Top 10 Bollywood actresses at the box office post-pandemic

Last week, Bollywood Hungama did an extensive piece on the Top 10 Bollywood actors at the box office post-pandemic. We took into account the average lifetime collections to understand which actor occupies which spot when ranked from 1 to 10. Now it’s time to see who are the actresses who have made it to the coveted list. In our commentary, we have also remarked on the possibility of a change of the figures for certain actresses in the future in case their next film does (or doesn’t do) well. While doing so, we have only considered films that will be released this year. Also, this list only considers those films where the actors were seen in leading roles.

1. Deepika Padukone – Rs. 543.05 cr.

No of films: 1 (Pathaan)
Deepika Padukone was seen in a leading role in a Hindi theatrical film after more than three years and she rocked the show as the sexy secret agent in Pathaan (2023). Her hot appearance in the song ‘Besharam Rang’ added to the film’s buzz. She had a prominent role in this blockbuster film which was lauded by critics and audiences alike.

2. Alia Bhatt – Rs. 193.27 cr.

No of films: 2 (Gangubai Kathiawadi, Brahmastra – Part One: Shiva)
Alia Bhatt spread cheer among the industry and trade when Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), the first biggie to release in cinemas after the third Covid-19 wave, took a huge opening. Despite a disturbing and not-so-family-friendly theme, the Sanjay Leela Bhansali directorial managed to collect Rs. 129.10 crores, and Alia’s popularity played a huge role. She was then seen in the much-awaited Brahmastra – Part One: Shiva (2022). Her presence yet again enhanced the hype and also her pairing with her real-life hubby, Ranbir Kapoor. She’ll be seen next in Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, which is also expected to perform well in cinemas.

3. Shraddha Kapoor – Rs. 149.05 cr.

No of films: 1 (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar)
Shraddha Kapoor made a solid comeback after three years with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Co-starring Ranbir Kapoor, the film seemed promising due to its fun-filled promos, super-hit music, and the hot pairing of the two actors for the first time. Post-release, the film was well-received for its message and the performances of both Shraddha and Ranbir.

4. Katrina Kaif – Rs. 105.01 cr.

No of films: 2 (Sooryavanshi, Phone Bhoot)
Katrina Kaif featured in Sooryavanshi (2022), the first major film to hit cinemas all over India in the post-Covid era. Her pairing with Akshay Kumar and her sizzling moves in the song ‘Tip Tip Barsa Paani’ became a talking point. It was a huge hit, collecting Rs. 196 crores. But her second film, Phone Bhoot (2022) flopped big time, earning a meagre Rs. 14.01 crores. However, Katrina Kaif is expected to jump to the third or even second position as her next film, Tiger 3, co-starring Salman Khan, is all set to set the box office on fire.

5. Kiara Advani – Rs. 90.67 cr.

No of films: 3 (Indoo Ki Jawani, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, JugJugg Jeeyo)
Kiara Advani’s popularity has gone higher many by many notches post-pandemic. Apart from the success of her digital films like Laxmii (2020) and Shershaah (2021), she scored with her theatrical films. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) was a blockbuster as it collected Rs. 185.92 crores. JugJugg Jeeyo (2022) was average but its collections of Rs. 85.03 crores were praiseworthy, considering many big films have failed to even cross the Rs. 30 crore mark. Sadly, Indoo Ki Jawani (2020) flopped badly, earning just Rs. 1.06 crore, as it was released at a time when the fear of going to cinemas was high. Kiara’s record can improve if her next release, Satyaprem Ki Katha, emerges as a huge hit.

6. Manushi Chhillar – Rs. 68.05 cr.

No of films: 1 (Samrat Prithviraj)
Manushi Chhillar made a fine debut with the Akshay Kumar-starrer Samrat Prithviraj (2022). Sadly, the film bombed at the box office. She has two more releases this year – John Abraham starrer Tehran and The Great Indian Family with Vicky Kaushal.

7. Kareena Kapoor Khan – Rs. 58.73 cr.

No of films: 1 (Laal Singh Chaddha)
A lot was expected from Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) but the Aamir Khan co-starrer failed to entice the audiences. Kareena has The Crew in her kitty, co-starring Tabu, Kriti Sanon, and Diljit Dosanjh. It remains to be seen if it can surprise at the box office. Nevertheless, the fan following of the actress is intact.

8. Kriti Sanon – Rs. 49.61 cr.

No of films: 3 (Bachchhan Paandey, Bhediya, Shehzada)
Kriti Sanon hasn’t had an impressive run at the box office. Bachchhan Paandey (2022) didn’t impress at the box office. Shehzada (2023), too, failed despite the hype, mass appeal, and pairing with Kartik Aaryan. Bhediya (2022), however, was her best-performing film in the pandemic era. It collected Rs. 66.65 crores and was an average fare. Kriti will be seen next in Adipurush. The film has the potential to score big time and if that happens, Kriti can jump to fourth position. Her other upcoming film this year, Ganapath – Part 1, co-starring Tiger Shroff.

9. Disha Patani – Rs. 41.69 cr.

No of films: 1 (Ek Villain Returns)
Disha Patani’s sizzling avatar was one of the USPs in her sole release in cinemas post-pandemic, Ek Villain Returns (2022). The film had mixed word of mouth and ended up being average fare. She’ll next be seen in Yodha, co-starring Sidharth Malhotra.

10. Jacqueline Fernandez – Rs. 41.22 cr.

No of films: 1 (Attack – Part I, Ram Setu, Cirkus)
Jacqueline Fernandez had three releases post-pandemic and none of them set the box office on fire. Attack – Part I (2022) flopped despite a novel concept. Cirkus (2022) bombed and it led to shockwaves, as it was directed by Rohit Shetty. Ram Setu (2022) also underperformed but got an Average verdict.