Not SRK or Salman Khan, these stars are India’s most valued celebs [Full list]

Virat Kohli has taken the first spot followed by Akshay Kumar at the second spot in the brand value study. This year’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Study 2020 by Duff & Phelps is here. And as per the study, amid the pandemic and the world facing major financial loss, several celebs have faced the impact. The list has Indian skipper Virat Kohli at the top with brand value at $237.7 million. Kohli saw a tiny increase in the brand value from that of $237.5 in 2019.

At the second spot we have Akshay Kumar. The actor’s brand valuation stands at $118.9 million. Ranveer Singh took the third spot with the valuation of $102.9 million. Shah Rukh Khan, who was on a sabbatical, took the fourth spot with valuation of $51.5 million. However, it is Deepika Padukone’s name in the list that is quite a surprise. Touted as India’s top actress in today’s time, Deepika was at the third spot in 2019. And this year, the actress has slipped down to the fifth spot in the valuation list with brand value of $50.4 million. It is no surprise that Alia Bhatt and Ayushman Khurrana have jointly taken the sixth spot. The two have marked a niche for themselves with their versatile performances in the last two years. At the seventh spot we have Salman Khan with the brand valuation of $55.7 million followed by Amitabh Bachchan with brand valuation of $42.5 million. Hrithik Roshan, who has delivered back-to-back blockbusters has grabbed the ninth spot with brand valuation of $41.2 million. Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan As per the study, the brand value of a celeb is based on the brand endorsements they have and their earning potential from it. It further said that this in turn is dependent on their endorsement fee, their films, their social media following and presence, the controversies they get embroiled or stay away from.

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Beyond Bollywood’s Big Two: The Stars Who Are India’s Most Valued Celebrities

For decades, the celebrity brand landscape in India was seemingly governed by a handful of legendary names, with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan often dominating the conversation. However, the dynamics of star power have fundamentally shifted. In a new era defined by digital reach, authentic branding, and the rise of both world-class sports icons and savvy actress-entrepreneurs, the crown for India’s most valuable celebrity has passed to a different league of stars.

The latest definitive data from the Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2024 reveals a comprehensive list where a cricket legend, a powerhouse actress, and a young, dynamic Bollywood star are setting new benchmarks for brand endorsement and market value. While Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) made an impressive comeback to the top three, and Salman Khan continues to hold sway, they are no longer the only megabrands.

Here is a look at the stars who command India’s highest brand value, showcasing a monumental shift in the country’s endorsement ecosystem, according to the 2024 report.

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The New Pinnacle of Star Power: India’s Most Valued Celebrities

The Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2024, which assesses celebrity brand value based on their product endorsement portfolios and relative social media presence, crowned a sports icon for the top spot for multiple consecutive years. The total brand value of India’s top 25 celebrities has reached a remarkable $2 billion, demonstrating the growing financial clout of Indian star power.

Rank (2024)	Celebrity	Brand Value (USD)	Primary Field
1	Virat Kohli	$231.1 Million	Sports (Cricket)
2	Ranveer Singh	$170.7 Million	Film (Bollywood)
3	Shah Rukh Khan	$145.7 Million	Film (Bollywood)
4	Alia Bhatt	$116.4 Million	Film (Bollywood)
5	Sachin Tendulkar	$112.2 Million	Sports (Cricket)
6	Akshay Kumar	Not explicitly cited, but ranks 6	Film (Bollywood)
7	Deepika Padukone	$102.9 Million	Film (Bollywood)
8	M.S. Dhoni	$102.9 Million	Sports (Cricket)
9	Hrithik Roshan	$92.2 Million	Film (Bollywood)
10	Amitabh Bachchan	$83.7 Million	Film (Bollywood)

Note: Salman Khan is reported to have slipped to Rank 16 in the 2024 Kroll Report.

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The Dominators: Not SRK, Not Salman—The Top Megabrands

The top of the list is dominated by three individuals who have created unshakeable brands rooted in performance, relatability, and aggressive, diverse endorsement strategies.

1. Virat Kohli: The King of Commerce and Cricket (Brand Value: $231.1M)

Cricketer Virat Kohli has emphatically cemented his position as India’s most valued celebrity brand, maintaining the top spot with a staggering valuation of $231.1 million in 2024. His brand equity transcends sports, built on an image of supreme athleticism, discipline, and emotional intensity.

• Global Influence: Kohli’s massive social media following, which stands at over 387 million, gives him an unparalleled digital reach that brands seek to harness.
• Strategic Branding: His endorsements focus on “quality over quantity,” aligning with brands that reflect his personal values of fitness and health. His portfolio includes prestigious associations with global brands like Puma and Audi India, along with his own successful ventures, such as the fashion brand Wrogn and the hospitality chain One8.
• Investment Portfolio: Kohli is not just an endorser but also a strategic investor in companies like Digit Insurance, further integrating his personal brand with business acumen.

2. Ranveer Singh: The Versatile ‘Collab King’ (Brand Value: $170.7M)

Ranveer Singh remains the highest-ranked actor on the list, securing the second position with a brand value of $170.7 million. His appeal stems from his boundless energy, fashion-forward sensibility, and ability to embody a wide range of characters both on-screen and in advertisements.

