Tanushree Basuroy
Research expert covering India
Celebrities in India - statistics & facts
On July 12, 2024, the stars descended on Mumbai to witness the wedding of Asia’s richest man’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant. The seven-month-long celebration was a global spectacle that set social media abuzz and was covered by domestic and international media alike.
The multi-million-dollar affair saw the likes of Rihanna, Adele, and Justin Bieber perform for one of the most glamorous wedding parties with the biggest names in the media, sports, and business worlds in attendance. It's the perfect example of how Indian society is a voracious consumer of celebrity news.
Sports and the cricket fever that sweeps across the country annually led to Indian cricketers reaching new heights. The former captain of the Indian men’s national cricket team, Virat Kohli, was India’s leading celebrity with a brand value of nearly 230 million U.S. dollars.
The evolution of social media as a digital medium and a marketing tool resulted in the rise of influencers. Elite or mega content creators with over a million followers on social media have begun sharing the limelight with traditional celebrities and are often seen on the red carpet at prestigious events both at home in India and internationally.
The global trend of “celebpreneurship” has caught on in India. Celebrities across the board continue to invest and/or own businesses, boosting an already robust start-up ecosystem in India. Whether it's Priyanka Chopra's hair-care company Anomaly, or Alia Bhatt's apparel brand Ed-a-mamma, celebrities are increasingly prominent in the business world, specifically in FMCG sectors.
Lights, camera, and social media traction
India’s dazzling film industry has given birth to some of the most prominent celebrities over the years. Bollywood film stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Aamir Khan attained world-renowned fame with many blockbusters. However, the value of these public figures goes beyond entertainment. Ranked on their brand value, celebrities also offer a means for revenue generation across industries. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh had the highest brand value among media personalities in 2023, while Alia Bhatt was the leading female celebrity within this metric.Sports and the cricket fever that sweeps across the country annually led to Indian cricketers reaching new heights. The former captain of the Indian men’s national cricket team, Virat Kohli, was India’s leading celebrity with a brand value of nearly 230 million U.S. dollars.
The evolution of social media as a digital medium and a marketing tool resulted in the rise of influencers. Elite or mega content creators with over a million followers on social media have begun sharing the limelight with traditional celebrities and are often seen on the red carpet at prestigious events both at home in India and internationally.
Investment and influence
Celebrity endorsements have long played a key role in advertising and marketing campaigns for brands. Aimed at spreading brand awareness, amplifying their reach, consolidating their image, and influencing consumer behavior, celebrity brand deals have been mutually beneficial to Indian celebrities and companies.The global trend of “celebpreneurship” has caught on in India. Celebrities across the board continue to invest and/or own businesses, boosting an already robust start-up ecosystem in India. Whether it's Priyanka Chopra's hair-care company Anomaly, or Alia Bhatt's apparel brand Ed-a-mamma, celebrities are increasingly prominent in the business world, specifically in FMCG sectors.
Wealth and power
The realm of influence is not limited to media and sports. Business tycoons such as Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Gautam Adani, and other social elites and high net-worth individuals make a significant impact on the economy. Recently political and religious leaders have increasingly gained popularity. The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, was among the most followed politicians in the world. Be it mega-weddings, wielding the power to sway global markets, or shaping public opinion, celebrities hold sway beyond the silver screen and cricket field in India.
