Both Virat Kohli and Shah Rukh Khan are among India’s most successful and well-known public figures. But their income sources differ a lot: Virat is a cricketer + brand-ambassador + investor; SRK is an actor + producer + big brand / business mogul. Comparing them means taking into account earnings from salary, brand deals, businesses, real estate, etc.
Here’s what current reports suggest (2025):
Virat Kohli ~ ₹1,050 crore (~ US$126-127 million) Income from cricket contracts (BCCI, IPL), many high-value brand endorsements, investments in fitness, food/restaurants, stake ownership in some ventures.
Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) ~ US$876.5 million (≈ ₹7,300-7,500 crore) Earnings from decades of blockbuster films, production company (Red Chillies), ownership roles (e.g. IPL team, other businesses), huge endorsement deals, real estate, etc.
Who’s Richer?
Based on these numbers, Shah Rukh Khan is significantly richer than Virat Kohli in terms of total net worth.
Virat’s wealth is very substantial (1000+ crore rupees) — impressive especially for an active sportsperson.
But SRK’s wealth, built over many more years across multiple industries, is much larger.
Why the Big Gap?
Some reasons why SRK’s net worth edges out so far:
1. Longevity & DiversificationSRK has been in Bollywood for nearly 35+ years, not just acting but producing, investing. Over time, revenues compound.
2. Multiple Business StreamsApart from films, SRK’s business ventures (production house, IPL team ownership, endorsements, real estate) add up hugel
3. Scale of Earnings per ProjectSRK commands very high fees per film + profit shares; his films tend to have global appeal & box office reach which multiply earnings.
4. Asset BaseReal estate, overseas properties, stakes in businesses etc., which often appreciate over time.
Virat also has endorsement strength, a loyal fan base, and smart investments — but he’s had fewer decades to accumulate high-value non-film business ventures compared to SRK.
Caveats & What to Keep in Mind
Net worth estimates are just that — estimates. Many private investments, debts, undisclosed assets may not be visible.
Currency fluctuations, valuation of businesses, and market conditions can change things.
Income vs. assets: Richness isn’t just income per year but how much is saved/invested, how many assets, what liabilities, etc.
Also, fame and influence aren’t captured fully in net worth. Someone might be “rich” in other senses.
Final Thoughts
“Virat Kohli is very wealthy — one of India’s richest sports stars — but Shah Rukh Khan remains in another league, wealth-wise. Thanks to a longer career, multiple business ventures, and consistent success, SRK is richer by a sizeable margin.”