• Rainbow Portfolio: Unlike contemporaries, Ranveer’s portfolio spans a diverse spectrum, earning him the title of ‘Collab King.’ His endorsements range from luxury houses like Tiffany & Co. and sportswear giants like Adidas to FMCG brands like Pepsi and Ching’s Secret.
• Entrepreneurial Edge: Singh also shows entrepreneurial drive by endorsing and co-founding brands like the men’s sexual health and wellness brand BoldCare, showcasing his willingness to tackle unconventional segments.
• Youth Connect: With a strong social media presence (over 70 million followers), his youthful, often eccentric persona resonates strongly with the Gen Z and Millennial audiences, making him a magnet for modern brands.

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The Rising Power: Female Stars and Enduring Legends

The list also highlights the surging power of female stars and the enduring, unmatched credibility of non-performing legends.

4. Alia Bhatt: The Top Female Celebrity & Entrepreneur (Brand Value: $116.4M)

Alia Bhatt is the top-ranked female celebrity, showcasing the immense commercial value of modern, successful Bollywood actresses. Securing the fourth spot with a valuation of $116.4 million, her rise is attributed to a combination of critically acclaimed film choices and sharp business decisions.

• Global Ambassador Status: Her most significant brand milestones include becoming the first Indian global ambassador for luxury fashion house Gucci and also being appointed a global ambassador for L’Oréal Paris, elevating her to an international icon.
• Smart Business Ventures: Bhatt is a successful entrepreneur with ventures outside of film, most notably the children’s wear brand Ed-a-Mamma, which was acquired by Reliance Retail in 2023. She also has her own production house, Eternal Sunshine Productions, and investments in socially responsible businesses like the floral waste recycling startup Phool.

7. Deepika Padukone: The Global Luxury Pioneer (Brand Value: $102.9M)

Deepika Padukone, ranking seventh, continues to represent a brand of elegance and global reach. She pioneered the association of Indian celebrities with international luxury, solidifying her $102.9 million brand value.

• Paving the Global Way: She was the first Indian to be a House Ambassador for the French luxury giant Louis Vuitton and has also partnered with Cartier, strategically placing her brand on the global luxury stage.
• Self-Care & Wellness: Her launch of the self-care brand 82°E further diversifies her portfolio, aligning her image with wellness and a balanced lifestyle, generating significant revenue in its first months.

5. Sachin Tendulkar: The Legacy of Trust (Brand Value: $112.2M)

Sachin Tendulkar, the ‘Master Blaster,’ moved up the rankings significantly to land at number five with a brand value of $112.2 million. This growth underscores the timeless value of an established, trustworthy legacy in the endorsement market, which saw a surge in his endorsement activities.

8. M.S. Dhoni: The Unflappable Endorser (Brand Value: $102.9M)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s continued presence in the top 10 is arguably the most remarkable, considering his retirement from international cricket in 2020. His brand value is driven by his unparalleled image of reliability, honesty, and pan-Indian connect, especially in the heartland markets.

• High Endorsement Count: In a testament to his mass appeal, Dhoni actually surpassed both Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan in the sheer number of brands endorsed in the first half of 2024, securing 42 deals.
• Diverse Portfolio: His brand partnerships span from the French automaker Citroën to lifestyle products and financial services like Mastercard, appealing to both urban and rural consumers.

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Conclusion: A New Era of Celebrity Branding

The list of India’s most valued celebrities in 2024 signals a clear shift: while the star power of the veteran Khans remains formidable, the market is rewarding diversity, authenticity, and a broad mix of cinematic and sporting excellence. The modern celebrity is increasingly a savvy entrepreneur and a global ambassador, building a multi-million-dollar brand empire that extends far beyond the silver screen. Virat Kohli’s consistent dominance and the rise of Alia Bhatt as the leading female star prove that contemporary influence is rooted in performance, digital presence, and a strategic blend of personal passion with business ventures.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs

Q1: Who is the most valued celebrity brand in India in 2024?
A: According to the Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2024, the cricketer Virat Kohli is the most valued celebrity brand in India, with a brand value of $231.1 million.

Q2: Which Bollywood actor has the highest brand value, excluding Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan?
A: Ranveer Singh is the Bollywood actor with the highest brand value, excluding Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, ranking second overall with a brand value of $170.7 million in 2024.

Q3: Who is the most valuable female celebrity brand in India?
A: Alia Bhatt is the most valuable female celebrity brand in India, securing the fourth position overall with a brand value of $116.4 million.

Q4: How does M.S. Dhoni’s brand value remain high after his retirement from international cricket?
A: M.S. Dhoni’s brand value remains high due to his unmatched image of reliability, credibility, and pan-Indian mass appeal. He secured 42 brand endorsements in the first half of 2024, surpassing many active stars, with his portfolio including major brands like Citroën and Mastercard.

Q5: What are the main factors that determine a celebrity’s brand value in India?
A: A celebrity’s brand value is primarily determined by two main factors: their product endorsement portfolio (the number, size, and prestige of brands they endorse) and their relative social media presence (their reach and engagement across digital platforms).