Virat Kohli has emerged as India’s most valuable celebrity, surpassing Shah Rukh Khan and other entertainment icons in a new brand value ranking released by Fortune India and Interbrand.

Kohli Leads Celebrity Rankings

Mumbai: Star cricketer Virat Kohli has been ranked as India’s most valuable celebrity, with an estimated brand value of ₹3,542 crore, according to a recent study conducted by Fortune India in collaboration with global brand consultancy Interbrand. The ranking places Kohli ahead of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who secured the second position, while actor and global entertainer Priyanka Chopra came in third.

The findings underline Kohli’s growing influence beyond cricket, reflecting his appeal across advertising, endorsements, social media engagement and consumer trust.

Study Goes Beyond Earnings

Unlike conventional celebrity rankings that focus primarily on income or social media following, the Fortune India-Interbrand study evaluated a broader set of parameters. These included distinctiveness, audience engagement, trust, intimacy, responsibility and overall brand strength.

According to the report, these factors collectively determine a celebrity’s long-term market value and commercial relevance. The assessment highlights how public perception and brand credibility increasingly influence endorsement opportunities and commercial success.

Cricket and Cinema Dominate

The top 25 list is heavily dominated by personalities from the film and cricket industries, underscoring their continued hold on India’s entertainment and advertising landscape.

Among the top 10 names, three are cricketers while seven belong to the film industry. The ranking reinforces the strong connection brands continue to seek with both Bollywood and cricket, two sectors that command massive audience reach across the country.

Apart from Kohli, the list also features several prominent names including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Diljit Dosanjh, Karan Johar, Vicky Kaushal and former India captain Sourav Ganguly.

Priyanka Leads Women Celebrities

Priyanka Chopra emerged as the highest-ranked female celebrity in the study, maintaining her strong presence in both Indian and international markets.

Other women featured in the rankings include Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, actor Nayanthara and India women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana. Their inclusion reflects the growing commercial influence of female celebrities across entertainment and sports.

Mandhana remains one of the few cricketers outside the men’s game to achieve significant brand recognition at the national level.

IPL Success Adds To Value

Kohli’s dominance is also visible in cricket’s commercial ecosystem. Having represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, he remains one of the league’s most marketable faces.

According to industry estimates cited in recent sports business reports, Kohli has earned around ₹230 crore in IPL salaries during his career. He also tops several brand valuation and endorsement rankings linked to Indian sport.

Former Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and Chennai Super Kings icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni continue to rank among cricket’s biggest commercial names. Despite limited on-field appearances in recent seasons, Dhoni remains a major endorsement figure for brands targeting mass audiences.

Emotional Message After RCB Triumph

Kohli’s latest recognition comes shortly after Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured another IPL title, adding to the celebratory mood around the franchise and its longest-serving player.

Reflecting on the achievement, Kohli shared an emotional message on social media, describing RCB as his “home” and highlighting the team’s journey through pressure, challenges and support from fans. The post drew widespread attention and further reinforced his connection with the franchise’s fan base.

Influence Beyond The Field

The latest brand value ranking highlights how Virat Kohli’s influence now extends far beyond cricket. With sustained sporting success, a strong public image and a vast commercial footprint, Kohli continues to set benchmarks in India’s celebrity endorsement market.

As brands increasingly focus on credibility and audience engagement, the Virat Kohli brand appears well-positioned to maintain its lead in the years ahead.