M.S. Dhoni Leads With 43 Brand Endorsements
1. Why M.S. Dhoni Remains a Favorite for Brands
MS Dhoni’s cool, dependable image keeps him at the top of the endorsement charts. TAM AdEx data for early 2026 shows Dhoni leading all celebrities, tied to 43 brands. Even sidelined by a calf injury in IPL 2026, he continued to command huge ad spending (roughly ₹3.5–6 crore per deal. Brands prize his persona: calm under pressure, experienced and relatable to fans of all ages.
2. The Industries That Prefer Dhoni
Dhoni’s reach cuts across urban and rural India. He endorses products from many sectors: automotive, banking/fintech, FMCG, health, and even tech startups. For example, Chennai Super Kings partner Gulf Oil and snack maker OREO are long-time Dhoni brands, while newer deals include fintech BHIM and digital app Kuku. His broad appeal lets brands target families, cricket fans and casual consumers alike.
3. Why His Endorsements Work So Well
Audiences find Dhoni authentic. In ads, he rarely overacts; he comes across as a genuine, trustworthy guy. That builds consumer confidence. Industry insiders note that seeing Dhoni on a product makes people take it more seriously. A good example is the NPCI’s BHIM Payments App. In early 2026, BHIM launched a “Mahi Way” campaign featuring Dhoni. The ads show him using payments in everyday life to highlight ease and security. His image helps make digital payments feel safe and familiar.
4. Strong Presence Beyond Television
In 2026, Dhoni’s endorsements went well beyond TV spots. Brands use him for social media, digital content, and events. For instance, Dhoni invested in a short-video app called Kuku and became its ambassador. This reflects how companies link his brand to new media. Dhoni also did event appearances and interactive content (Instagram takeovers and behind-the-scenes videos). His partnerships now include Instagram reels and YouTube spots in addition to commercials, giving campaigns extra reach.
5. Lessons Brands Can Learn From Dhoni
Dhoni’s career shows that consistency pays off. He often renews long-term deals rather than doing one-off ads. This helps consumers remember both the star and the product. Brands working with Dhoni build trust by associating with his steady image. His example suggests that choosing a reliable, well-liked celebrity – even one who may not be new – can create powerful brand recall. In short, Dhoni’s playbook is to emphasize trust and familiarity over flashy gimmicks.
Virat Kohli Remains a Top Celebrity Endorser
1. Virat Kohli’s Brand Value and Popularity
Virat Kohli continued to lead in brand valuation. He remains India’s most valuable celebrity endorser due to massive popularity among sports and youth audiences. His disciplined, high-energy persona resonates especially with fitness and fashion campaigns. Even brands outside cricket see him as an aspirational figure.
2. Fitness and Fashion Brands Prefer Kohli
Kohli is the go-to star for sportswear, fitness apps, grooming and active lifestyle products. Companies like Puma and Adidas previously worked with him, and new-age brands (e.g., an online high-protein foods brand) also sign him. His athletic image naturally fits energy drinks, gym equipment, and athleisure clothing. That means millions of young men instantly trust a message if Kohli delivers it.
3. Social Media Amplifies His Reach
With over 100 million followers on Instagram, Kohli offers brands instant visibility. A post or reel featuring him can go viral, giving campaigns huge reach without extra ad spend. For example, Pay10 – a digital payment startup – named Virat (along with Anushka Sharma) as its global brand ambassador in late 2025. Pay10 specifically cited their combined social following of 500 million as a key advantage. When Kohli tweets or appears in a video, engagement spikes immediately.
4. Kohli’s Image Appeals to Young Audiences
Millennials and Gen Z see Kohli as their role model. His focus on fitness, personal discipline and success is inspiring to younger consumers. Brands targeting tech-savvy youngsters often cast him in ads about ambition and modern lifestyle. A campaign’s tone with Kohli tends to be energetic, stylish and confidence-driven – qualities popular with young buyers.
