Long before Team Edward vs. Team Jacob, in India it was Team Shah Rukh vs. Team Salman. Now, Salman supporters may have a beguiling new argument in their battle for the title of King Khan. After a run of highly successful movies, the bodylicious 46-year old star has been named the highest taxpayer in Bollywood.

According to The Times of India, Salman was asked to fork over a whopping 8 Rs crore (about $1.7 million) to the government for taxes. Salman owes this rather dubious honour to his recent string of blockbusters, including romantic comedy Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg, Ready, and Bodyguard.

In contrast, frenemy Shah Rukh, who has yet to produce a hit this year, paid 5 Rs crore (about $1.1 million). The rivalry between Salman and Shah Rukh used to be the stuff of gossipy legend, endlessly providing the fodder celebrated by tabloids and talk shows. For a time, it seemed neither star could give an interview without taking a clandestine swipe at the other.

Now it seems both Khans are content to let their work speak for itself, leaving some fans wistfully recollecting the days of Karan Arjun, Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai when these pillars of Bollywood supported each other as co-stars. Shah Rukh’s new movie Jab Tak Hai Jaan (As long as there’s life) is scheduled for release Nov. 13. The film has already generated a lot of interest, but only sales will tell if it measures up to the success enjoyed by Salman this year.

Other stars noted for a hefty rise in 2012 tax expenditures include Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Amitabh Bachan. It seems the Indian government isn’t buying into the theory of trickle-down economics. But for diehard fans who believe there can only be one King Khan, Salman’s hefty contribution to the government could be interpreted as a cause for celebration. Long live the King.