Mumbai: Many Bollywood actors have branched out into alternate business. Most do it to have something more stable to fall back on. Anirban Das Blah, managing director at KWAN Entertainment and Marketing Solutions, says, "They generally get into business to make sure that they do not have to depend solely on the success or failure of their films."
An industry source says, "A lot of these ventures also run on OPM (other people's money). Most stars put their own moolah in these ventures. Shah Rukh Khan has not invested anything in IPL. He is a smart chap. He knows how to use his brand name."
Turning producers
Almost every Bollywood actor has ventured into film production but very few have been successful. Govinda, Sunny Deol and Jackie Shroff had to shut down their production houses after bearing a lot of losses.
Why Bollywood actors are Not very successful?
H A Mishra, MD, Foodesign Systems Associates, "Most of the film and TV stars venture into the hospitality industry because they find it lucrative and glamorous but they can't sustain more than a year. It's because they lack knowledge about the industry and also fail in taking the right people. They should do some homework before venturing into any industry."
Anil Sekhri, a chartered accountant, who has been closely working with the stars for more than two decades, says, "Earlier actors used to invest in land and real estate but the new generation of actors is more adventurous. After investing in properties they get into non-Bollywood ventures like solar projects, restaurants, spas etc."
With the help of financial expert, Anil Sekhri, a chartered accountant, who owns a financial consultant firm and has worked with many actors for more than two decades, we find out how good or bad each of these stars are at their business.
Shah Rukh Khan
In addition to his TV and film production house, Shah Rukh Khan co-owns IPL team, Kolkota Knight Riders which he bought in 2008. This venture was started to make profits but going by the poor performance hitherto, it doesn't seem like so.
Expert speaks: This is only the third year. The value of the team is very high. Even if he sells it today he will make a profit. Thumbs up!
Arjun Rampal
The actor launched a lounge bar Lap in New Delhi. He also runs an event management company, Chasing Ganesha.
Expert speaks: It's in its infancy stage but looks promising. Thumbs up!
Dino Morea
Dino Morea's restaurant cum bar Crepe Station has branches all across the country. His retail line called Cool Mall Merchandise was launched by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Expert speaks: I doubt the merchandising business will survive. Their overhead costs are very high. Okey dokey!
Ronit Roy
Roy owns a security agency Ace Security and Protection for the last 10 years. He also provides personal security to the top Bollywood stars like Aamir Khan and SRK.
Expert speaks: Doing very well. Thumbs up!
Ajay Devgn
Ajay Devgan has invested in 25 MW Solar Power Plant in Gujarat.
Expert speaks: It has a lot of potential. Thumbs up!
Suniel Shetty
Suniel Shetty is well known in restaurant business in Mumbai. The actor owns Mischief Dining Bar and Club H20, in Mumbai. Both the places are running successfully. He also has a 50 percent stake in Hakim Aalim's salons.
Expert speaks: He is doing well. He is making very small investments. It's not a big deal. He has put his fingers in too many pies; I don't know if he will be paying the required attention to each one.
Mithun Chakraborty
He owns the Monarch group of hotels, across the country. He was also the co-owner of Royal Bengal Tigers, a cricket team of the now abandoned Indian Cricket League.
Expert speaks: He is a very sensible guy and ought to be a good businessman. He has been quite successful. Thumbs Up!
Shilpa Shetty
The actress is quite a businesswoman. She launched a series of spas and a fitness DVD. She and her hubby Raj Kundra own the IPL team Rajasthan Royals and restaurants and have also entered the real estate business.
Expert speaks: The IPL team is deeply rooted in so many controversies. It wasn't a wise decision. Thumbs down!
Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen owns the Miss Universe India Franchise; I Am She, which she stole from under the nose of a leading media house.
Expert speaks: It's not a business venture that has great chances of growing. Thumbs down!
Lara Dutta
The actress will launch a range of designer shoes. She also released a series of fitness DVDs.
Expert speaks: Okey dokey
Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta bought the IPL team Kings Eleven in partnership with her ex-boyfriend, Ness Wadia.
Expert speaks: Good move. Thumbs up!
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