Virat Kohli Overtakes Shah Rukh Khan in the List of Most Valuable Celebrity in India

Virat Kohli has had a fabulous 2017 as he scored runs in bulk and broke numerous records during the year. Now he has added another feather to his pocket by dethroning Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to become the most valuable celebrity brand in the country. Kohli’s total brand value counts to USD 144 million in 2017, a growth of 56 percent from last year.

According to Duff & Phelps report Rise of the Millennials: India’s Most Valuable Celebrity Brands Kohli’s rise in value has come because of his growing advertisement fees, on-field performances and increasing fan following. Kohli is making the most of his great form scoring huge runs throughout the year. His fans all over the world are going gaga over Indian skipper’s achievements in 2017 as he scored 2818 runs in the year.

Duff & Phelps managing director and region leader – India, Japan and Southeast Asia Varun Gupta said:

 “For the first time since we began publishing our rankings, Shah Rukh Khan has slipped from the top ranking and been replaced by Virat Kohli. Kohli is now the first choice of brands to engage and attract consumers, fueled by his extraordinary on-field performances and off-field charisma,” 

Shah Rukh Khan slipped top the second spot with a brand value of USD 106 million, down by 20 percent compared to 2016. Deepika Padukone is ranked third on the list with a value of USD 93 million. Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the other cricketer in the list at 13^th spot with a value of USD 21 million.

Duff & Phelps director Aviral Jain said:

 “While Bollywood celebrities continue to dominate the top 15, sportspersons are providing tough competition as Kohli, Dhoni and Sindhu, collectively valued at USD 180 million, account for nearly a quarter of the overall celebrity brand value of the top 15.”