Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has added another remarkable achievement to his illustrious career. The former India captain has been ranked as the most valuable celebrity in the country in the first-ever India’s Most Valuable Celebrities ranking released by Fortune India in collaboration with global brand consultancy Interbrand.
The study places Kohli’s celebrity brand value at an impressive ₹3,542 crore, making him the country’s most influential and commercially valuable public figure. He leads a star-studded list that includes Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in second place and global actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas in third. Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also feature among the top-ranked personalities.
What makes the ranking significant is its methodology. Rather than focusing solely on earnings, endorsements, or box-office collections, the study evaluates a broader set of factors that contribute to celebrity influence and brand strength. These include distinctiveness, public engagement, trust, affinity, coherence, responsibility, and long-term market impact.
Kohli’s rise to the top reflects his extraordinary appeal beyond the cricket field. Over the years, he has built a powerful personal brand through sporting excellence, fitness advocacy, entrepreneurial ventures, and a strong digital presence. With hundreds of millions of followers across social media platforms, he remains one of the most recognized Indian personalities globally. His endorsements span sectors ranging from sportswear and technology to automobiles, finance, and consumer goods.
The ranking also highlights the growing intersection of sports, entertainment, and business in modern India. Celebrities today are no longer merely performers or athletes; they are influential brands capable of shaping consumer behaviour, cultural trends, and business outcomes. As advertising and digital media continue to evolve, brand value is increasingly determined by credibility, audience connection, and sustained relevance rather than fame alone.
For Kohli, the recognition comes during a phase when his influence extends far beyond cricket statistics. Whether through endorsements, business ventures, philanthropy, or social media engagement, he has successfully transformed himself into one of India’s most powerful public figures.
The inaugural Fortune India-Interbrand ranking is likely to become an important benchmark for measuring celebrity influence in the country. And in its very first edition, it is Virat Kohli who stands at the summit, proving that his impact on Indian society and business is as significant as his achievements on the cricket field.