Cricket superstar Virat Kohli has been named India’s most valuable celebrity in Fortune India–Interbrand’s inaugural 2026 rankings, underlining his unmatched commercial appeal and brand influence. Kohli, whose brand value is estimated at ₹3,542 crore, topped the list ahead of Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
The study evaluates celebrities beyond their popularity, measuring factors such as consumer trust, cultural relevance, engagement, social media influence and long-term commercial impact. According to the report, celebrity endorsements continue to play a significant role in marketing, with TAM Media Research data showing that 29 per cent of television advertisements feature celebrities, while Bollywood personalities account for 74 per cent of celebrity airtime.
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Former India captain MS Dhoni secured the fourth position, followed by actor Ranveer Singh and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar. Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan ranked seventh, while cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was placed eighth.
Actress Alia Bhatt claimed the ninth spot, reflecting her growing influence across films and brand endorsements. Telugu cinema star Allu Arjun completed the top 10, highlighting the increasing national appeal of South Indian actors.
The Fortune India–Interbrand rankings mark a shift from traditional measures such as box office success or social media followers. Instead, the study assesses celebrities as long-term brand assets capable of driving consumer engagement, credibility and business value across industries.
Top 10 Most Valuable Indian Celebrities – 2026
| Rank | Celebrity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli |
| 2 | Shah Rukh Khan |
| 3 | Priyanka Chopra Jonas |
| 4 | MS Dhoni |
| 5 | Ranveer Singh |
| 6 | Akshay Kumar |
| 7 | Amitabh Bachchan |
| 8 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 9 | Alia Bhatt |
| 10 | Allu Arjun |
