A striking comparison between Physics Wallah founder Alakh Pandey and Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan has gone viral, sparking a nationwide debate on how wealth is built in the modern digital era. Following the release of the Hurun India Rich List 2025, a prominent Chartered Accountant, Nitin Kaushik, took to social media to break down the “wealth formula” that allowed a 35-year-old educator to overtake the “King of Bollywood” in net worth.
The Numbers: Scale vs. Stardom
According to the latest wealth rankings, Alakh Pandey’s net worth witnessed an extraordinary 223% surge, reaching ₹14,510 crore. In contrast, Shah Rukh Khan, who entered the billionaire club this year after a 71% jump in wealth, stands at ₹12,490 crore.
While Shah Rukh Khan’s financial growth was fueled by the blockbuster success of Jawan (which grossed ₹1,160 crore globally) and the profitability of Red Chillies Entertainment, Pandey’s wealth is tied to the massive valuation of Physics Wallah (PW). The edtech unicorn, which recently listed on Indian exchanges, currently boasts a market capitalization of over ₹33,000 crore.
The CA’s Wealth Formula: Trust + Scale = Exponential Growth
CA Nitin Kaushik highlighted that the comparison isn’t just about the individuals, but about the power of impact in the digital age. He shared a simple yet profound formula for wealth creation today:
“Identify a Real-World Problem + Leverage Technology for Scale + Build Trust = Exponential Wealth.”
He pointed out that Alakh Pandey focused on a critical issue—affordable, quality education—and used technology to reach millions of students. This combination created a level of long-term value and scale that traditional entertainment models find difficult to match in terms of pure equity valuation.
Physics Wallah’s Road to Profitability
Despite the staggering personal wealth of its founders, Physics Wallah has focused on financial sustainability. The company narrowed its net losses significantly to ₹243 crore in FY25, down from ₹1,131 crore the previous year. Meanwhile, revenue saw a sharp rise to ₹2,886 crore, underscoring its growing dominance in the competitive Indian edtech market.
The company is also moving toward a ₹3,820 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO), with co-founders Alakh Pandey and Prateek Maheshwari expected to dilute a portion of their equity. This move is expected to further solidify Pandey’s position among India’s elite self-made billionaires.
Key Highlights:
- The Comparison: Alakh Pandey’s net worth reached ₹14,510 crore, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan’s ₹12,490 crore as per the Hurun Rich List 2025.
- The Formula: CA Nitin Kaushik shared that modern wealth follows impact and scale; by solving a real-world problem through technology, educators are now out-earning superstars.
- Business Health: Physics Wallah’s revenue grew to ₹2,886 crore in FY25, with the firm preparing for a major ₹3,820 crore IPO.
- Founder Journey: Pandey’s 223% wealth jump reflects the high market valuation of his edtech platform compared to traditional celebrity earnings.