Updated On: 06 Aug 2026
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has emerged as India’s most valuable celebrity brand in 2025, according to the latest Celebrity Brand Valuation Study released by global financial advisory firm Kroll.
With a brand valuation of USD 177.9 million, Shah Rukh Khan climbed from the third position in 2024 to claim the top spot. Actor Ranveer Singh retained second place with a brand value of USD 162.9 million, while cricketer Virat Kohli slipped from first to third with a valuation of USD 158.4 million.
The study noted that the combined brand value of India’s top 25 celebrities stood at USD 2 billion in 2025, marking a 3.7 per cent decline compared to the previous year.
Among the biggest gainers, cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni strengthened their positions, ranking fourth and fifth with brand values of USD 125.9 million and USD 115.3 million, respectively.
The rankings also reflected significant progress for several younger stars. Rashmika Mandanna secured the 12th position with a brand value of USD 75.2 million, while Salman Khan ranked 13th at USD 73.6 million. Rohit Sharma stood 14th with USD 62 million, followed by Kareena Kapoor at 15th with USD 61.8 million and Kartik Aaryan at 16th with USD 59.8 million.
Among female celebrities, Alia Bhatt ranked sixth with a valuation of USD 93.9 million, followed by Deepika Padukone in seventh place at USD 89.2 million. Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor shared the 10th position, each with a brand value of USD 80 million.
The report also highlighted strong gains for emerging stars. Ananya Panday climbed to 19th position, Samantha Ruth Prabhu moved up to 21st, Janhvi Kapoor reached 23rd, and Shraddha Kapoor advanced to 24th, reflecting their growing commercial appeal.
According to the study, digital platforms are playing an increasingly important role in celebrity endorsements. Digital partnerships now account for 60 to 75 per cent of endorsement portfolios for leading celebrities, compared to 40 to 60 per cent in previous years.
Commenting on the findings, Umakanta Panigrahi, Managing Director of Valuation Advisory Services at Kroll, said celebrity brand value is now being driven by digital relevance, social media engagement and AI-enabled opportunities in addition to traditional advertising. He added that entrepreneurial ventures and digital-first engagement are shaping the future of celebrity influence.
Vinit Karnik, Business Head at GroupM ESP, said established personalities such as Shah Rukh Khan, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Virat Kohli continue to enjoy exceptional brand equity, while brands are also increasingly partnering with younger celebrities to connect with audiences through culturally relevant and relatable campaigns. He added that cricketers remain among the most sought-after endorsers due to their widespread popularity across the country.
