New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan is not just India’s most beloved actor but has also emerged as the country’s most valuable celebrity brand. The actor topped Kroll’s India Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025 with a brand value of $177.9 million.
The report estimates the combined brand value of India’s top 25 celebrities at nearly $2 billion, reflecting the growing commercial power of India’s biggest film stars and sportspersons.
Despite starring in no films since Dunki (2023), SRK securing the top spot shows that long-term consumer trust and sustained brand value outweigh box office performance. According to Kroll, the rankings are based on a celebrity’s endorsement portfolio, social media influence and overall brand equity.
Ranveer Singh nabbed the second position with a brand value of $162.9 million, while cricketer Virat Kohli slipped from the top spot to third with a brand value of $158.4 million. Sachin Tendulkar climbed from fifth to fourth with a brand value of $125.9 million, while Mahendra Singh Dhoni ranked in the top five following a significant rise in his endorsement portfolio.
The report released on 5 August noted that brands are increasingly looking beyond stardom, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, digital presence and a controversy-free public image when choosing ambassadors. As a result, celebrities who maintain strong engagement across digital platforms continue to command premium endorsement values.
The rankings also saw younger stars register notable gains. Ananya Panday climbed to the 19th position from 25th in the previous report, while Samantha Ruth Prabhu ranked at 21 from last year’s 28. Janhvi Kapoor secured the 23rd spot, and Shraddha Kapoor ranked at 24th. The report suggests that the endorsements are increasingly rewarding celebrities with stronger “digital engagement, wider audience connect and long-term brand partnerships.”
Speaking about the findings, Umakanta Panigrahi, Managing Director, Valuation Advisory Services at Kroll, said that the study reflects the changing dynamics of celebrity branding.
“The emphasis that celebrities place on their digital image and the work they put in maintaining a footprint across digital platforms continues to remain a key differentiator for brands,” Panigrahi said.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)