Film stars turn entrepreneurs with bets beyond the big screen

MUMBAI: Film’s biggest stars are increasingly finding that the business of showbiz does not have to stop when the cameras do. From cricket pitches and beauty counters to fashion labels, technology start-ups and food brands, a growing group of actors are putting their star power to work in boardrooms as well as film studios.

Shah Rukh Khan has built one of the most diversified portfolios among Bollywood stars. His business interests stretch from production to sport, with Red Chillies Entertainment and its VFX division forming a key part of his entertainment empire. He is also associated with the global Knight Riders cricket franchises and D’YAVOL, the lifestyle venture with his son Aryan Khan that spans single malt whisky and luxury streetwear. His portfolio also includes an investment in educational entertainment venture KidZania.

Abhishek Bachchan has taken a sporting route, with interests including the Jaipur Pink Panthers, Chennaiyin FC and the European T20 Premier League. His investment portfolio also includes Swiggy, VAHDAM Teas and Naagin Sauce, alongside ventures in technology and retail. His business approach has also been linked to supporting the Make in India initiative.

For John Abraham, the move from the screen to the starting line has been particularly pronounced. Through JA Entertainment, he has expanded his interests into production and sport, including ownership of NorthEast United FC and motorsport franchise Goa Aces JA Racing. He has also invested in consumer brands and start-ups including Subko Coffee, NOTO Ice Cream and Epigamia.

Ranbir Kapoor has similarly built a portfolio outside films despite coming from one of Bollywood’s most prominent film families. His ventures include fashion label ARKS and co-ownership of Mumbai City FC, while his start-up investments span Prozo, DroneAcharya, Beco and Svami.

Beauty has proved to be another lucrative playground for Bollywood’s entrepreneurial stars. Katrina Kaif co-founded Kay Beauty with Nykaa, turning her celebrity-led beauty play into an established consumer brand. The company has also expanded internationally with a UK launch through Space NK.

Deepika Padukone has built her business interests across beauty, entertainment and early-stage investments. Her portfolio includes skincare brand 82°E and production venture KA Productions, along with investments in Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, wellness brand Nua and deep-tech space company Bellatrix Aerospace.

Alia Bhatt has also turned her interest in sustainability and children’s products into a sizeable business bet. Her children’s brand Ed-a-Mamma attracted a major strategic investment from Reliance, which acquired a 51 per cent stake. Her wider portfolio includes Eternal Sunshine Productions and investments in fashion and sustainability-focused start-ups.

The shift reflects a broader change in the celebrity economy. Actors are no longer relying solely on film fees or endorsements to monetise their popularity. Instead, their businesses are moving into categories where personal identity, consumer trust and fan communities can translate into ownership and long-term value.

From sports franchises and production houses to beauty, fashion, food, technology and sustainability, Bollywood’s business playbook is becoming as varied as its filmography. For these stars, the next big role may not always be on a film set, it could be behind the next big brand.