Virat Kohli tops celebrity brand ranking at $424 million, Shah Rukh Khan follows at $361 million

Highlights:

• Virat Kohli ranked No. 1 in brand value.
• Shah Rukh Khan secured second place.
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas ranked third.
• Cricket and cinema dominated the Top 10.
• Rankings focused on brand value, not earnings.

Fortune India, in collaboration with Interbrand, has released the first-ever Fortune India-Interbrand ranking of India’s Most Valuable Celebrities. The study introduces a new framework to assess celebrity influence in terms of brand value and long-term economic impact.

The inaugural ranking places Virat Kohli at the top with an estimated brand value of $424 million. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan ranks second with a brand value of $361 million. Global actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas ranks third with an estimated brand value of approximately $300 million.

Unlike traditional celebrity rankings, which often focus on endorsement income, earnings, or entertainment success, the Fortune India-Interbrand study evaluates celebrity influence through the lens of brand valuation.

The methodology treats celebrities as managed economic assets. It combines financial performance with brand strength indicators. These indicators include distinctiveness, coherence, engagement, trust, affinity, and responsibility.

According to the study, celebrity value is no longer measured only by visibility or popularity. The rankings reflect a broader understanding of influence that includes audience trust, cultural relevance, consistency, and long-term commercial impact.

The findings highlight the continued cultural and commercial strength of cricket in India. Virat Kohli’s top position underscores his influence both on and off the field. Former Indian captain MS Dhoni secured fourth place in the rankings, while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar ranked eighth.

The results also demonstrate the strong presence of the film industry. Cinema emerged as the largest contributor to the rankings, with several actors securing places among the Top 10 most valuable celebrities.

Among them are Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Allu Arjun. Their inclusion reflects the enduring influence of Indian cinema and the strength of their personal brands.

The broader Top 25 ranking presents a more diverse picture of celebrity influence in India. Several prominent women celebrities feature on the list, highlighting their growing impact across entertainment, sports, and consumer markets.

The women included in the rankings are Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, Kriti Sanon, Smriti Mandhana, and Nayanthara. Their presence demonstrates the expanding role of female celebrities in shaping consumer engagement and brand partnerships.

The rankings also feature influential personalities from music, sports, and entertainment. Names included in the Top 25 are Diljit Dosanjh, Arijit Singh, Karan Johar, Rohit Sharma, Sourav Ganguly, and Vicky Kaushal.

According to the report, the value of celebrity brands is evolving in response to changing consumer behavior and market expectations. Personal brands now play a larger role across entertainment, endorsements, business partnerships, and audience engagement.

The study emphasizes that celebrity influence today extends beyond fame. It includes the ability to build trust, maintain relevance, connect with audiences over time, and create sustained commercial value.

Fortune India and Interbrand said the ranking is intended to provide a more structured approach to understanding celebrity influence in a creator-driven and brand-conscious economy. The framework aims to measure not only visibility but also the long-term economic contribution of celebrity brands.

As personal branding becomes increasingly important, the study offers a new way to evaluate the impact of public figures across industries. It reflects how celebrities are evolving into powerful business and cultural assets with influence that extends far beyond their primary professions.

The complete Fortune India–Interbrand ranking of India’s Most Valuable Celebrities appears in the June 2026 edition of Fortune India. The issue is available with four special covers and features the full list along with detailed insights into the methodology behind the rankings.