establishing successful businesses. Being a public figure doesn’t always help in running a business, though it helps in opening some doors. But beyond that, it is purely business and how good your product is. If what you’re offering is of real value, people will take note—celebrity status notwithstanding.” So the adage of “there is no biz like showbiz” could be a bit overrated as many celebrities continue to invest in business ventures ranging from healthy meals to beauty products and make a fortune!