The recent release of the taxpayer list for the financial year 2024 has revealed a notable absence: Bollywood's prominent actor Akshay Kumar. Once renowned for his substantial contributions to the tax pool, Kumar is conspicuously missing from this year's roster of top taxpayers. This unexpected development warrants a closer examination of the factors contributing to this shift.
Akshay Kumar's prominence as one of India's leading taxpayers was firmly established in recent years. In 2022, he topped the charts, paying an impressive ₹29.5 crore in income tax. His commitment to fiscal responsibility was further acknowledged when he was honoured with a 'Certificate of Honour' from the Income Tax Department. Kumar himself has voiced his strong belief in the importance of tax compliance, stating in an interview with Aaj Tak, "My father taught me to pay my taxes. I don’t want anyone to come to my house and ask where I’ve hidden my money."
The current absence of Kumar from the taxpayer list is particularly striking given his past standing. This year, however, his tax contributions have been overshadowed by a series of professional setbacks. The decline in his film career, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, has had a direct impact on his financial stature. Apart from notable successes such as 'Sooryavanshi' and 'OMG 2,' the majority of his recent releases have faltered at the box office.
This year alone, three of Kumar's major releases have met with dismal performances. The much-anticipated film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,' with its considerable ₹350 crore budget, failed to attract audiences. Similarly, 'Sarfira' did not achieve the expected impact, and his latest venture, 'Khel Khel Mein,' also struggled to find its footing. These consecutive flops have significantly affected Kumar's financial standing, leading to his notable absence from the taxpayer list.
In stark contrast, Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as the leading taxpayer for 2024, having paid a substantial ₹92 crore in taxes. The success of Khan’s films in 2023—'Pathaan,' 'Jawan,' and 'Dunki'—has played a crucial role in his elevated tax bracket. 'Jawan,' in particular, has been a standout hit, garnering a domestic collection of ₹643.87 crore, while 'Pathaan' followed with ₹543.05 crore. Although 'Dunki' did not perform as robustly, it still contributed a commendable ₹212.42 crore to the box office tally.
