Bollywood celebrities are turning entrepreneurs and investing in Startups. For some its just another investment opportunity, for others its to show their entrepreneurial skills, but some are doing it so that they have another source of cash-flow thus freeing themselves to do acting for the passion and excitement that it bring.
In the past (several decades back actually) there have been cases where Bollywood actors, despite working in some great films, went on to become bankrupt. One famous example is that of ‘Bhagwan Dada’. However, Bollywood actors today are intelligent, especially when it comes to their investments. They’re willing to diversify their investments as well.
Also Read: Bollywood celebrities who went broke.
Money from all over the world is flowing into India, and even the entrepreneurship bug has bitten most Indians. There was a time when entrepreneurs would make it big only in the IT/Software segment, however, that is no longer the case. Today, there’s massive growth happening in all the sectors, and the rich Indians are making sure they don’t miss out on the opportunity. And that includes our Bollywood celebrities as well.
Also Read: India’s growth story: The great Indian millionaire boom.
Startups can surely bring in loads of money. And for some Bollywood actors, the money from this source means they’re free to do acting, only for the sheer passion and excitement it brings (that most had as strugglers).
The top actors have realized this, and don’t want to get caught in the rat-race; that is why you would see our Bollywood actors being so choosy. That is why they invest in such kinds of opportunities, as it gives them the confidence to say ‘no’ to mediocre projects.
So here we go! Take a look at these ‘Startups” some of these have been founded by Bollywood investors, while in some, they hold a controlling stake.
Salman Khan is an investor in Yatra Online (travel operator). Salman Khan did an adevrtisement for Yatra, for which he was offered 5 percent share in the company.
Amitabh Bachchan & Family have invested in a startup named ‘Ziddu’, based in Singapore, that offers cloud storage and sharing solutions.
KidZania is a theme park that combines education with entertainment, backed by Shah Rukh Khan
Hrithik Roshan has invested in HRX, a brand that sells fashion apparels for the young crowd.
Qyuki is a social networking media, especially for story writers to exchange their thoughts. Backed by AR Rehman and Shekhar Kapur.
The brand sells a range of adult products including lingerie, swim wear, party wear and adult toys. Can you guess who the investor is? Of course its Sunny Leone!
An online movie ticket booking venture backed by Bollywood Superstar Ajay Devgan and another Bollywood top honcho Sanjay Dutt as a fellow-investor in the project.
‘Dance with Madhuri, an initiative by india’s dhak-dhak girl Madhuri Dixit Nene, arguably one of the best dancers that Bollywood has ever seen. Combines dance with physical fitness.
The startup helps families buy property at reduced prices by buying in bulk. Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra are the investors.
An enterprise into online sales of baby products, yesteryear’s heartthrob, Karishma Kapoor is the single largest stake holder in the company.
Startup that brings products handpicked by celebrities to raise the style quotient,has Suzanne Khan, Malaika Arora Khan and Bipasha Basu as its investors.
Sushant Singh Rajput recently revealed about his plans for a ‘Startup’ (yet unnamed) in the education sector. It will offer scholarships to bright students from all over India. “Its going to be a kind of Super-30. Maybe we can fund their higher education to the best universities in the UK,” said Sushant, but wasn’t ready to divulge more.
Know of any other startup where a Bollywood celebrity is involved? Let us know here.
