Shah Rukh Khan has become India’s most valuable celebrity brand in 2025, overtaking Virat Kohli, while Ranveer Singh retained second place in Kroll India’s rankings.
WEBDESK – ABDULLAH FARHAD – SHARJAH NEWS
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as India’s most valuable celebrity brand in 2025, overtaking cricketer Virat Kohli to claim the top position in Kroll India’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025.
The annual report, which evaluates celebrities based on the value of their endorsement portfolios and their influence across digital platforms, highlights a significant reshuffle among India’s biggest stars. Shah Rukh’s rise reflects his continued popularity, successful brand partnerships and growing influence across entertainment and social media.
Brand Value Sees Strong Growth
According to the report, Shah Rukh Khan’s brand value reached $177.9 million, moving him from third place in 2024 to the top of the rankings this year.
Actor Ranveer Singh retained the second position with a brand value of $162.9 million, while Virat Kohli dropped from first to third despite maintaining a strong valuation of $158.4 million.
Although Kohli remained among India’s most influential personalities, the latest rankings indicate changing dynamics in the country’s celebrity endorsement market.
Top 25 Brands Remain Strong
Despite minor fluctuations, the combined value of India’s top 25 celebrity brands remained impressive at $2 billion in 2025.
While the figure represents a slight decline from the previous year, it remains higher than the total valuation recorded in 2023, demonstrating the continued strength of India’s celebrity endorsement industry.
Over the past two years, Shah Rukh Khan’s brand value has increased significantly, driven by blockbuster film successes, premium endorsement deals and sustained public appeal.
Cricketers Continue to Dominate
Cricket stars maintained a strong presence in the rankings, with five players securing places among the top 25.
Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar climbed to fourth place with a valuation of $125.9 million, while former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni moved into fifth position after expanding his endorsement portfolio.
Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah also featured in the rankings, highlighting cricket’s continued commercial appeal among advertisers and brands.
Women Celebrities Hold Strong Positions
Among female celebrities, Alia Bhatt remained the highest-ranked woman despite slipping to sixth place. Deepika Padukone retained seventh position, while several actresses made significant gains.
Rashmika Mandanna, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor all climbed higher in the rankings, reflecting their growing popularity and increasing endorsement opportunities.
Meanwhile, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor, Kiara Advani and Kartik Aaryan recorded declines in their positions compared to the previous year.
Digital Influence Drives Brand Value
The report also highlighted the growing importance of digital platforms in celebrity marketing.
According to Kroll, digital endorsements now account for 60 to 75 percent of endorsement portfolios for many leading celebrities, compared with 40 to 60 percent in previous years.
Brands are increasingly focusing on celebrities with strong social media engagement, allowing stars to reach audiences through multiple platforms beyond traditional advertising campaigns.
Changing Landscape of Celebrity Marketing
The latest rankings underline the evolving nature of India’s entertainment and sports industries, where both actors and athletes continue to command enormous commercial value.
With Shah Rukh Khan reclaiming the top position, the report reflects how sustained popularity, successful projects and a powerful digital presence continue to shape celebrity brand value in an increasingly competitive