5. Long-Term Partnerships Built His Value
Kohli’s endorsements often last years. Instead of switching celebrities every campaign, many brands keep him as their face for multiple seasons. This repetition builds strong audience familiarity. For instance, international sneaker brand Puma continued its multi-year deal with Kohli. Long-running partnerships allow consumers to form a stronger association between Kohli and the brand’s values, increasing loyalty over time.
Ranveer Singh Became One of the Most Active Brand Faces
1. Ranveer Singh’s Energy Fits Modern Advertising
Ranveer Singh was one of the busiest stars in 2025–26. His electric, larger-than-life persona fits campaigns aimed at excitement. After winning a major acting award in late 2025, he capitalized on the buzz with many new ads. Brands looking to inject fun and liveliness—like youth apparel and snack companies—chose Ranveer repeatedly.
2. Fashion and Lifestyle Brands Love His Style
Ranveer’s bold fashion sense makes him a natural fit for style-focused labels. In 2026 he fronted campaigns for sneaker brands, edgy clothing lines, and grooming products. Even beer and sports drink ads cast him to highlight a carefree, youthful vibe. His status as a style icon means fashion-conscious consumers pay attention when he endorses a product.
3. Humor-Based Ads Work Well With Him
Many campaigns use Ranveer in comedic or quirky formats. His range allows ads to be silly or irreverent. For example, a banking services ad portrayed Ranveer playing multiple crazy characters to keep viewers entertained. The brand leveraged his humor and spontaneity to break through the advertising clutter.
4. Strong Digital Campaign Performance
Ranveer’s ads often go viral online. Marketers design his campaigns with digital virality in mind—short skits, catchy dialogues, and shareable visuals. His films (short videos for Instagram or YouTube) perform very well, racking up likes and shares. Brands see higher engagement when Ranveer is their face, because fans know he’ll put on a show.
5. What Brands Learn From Ranveer Singh Campaigns
Ranveer’s success shows that modern audiences want entertainment in ads. Campaigns that feel like mini-movies or comedy sketches resonate more than straightforward product pitches. Ranveer-style endorsements are high-energy and conversational. Brands learn to loosen up—giving celebrities freedom to be themselves can make ads feel authentic. In short, Ranveer’s campaigns underline that authenticity and fun often beat hard selling.
Shah Rukh Khan Continued Dominating TV Visibility
1. Shah Rukh Khan Remains a Household Name
Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) still ruled television screens. TAM AdEx data for early 2026 shows SRK endorsing 35 brands. In 2025, he accounted for about 10% of all celebrity TV ad time, nearly 30 hours per day on average. His mythic popularity across India makes him a first choice for national campaigns. When SRK signs with a brand, it instantly signals a trusted, mass-appeal image.
2. Family-Oriented Brands Prefer Him
SRK’s versatile appeal spans age groups. He’s especially favored by brands aiming for a family-friendly image. Companies making soap, detergent, food, or telecom services often pick SRK. His charm and sense of humor in ads make households relate to him. Advertisements featuring SRK usually emphasize values like togetherness or celebration. For example, a tea or biscuit brand might use SRK to evoke warmth and nostalgia.
3. Emotional Storytelling Strengthens Campaigns
Many SRK-led ads focus on emotional narratives. Instead of direct pitches, they tell stories where SRK guides a young character or narrates a lesson. This storytelling style plays to SRK’s strengths as an actor. Viewers remember the feeling of an ad more than the product details. Brands know SRK can make a commercial memorable by weaving a short emotional arc in a minute-long ad.
4. Multi-Generational Appeal Helps Brands
Few celebrities connect with both grandparents and kids like SRK can. Parents who grew up with his films still follow his ads, while younger audiences admire his star power. This makes him very valuable for wide-reaching campaigns. A product like a smartphone or automobile can leverage SRK’s appeal to both tech-savvy youth and their parents’ trust in him, bridging audience segments.
