The most loved actors in Bollywood are Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn. Each has spent at least three decades as a leading man, built a fan base that spans generations, and still draws crowds to cinemas in 2026.
Popularity in Hindi cinema is not only about hits. These six have survived flops, changing audiences and the rise of streaming, and fans have stayed with them. Here is why each one still matters, with their latest work.
Quick facts: Bollywood’s most loved actors
| Actor | Nickname | Debut | Recent work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Rukh Khan | King Khan | Deewana (1992) | Jawan, Dunki (2023) |
| Salman Khan | Bhaijaan | Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988) | Sikandar (2025) |
| Amitabh Bachchan | Big B | Saat Hindustani (1969) | Kalki 2898 AD (2024) |
| Aamir Khan | Mr Perfectionist | Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) | Sitaare Zameen Par (2025) |
| Akshay Kumar | Khiladi Kumar | Saugandh (1991) | Bhooth Bangla (2026) |
| Ajay Devgn | Singham | Phool Aur Kaante (1991) | Raid 2 (2025) |
The 6 most loved actors in Bollywood
1. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan made his film debut with Deewana in 1992 and won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Through the 1990s he became the face of the Hindi film romance with films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
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His 2023 was one of the biggest years any Indian star has had. Pathaan and Jawan each grossed over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide, and Dunki was a success too. In 2025 he received his first National Film Award, Best Actor for Jawan, more than 30 years into his career.
His next film, King, directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring his daughter Suhana Khan, is slated for 2026.
2. Salman Khan
Salman Khan debuted in a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). His first lead, Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), made him a star overnight. Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994), Dabangg (2010) and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) kept him at the top across three decades.
Fans call him Bhaijaan, and his Eid releases are an event in single screens. Tiger 3 (2023) grossed over Rs 466 crore worldwide, though Sikandar (2025) disappointed critics and at the box office. He has also hosted Bigg Boss since 2010.
3. Amitabh Bachchan
Amitabh Bachchan started with Saat Hindustani in 1969, and Zanjeer (1973) gave him the angry young man image. Deewaar and Sholay, both from 1975, made him the biggest star in the country.
More than five decades later he is still working. He played Ashwatthama in Kalki 2898 AD (2024), his Telugu debut, which grossed over Rs 1,000 crore. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2018, and remains the face of Kaun Banega Crorepati on TV.
4. Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan’s leading debut, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), made him a romantic hero. He later earned the title Mr Perfectionist for the work he puts into every role, as seen in Lagaan, 3 Idiots and Dangal.
After Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) failed at the box office, he came back with Sitaare Zameen Par (2025), playing a basketball coach who trains a team of players with disabilities. It earned about Rs 266 crore and was a hit. He also co-produced Laapataa Ladies, India’s official entry for the 97th Academy Awards.
5. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar’s 1992 hit Khiladi gave him the nickname Khiladi Kumar. He built his early career on action and later became one of the best comic actors in Hindi films with Hera Pheri and Welcome. He won the National Film Award for Best Actor for Rustom.
His recent run has been mixed. Several 2024 films struggled, but Housefull 5 and Jolly LLB 3 did well in 2025. In 2026 the Priyadarshan horror comedy Bhooth Bangla grossed over Rs 230 crore worldwide.
He is also known for his discipline: early mornings, fitness and a busy slate of films every year.
6. Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgn arrived in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante and its famous split on two moving bikes. He has since shown real range, from intense drama to comedy.
He has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor: for Zakhm, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Tanhaji. He received the Padma Shri in 2016. Singham Again (2024) became his highest grossing film, and Raid 2 (2025) was one of the year’s big Hindi hits.
What makes an actor loved, not just successful
All six share a few things. They have stayed in the public eye for decades without losing touch with their core audience. They have taken risks, survived flops and returned with hits. Many are also known for work beyond films, from Salman Khan’s Being Human foundation to Amitabh Bachchan’s long run on TV.
For more on stars, read our celebs section and our latest Bollywood news.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the most loved actor in Bollywood?
Shah Rukh Khan is most often named, followed closely by Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. Each has a huge fan base across age groups.
Has Shah Rukh Khan won a National Award?
Yes. He received his first National Film Award, Best Actor for Jawan, in 2025.
How many National Awards has Ajay Devgn won?
Ajay Devgn has won three National Film Awards for Best Actor, for Zakhm, The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Tanhaji.
What is Aamir Khan’s latest film?
His latest lead role is in Sitaare Zameen Par (2025), which was a box office hit.
Sources: Wikipedia: Shah Rukh Khan, Wikipedia: Ajay Devgn, Wikipedia: Akshay Kumar, Wikipedia: Aamir Khan.
