In India, a celebrity endorsement isn’t just about putting a famous face on a poster. It’s a lot more personal. For decades, people have looked at their favourite cricketers and movie stars not only as entertainers, but almost as family figures whose choices and words carry weight. So when one of them holds a product in their hand, there’s an instant sense of trust, sometimes even pride.
Now fast forward to 2025, and the scale has changed drastically. Brands have started spending more than ever, and the same big names are still bagging the biggest deals. Their mix of mass following, nostalgia, and reliability makes them priceless. A younger actor may go viral for a season, but it’s these established stars who continue to deliver results where it counts.
Let’s take a closer look at who the ten highest-paid brand ambassadors in India are right now.
From Bollywood to Cricket: Top 10 Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
From Bollywood to Cricket: Top 10 Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India
The following list highlights the highest-paid brand ambassadors who are redefining celebrity influence in India.
Amitabh Bachchan — Decades of Influence
Estimated fee: INR 11–15 crore per campaign
Amitabh Bachchan has been the face of Indian advertising for decades. His credibility and commanding presence make him a favorite for sectors like healthcare, finance, and government initiatives. His association with Cadbury Dairy Milk, ICICI Prudential, and Just Dial showcases his enduring brand power.
Virat Kohli — Cricket’s Most Bankable Star
Estimated fee: INR 10–11 crore per campaign
Virat Kohli remains the top choice for brands, thanks to his unmatched popularity and strong social media following. He consistently tops celebrity brand valuation charts, and his endorsements range from sportswear giant Puma to MRF, Manyavar, and several food and fintech brands. Companies pay premium rates for him because his credibility as a fitness icon and cricketing superstar translates into strong consumer trust.
Shah Rukh Khan — The Evergreen Superstar
Estimated fee: INR 5–10 crore per campaign
Shah Rukh Khan has been India’s “King of Endorsements” for decades, and that hasn’t changed in 2025. His universal appeal makes him the go-to face for premium as well as mass brands. He has represented Hyundai, TAG Heuer, Dubai Tourism, and several FMCG and lifestyle giants. When brands want instant recognition and a touch of legacy, SRK remains the safest bet.
Salman Khan — The Mass Market Magnet
Estimated fee: INR 4–10 crore per campaign
Salman Khan’s influence extends deep into India’s mass market, making him a powerful face for FMCG and personal care products. His association with brands like Pepsi, Revital H, and several grooming and apparel brands showcases his ability to connect with middle-class and rural India. His image of being relatable, yet larger-than-life, keeps his fees among the highest.
Deepika Padukone — The Global Icon
Estimated fee: INR 8 crore per campaign
Deepika Padukone is among the most sought-after female brand ambassadors, balancing Bollywood stardom with international recognition. She has represented Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Adidas, Levi’s, Tissot, Asian Paints, L’Oréal Paris, Dyson, Nestlé Nescafé, and Jio. Her association with both luxury and mass brands highlights her versatility. For marketers, Deepika brings not just glamour but also credibility, making her one of the highest-paid women endorsers in the country.
Allu Arjun
Estimated fee: INR 6–7 crore per campaign
After the massive success of Pushpa, Allu Arjun’s brand value skyrocketed, making him one of India’s most expensive endorsers. He reportedly charges INR 6–7 crore per campaign, putting him in the same league as cricketing and Bollywood giants. With his stylish image and pan-India appeal, he has endorsed brands like Rapido, Frooti, KFC, and Hero MotoCorp. His unique connection with youth and mass audiences ensures brands see strong returns on their investment.
Sachin Tendulkar — The Iconic Cricket Legend
Estimated fee: INR 7–8 crore per campaign
Even years after retirement, Sachin Tendulkar’s brand power remains unmatched. He continues to endorse Visa, BMW India, IDBI Federal Life Insurance, and sports-related brands. His clean image and multigenerational fan base ensure that he still commands premium rates, making him one of the most respected endorsers in the country.
Alan Joseph
MS Dhoni — Captain Cool of Endorsements
Estimated fee: INR 4-6 crore per campaign
MS Dhoni’s calm demeanor, reliability, and legendary cricketing career make him one of the most trusted faces for Indian brands. His endorsements include TVS Motors, CEAT Tyres, Indigo Paints, and several financial and sports-related brands. Known for his clean image and broad appeal across age groups, Dhoni continues to be a favorite for campaigns targeting both families and youth audiences.
Ranveer Singh — Youth Icon with Energy
Estimated fee: INR 3–5 crore per campaign
Ranveer Singh’s infectious energy and flamboyant style make him one of the most exciting faces in advertising. He has endorsed Manyavar, Adidas, Head & Shoulders, and multiple fashion and grooming brands. His strong connection with younger audiences helps brands position themselves as bold, fun, and trend-forward.
Akshay Kumar — The Reliable Everyman
Estimated fee: INR 2-3 crore per campaign
Akshay Kumar’s disciplined lifestyle and relatable image make him a favorite across diverse categories. His endorsements include Policybazaar, Honda, Dollar Industries, and several health and wellness brands. For advertisers targeting middle-class families across India, Akshay remains one of the most reliable ambassadors.
Conclusion
India’s endorsement landscape in 2025 is a mix of youth, glamour, trust, and legacy. Cricket continues to dominate, Bollywood icons provide lasting influence, and regional stars like Allu Arjun are now commanding national attention. Female celebrities like Deepika Padukone show that versatility and international recognition can command top fees.
Ultimately, these ambassadors aren’t just faces for ads, they are the bridge between brands and millions of consumers, turning trust, popularity, and emotional connect into measurable business results. For brands, that influence is priceless, which is why these celebrities remain at the very top of India’s endorsement hierarchy.
Pratyusha Srivastava
FAQs
Who are some Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India?
Some Top Highest-Paid Brand Ambassadors in India are:
- Amitabh Bachchan
- Virat Kohli
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Salman Khan
- Deepika Padukone
- Allu Arjun
- Sachin Tendulkar
- MS Dhoni
- Ranveer Singh
- Akshay Kumar
How much does Virat Kohli earn from endorsements?
Virat Kohli charges around INR 10–11 crore per campaign, making him one of the most expensive celebrity endorsers in the country.
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