In a surprising turn of events, financial advisory firm Kroll has released its annual Celebrity Brand Valuation report, revealing a new hierarchy of brand value in the Indian entertainment industry.

Contrary to popular expectations, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, often considered a perennial top-tier brand endorser, has been eclipsed by the dynamic Ranveer Singh. The latter has claimed the top spot with a staggering brand value of USD 203.1 million, translating to approximately Rs 1699 crores.

Following closely behind is Shah Rukh Khan with a brand value of USD 120.7 million (Rs 1000 crores), marking a significant resurgence after a brief hiatus from the top ranks. Akshay Kumar occupies the third position with a brand value of USD 111.7 million.

Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone secure the fourth and fifth spots respectively, demonstrating the growing influence of female stars in the industry.

However, the most striking revelation is the dominance of cricketer Virat Kohli. Transcending the realm of sports, Kohli has solidified his position as the most valuable celebrity in India with a brand value of USD 227.9 million (Rs 1900 crores). This surpasses the value of any Bollywood or other entertainment industry personality.

Kroll’s valuation is based on a comprehensive analysis of factors including endorsements, sponsorships, social media impact, public image, marketability, success rate, and overall reputation. The report underscores the evolving landscape of celebrity branding in India and highlights the increasing importance of digital platforms and audience engagement.