5. Consistency Built Long-Term Brand Trust
Shah Rukh Khan has long-term partnerships with several major brands (e.g., payment banks and luxury products). These multi-year deals reinforce brand trust. When consumers see the same familiar celebrity for years, they tend to develop stronger recall. SRK’s continued association suggests stability. Brands learn that re-signing an all-time star can be as powerful as introducing a new face, if the aim is to reinforce loyalty.
Deepika Padukone Led Female Celebrity Endorsements
1. Deepika Padukone Dominated Premium Campaigns
Deepika Padukone had a huge share of female-led endorsements in 2026. According to 2025 TAM data, she held about 5% of total TV advertising volume, the highest among women. Many high-end brands targeted women’s aspirational and beauty segments used Deepika’s elegant image. She was the face of everything from premium jewelry to international cosmetics.
2. Luxury and Beauty Brands Prefer Her
Deepika’s association with glamor makes her a perfect match for luxury fashion and beauty. In 2026, she was picked as the first Indian House Ambassador for Louis Vuitton, and she has long-term deals with Cartier and Dior. Her clean, sophisticated style appeals to brands like Chanel (where she became India’s ambassador) and makeup companies. For example, Deepika represented a global jewelry brand’s ad campaign in India, linking the brand with her polished persona.
3. Global Recognition Adds Value
Having a globally known Indian star helps brands expand beyond India. Deepika’s international profile — films in Hollywood and global magazine covers — boosts local brands’ premium cachet. Her role with Louis Vuitton and Cartier shows how global fashion houses use her to reach both Indian and international luxury shoppers. In ads, she often appears in glamorous settings, underscoring the brand’s prestige.
4. Strong Fashion Influence Boosted Campaigns
Deepika often features on international red carpets, which means fans see her outfits online. Brands capitalize on this by making her the face of fashion collections. Campaigns emphasize her style expertise. For example, a luxury eyewear brand launched an ad with Deepika modeling their newest frame collection, and the campaign trended on social media because of her influence.
5. Digital Campaigns Expanded Her Reach
In 2026 many brands leveraged Deepika’s digital clout. She hosted live product launches on Instagram, starred in digital reels, and took over branded YouTube channels. E-commerce beauty portals tapped her for virtual events. By using her in online ads and influencer-style content, companies reached younger women who follow Deepika on social media. This complements her TV commercials, ensuring the campaign appears in apps and feeds too.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas Expanded Global Brand Partnerships
1. Priyanka Chopra Jonas Became a Global Brand Face
Priyanka Chopra Jonas (PCJ) continued expanding her global endorsement portfolio. In 2026, she remained the first Indian face for many international brands. Her cross-cultural appeal made her ideal for companies selling worldwide.
2. Bentley Motors Partnership Stood Out
One high-profile deal was luxury carmaker Bentley naming PCJ as its global ambassador (announced in early 2026). This deal shows how Indian celebrities can represent European luxury abroad. PCJ appears in Bentley’s international ads, linking her Hollywood and Bollywood fame to the brand’s image of luxury and success.
3. International Reach Helped Luxury Brands
Brands with global ambitions favored Priyanka because she resonates in multiple markets. After her global endorsement with Tiffany & Co. and Bulgari, she added even more deals in 2026. For instance, a premium skincare company launched in India with Priyanka as its face, using her international star power to position the product as world-class.
4. Fashion and Beauty Remained Strong Categories
In 2026, Priyanka continued to front major fashion and beauty campaigns. She was the face of an Indian online fashion retailer’s new winter line, and a leading organic skincare brand also chose her for its India launch. These deals play to her style influencer status and her interest in health and wellness, keeping her portfolio focused on lifestyle.
5. What Brands Learn From Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka’s global success shows that brands can leverage a star’s international visibility. An endorsement by a celebrity like her can help Indian startups aim overseas. It also signals prestige to local consumers. Her example teaches brands to think bigger: signing a globally recognized Indian talent can amplify a brand’s image beyond just the Indian market.
