Virat Kohli is a name that hardly needs any introduction, and he has now gone a step further by emerging as the most valuable celebrity brand in the debut Fortune India–Interbrand rankings. The study is unique as it evaluates celebrities not just on endorsements or earnings, but on broader factors like influence, trust, audience engagement and long-term brand strength.
According to the report, Kohli’s strong engagement with fans, his image as a high-performance athlete, and his consistent association with fitness and health-driven brands have played a key role in his top ranking. His massive global social media reach has further strengthened his presence, making him one of the most influential celebrity figures beyond the cricket field.
How Virat Kohli Became India’s Most Valuable Celebrity Brand
Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have been named India’s three most valuable celebrity brands in the inaugural Fortune India–Interbrand rankings. The study, the first of its kind, evaluates celebrities beyond earnings and endorsements, focusing instead on influence, trust, engagement, and long-term brand strength. Kohli leads the list with a brand value of ₹3,542 crore, followed by Shah Rukh Khan at ₹3,017 crore and Priyanka Chopra Jonas at ₹2,507 crore.
Published by Fortune India in collaboration with global consultancy Interbrand, the report uses parameters like engagement, distinctiveness, coherence, affinity, and trust to assess celebrity value. Kohli stood out due to his exceptional fan engagement, strong authenticity as a high-performance athlete, and consistent alignment with fitness and health-oriented brands, strengthening his position as India’s most influential celebrity brand.
Beyond endorsements, Kohli has built a broader ecosystem around fitness and lifestyle. His ventures include the One8 athleisure brand, which evolved through a strategic partnership with Agilitas Sports, along with investments in digital fitness platforms like the one8 Fitness app, reflecting his shift toward being an athlete-entrepreneur rather than just a brand ambassador.
On the field, Kohli’s legacy further reinforces his stature, with unmatched consistency across formats, record-breaking centuries in ODIs, and defining performances in major ICC tournaments. His ability to dominate high-pressure chases, combined with his transformation of India’s fitness culture, cements his status as one of the most influential modern cricketers both on and off the pitch.
Top 10 Most Valuable Celebrity Brands in India
| Rank | Celebrity | Brand Value (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Virat Kohli | 3,542 |
| 02 | Shah Rukh Khan | 3,017 |
| 03 | Priyanka Chopra Jonas | 2,507 |
| 04 | MS Dhoni | 2,141 |
| 05 | Ranveer Singh | 2,077 |
| 06 | Akshay Kumar | 2,064 |
| 07 | Amitabh Bachchan | 1,933 |
| 08 | Sachin Tendulkar | 1,676 |
| 09 | Alia Bhatt | 1,606 |
| 10 | Allu Arjun | 1,522 |
Which Indian Cricketers Made Top-10 Most Valuable Celebrity Brands List?
The only other two cricketers featured in the top 10 list are MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, both continuing to hold strong brand value even years after their playing careers at the highest level.
MS Dhoni, the former India captain, is placed at No. 4 with a brand value of ₹2,141 crore. The report highlights his high scores in coherence, trust, and affinity, reflecting his enduring reputation as one of the most reliable and respected figures for brand endorsements in India.
Sachin Tendulkar comes in at No. 8 with a brand value of ₹1,676 crore. Despite being retired for years, he remains one of the country’s most trusted and admired personalities, with strong ratings in trust, affinity, and coherence reinforcing his lasting appeal.
