India’s celebrity ecosystem is a meld of sports prowess, cinematic influence, and brand power. The latest rankings reflect beyond the simple metrics of just popularity, in addition to which is the strategic value stars bring through endorsements, social media, and public appeal.
Top 10 Indian celebrities 2024-25
1. Virat Kohli: Leading the list with a staggering brand value of $231.1 million. Retiring from Test cricket in May 2025, his net worth is around Rs 1,050 crore, especially fortified through the instrumentalities of contracts, endorsements, and investments.
2. Ranveer Singh: Second with $170.7 million in brand value, driven by films like Dhurandhar and the upcoming Don 3, alongside endorsements and public visibility.
3. Shah Rukh Khan: Third at $145.7 million, riding the success of Jawan and his first National Award, with a net worth of Rs 7,300 crore, combining legacy and ongoing projects.
4. Alia Bhatt: Standing at fourth with $116.4 million, comes a meld of fashion influence with her upcoming action film Alpha, plus strategic endorsements.
5. Sachin Tendulkar: Enumerated fifth at $112.2 million, boosted by lifetime awards, cricket legacy, and new endorsements.
6. Akshay Kumar: Seventh, balancing multiple hit films, endorsements, and a consistent media presence to retain high brand value.
7. Deepika Padukone: Seventh, recently started shooting King, her sixth film with Shah Rukh Khan after Jawan. Even after leaving projects like Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit, her star remains undiminished. She’s also the global brand ambassador for Nykaa, India’s largest beauty retailer.
8. MS Dhoni: Eighth, cricket legend still making headlines in 2025. Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame for his 16-year career, he returned as captain of Chennai Super Kings after Ruturaj Gaikwad got injured.
9. Hrithik Roshan: Ninth, not just a top actor but also Bollywood’s wealthiest star kid, with a net worth of around Rs 3,100 crore. His fortune comes from films and lauded and noteworthy ventures like his sportswear brand, HRX.
10. Amitabh Bachchan: Tenth, at 82, still holding the rapt attention of audiences. In 2024, he acted in Kalki 2898 AD and lent his voice to Ramayana: Part 1. He remains engaged in facilitating Kaun Banega Crorepati as its host, ultimately upholding a beloved figure who is able to connect with a myriad of ages.
The entertainment landscape evolves
South Indian films now account for 47.7 per cent of the market, surpassing Hindi films at 39.5 per cent. OTT platforms are rapidly gaining ground, generating over half of the revenue for major releases, signalling a shift in how celebrity influence translates commercially.
Celebrity power in India increasingly relies on versatility. From sports fields to streaming screens, stars now shape culture, consumer choices, and public discourse, blending legacy, visibility, and digital impact.