Celebrity Couples Became a Major Trend
1. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh Led the Market
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were one of the biggest couples for endorsements. In 2025 they together fronted over 20 brand campaigns. Their real-life marriage story adds authenticity to ads. For example, a jewelry brand used them together in an emotional campaign during a festival, and viewers responded strongly to seeing an actual married pair in ad roles.
2. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Stayed Highly Popular
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli continued their appeal to both sports and family audiences. In 2026 they co-endorsed a major payment app (Pay10) and a travel campaign for Dubai tourism. These joint ventures leverage their status as a high-profile couple and mother-father image. Brands see that fans enjoy their chemistry and trust products they present together.
3. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt Gained Attention
Newlyweds Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt also signed multiple joint deals. In early 2026, for example, they appeared together in a three-part digital campaign for an online beauty and fashion retailer. Their relatability as a young married couple made the ads feel fresh. They embody the young family demographic brands want to reach.
4. Why Couple Campaigns Perform Well
Using real-life couples adds an emotional hook. Ads with couples feel like peeks into genuine relationships. Viewers trust them more because the celebrity pair actually share that bond. A romantic scene or playful banter between the stars grabs attention. As BestMediaInfo reported, half of all couple-based endorsements in 2025 came from just four duos, underscoring how effective this strategy is.
5. Lifestyle Brands Benefit the Most
Fashion, home, jewelry, travel and food brands especially choose couples. A wedding jewelry retailer, for example, might hire a celebrity couple to appeal to newlyweds and families. Similarly, travel ads featuring couples make destinations seem more romantic. Food and dining campaigns (like the Swiggy Dining festival) also tapped couples or families to show how products fit into life’s celebrations.
Food, Personal Care, and Household Products Dominated Advertising
1. FMCG Brands Continued Heavy Spending
Everyday product companies led the celebrity endorsement game in 2026. Food and beverage firms alone accounted for roughly a quarter of all celebrity TV ads. For example, fast-food chains and packaged snack makers frequently cast movie stars to stand out on crowded shelves. Popeyes India, a fast-food chain, used actress Rashmika Mandanna in its “Boring vs Bold” campaign in South India. This ad highlighted its Cajun-style chicken and aimed at young diners by aligning with Rashmika’s energetic image.
2. Personal Care Brands Used Strong Celebrity Visibility
Health and beauty brands also heavily relied on film personalities. Skincare, haircare, and grooming companies signed actors and models for maximum impact. For instance, a shampoo brand launched a TV spot with a Bollywood actress in a glamorous hair-flip sequence. Ads often focus on the celebrity enjoying real-life scenarios (wedding, party) to show off the product’s benefits. Personal care ads tend to cast women (like Deepika or Priyanka) in 2026 campaigns, in line with industry trends.
3. Household Brands Preferred Trusted Faces
Home care and cleaning product advertisers typically seek celebrities with a family-friendly, wholesome image. A detergent ad, for example, might feature Amitabh Bachchan or Madhuri Dixit cooking and doing laundry with a clean home backdrop. Food seasoning brands often use cricketers or actors who represent comfort and tradition. Even a smartphone accessory maker might use a motherly star to suggest reliability. These choices match the older target audience of household items.
4. Digital Campaigns Became More Important
Many FMCG brands now prioritize digital-first ads. Short “reels” and influencer tie-ups boost awareness online before TV premieres. For example, instant noodles brand BlitzFest shot funny skits for Instagram featuring a popular comedian as family dinners getting playful. Brands also ran hashtag challenges with influencers alongside their main celebrity spot. This reflects how daily-use brands try to connect on social media as well as TV.
5. Why These Industries Spend Big on Celebrity Marketing
Food, personal care, and home products sell everyday essentials. They rely on high visibility and recall to drive frequent purchases. A celebrity in such ads acts like a familiar friend, cutting through thousands of similar offerings. Data shows consumers often prefer products with known faces. In a competitive market, celebrity ads help these brands appear trustworthy and premium. That’s why, even in 2026, these industries continued to pour most of their ad budgets into celebrity and influencer campaigns.
