Virat Kohli has added another accolade to his growing legacy after emerging as India’s most valuable celebrity in a newly launched ranking compiled by Fortune India in collaboration with Interbrand. The former India Captain secured the top position with a brand value of ₹3,542 crore (approx. US$371 million), finishing ahead of some of the biggest names in Indian entertainment and sport.
Kohli leads a star-studded field
The ranking places Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in second position, while global actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas occupies third place. Kohli’s position at the summit reinforces his status as one of the most commercially influential figures in the country, with his appeal extending far beyond the cricket field.
The results also underline cricket’s continuing dominance within India’s celebrity economy. Former India Captain MS Dhoni secured fourth place in the rankings, while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also featured among the top 10, demonstrating the sport’s unmatched reach across audiences, brands and advertisers.
Cricket’s commercial influence remains unmatched
Kohli’s rise to the top of the list reflects years of success both on and off the field. Alongside his achievements as one of cricket’s most accomplished players, he has built a powerful personal brand through endorsements, business ventures and a global fan base that stretches well beyond traditional cricket markets.
The presence of multiple cricketers among the highest-ranked personalities further highlights the commercial value generated by the sport. While cinema remains heavily represented, the rankings suggest cricket continues to produce some of India’s most influential and marketable public figures.
Ranking goes beyond earnings and endorsements
Unlike traditional celebrity lists that focus primarily on income or endorsement deals, the study evaluated a broader range of factors when assessing value. Brand strength, engagement, trust, affinity, distinctiveness, coherence and responsibility all formed part of the assessment process.
The methodology treated celebrity identities as long-term economic assets rather than simply measuring annual financial performance. As a result, the rankings sought to capture the overall strength, resilience and sustainability of a celebrity’s brand.
What the ranking says about Kohli’s brand
For Kohli, the recognition reflects a position that few athletes globally have managed to achieve. Nearly two decades after making his international debut, he remains one of the most recognisable faces in world sport and one of the most sought-after personalities for commercial partnerships.
The latest ranking serves as further evidence that his influence extends well beyond cricket, placing him ahead of many of India’s biggest film stars and reinforcing his standing as one of the country’s most valuable public figures.
