Comedian richer than Prabhas, Ranveer Singh, once earned Rs 500 per day. Today he has properties in Canada, Mumbai, big luxury car collection

Economic Times

12-07-2025

Synopsis
Kapil Sharma's journey from earning Rs 500 a month to becoming India's wealthiest comedian is truly inspiring. Overcoming financial hardships and early rejections, he won 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge,' which paved the way for shows like 'Comedy Nights with Kapil' and 'The Kapil Sharma Show.
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From ₹500 a Day to Outearning Bollywood Stars: Kapil Sharma's Journey to Global Fame, Lavish Homes, and a Luxury Car Empire Kapil Sharma, originally named Kapil Punj, began his journey in Amritsar, Punjab, facing severe financial challenges after losing his father to cancer in 1997. As the eldest son, he took on the responsibility of supporting his family. During those early days, he worked at a public telephone booth, reportedly earning as little as Rs 500 a month. Later, he managed to secure employment at a textile mill, bringing home just Rs 900 monthly. Despite his struggles, one particular moment marked a turning point in his life—his inability to afford the expenses of his sister's wedding. That financial crisis led him to pursue a career in entertainment.Kapil decided to audition for The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in Delhi. Initially rejected, his perseverance paid off when he was later selected and eventually crowned the winner. He received a prize of ₹10 lakh, which he used to finance his sister's marriage. This victory marked the beginning of a successful journey in the entertainment industry.
Following his initial triumph, he continued gaining recognition through various comedy shows, most notably Comedy Circus. His popularity skyrocketed, and in 2013, he launched his own show, Comedy Nights with Kapil. The program's massive success laid the foundation for his flagship show, The Kapil Sharma Show, which debuted in 2016 and quickly became a household favorite.Kapil Sharma made headlines again with the release of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix. The program's immense popularity ensured its renewal for three consecutive seasons. According to financial estimates, Sharma is reportedly paid Rs 5 crore per episode. With 13 episodes in each season, his total earnings from this single OTT venture are believed to be around Rs 200 crore.Today, Kapil Sharma is considered India's wealthiest television comedian, with an estimated net worth of Rs 300 crore, as per Hindustan Times . According to Mint, his wealth even surpasses that of several major Bollywood celebrities, including Prabhas (Rs 241 crore), Ajith Kumar (Rs 196 crore), and Ranveer Singh (Rs 226 crore). Within the television industry, he is far ahead of leading stars like Rupali Ganguly, Tejasswi Prakash, and Karan Kundrra.Kapil currently resides in a posh neighborhood in Andheri West, Mumbai. This area is home to numerous Bollywood stars, such as Alia Bhatt, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Mika Singh, and Sonu Sood. According to Times of India, his upscale Mumbai residence is valued at over Rs 15 crore.Sharma has a well-known passion for luxury cars. His garage includes elite models such as a Mercedes-Benz S350, a Range Rover Evoque, and a Volvo XC90. Among his most prized possessions is his custom-designed DC vanity van, reportedly worth Rs 5.5 crore. The mobile unit features premium interiors with advanced lighting systems and a lavish sitting area.Kapil also owns a stunning farmhouse in his home state of Punjab. Estimated to be valued at more than Rs 25 crore, the property is a serene retreat often featured on his social media pages. With lush surroundings and expansive interiors, it reflects his taste for luxury and comfort.Recently, Kapil and his wife Ginni ventured into the hospitality industry with the launch of Kap's Café in British Columbia, Canada. The establishment began operations during the first weekend of July. However, within days of its opening, the café was the scene of a distressing shooting incident. Following the incident, the café's official social media account released a statement expressing their disbelief and appreciation for the support received from the public. The couple urged for peace while assuring followers that appropriate measures were being taken.From barely scraping by with jobs that paid less than Rs 1,000 a month to commanding Rs 5 crore per episode and reportedly charging Rs 65 crore per season, Kapil Sharma's journey is a remarkable tale of resilience, talent, and hard work. Once struggling to survive, he is now a multimillionaire entertainer with a thriving global fan base and an expanding empire.