Sports Celebrities Continued Dominating Endorsements
1. Cricket Still Rules the Endorsement Market
Cricketers remained the biggest sports endorsers in 2026. With cricket as India’s top sport, players beyond Dhoni and Kohli also drew attention. Young RCB player Rinku Singh became known as a “moneyball hero” and started appearing in ads for a sports nutrition drink. Veteran players like Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir appeared in cricket equipment ads. In IPL advertising, film stars took 41% of ad time, while sports personalities (mostly cricketers) took 35%. The prominence of players in ads spikes during tournaments.
2. Fitness Culture Increased Athlete Demand
As fitness grew trendy, brands sought healthy-living icons. Olympians and fitness influencers joined endorsement lists. For example, badminton star PV Sindhu’s 2025 partnership with Puma (for performance wear) illustrates sportswear brands turning to athletes. In 2026, multi-sport athletes (track-and-field, hockey) also featured in ads for energy bars and sports drinks. The idea is that athletes embody the active lifestyle that these brands want to promote.
3. Athletes Feel More Relatable to Young Audiences
Many young consumers admire sports figures for qualities like discipline and determination. Endorsing a product with an athlete can make it seem performance-oriented or aspirational. For instance, sneaker ads might switch between stars from cricket, badminton, and basketball to show broad athletic appeal. Social media also helps: a cricketer’s workout reel or a footballer’s training video with the product tag gives the brand credibility among sports fans.
4. Sports Events Increase Campaign Visibility
Tournaments like the IPL and Asian Games offer huge audiences. Brands capitalize by signing athletes to appear in themed campaigns around these events. During IPL 2026, companies advertised with players in cricket gear or stadium settings. Even outside cricket, ads timed with events (like Commonwealth Games trials and Olympic qualifiers) featured national athletes in patriotic themes. This ties the excitement of sports events to the product’s narrative.
5. Athlete Marketing Will Continue Growing
The trend suggests brands will invest even more in sports figures. As India’s portfolio of popular sports grows (cricket, badminton, kabaddi, etc.), companies will endorse athletes accordingly. Digital platforms also spotlight athletes’ personal stories (training videos, behind the scenes), giving brands more opportunities. The 2026 data makes it clear: sports personalities remain among the most bankable endorsers due to their dedicated fan following.
The Future of Celebrity Endorsements in India
1. Influencers and Celebrities Will Work Together More
Looking ahead, brands often pair stars with social media creators in one campaign. A commercial might cut to an Instagram influencer briefly, or the celebrity might “challenge” influencers on TikTok. This blended strategy is already growing: one report calls for performance contracts linking fees to online engagement. So future campaigns will likely feature celebrities launching a product and influencers expanding on it.
2. Regional Celebrities Will Become Bigger
Brands are tapping stars from regional cinema and culture. In 2026, we saw ads in Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi with local actors to target those markets. A Marathi entertainment streaming service, for example, launched a national ad with its Marathi film hero in Hindi dubbed for wider reach. This trend recognizes that India’s 400+ million TV households often prefer regional faces and languages. Expect more brands to engage regional stars as national ambassadors in coming years.
3. Social Media Will Lead Most Campaigns
By 2027, many big-brand launches may premiere on Instagram or YouTube before TV. Short video platforms (Reels, Shorts) dominate youth attention. In 2026, major apparel and tech brands already gave star-studded teasers exclusively online. We can expect future endorsements to be “social-first”: perhaps a celebrity challenges influencers in a viral stunt, with TV spots summarizing the hype later.
4. Brands Want Authentic Campaigns
Audiences quickly spot ads where celebs are just delivering a script. The shift is toward authenticity. Successful campaigns in 2026 felt natural: celebrities talking about daily life (Ranveer passing tea, SRK reacting in real-time to the product). Indian audiences respond better when the tie-in makes sense with the star’s image. So the trend is that ads will get more like mini-stories or vlogs, rather than pitches, to build genuine connection.
5. Long-Term Partnerships Will Continue Winning
Brands will still favor long-term associations with major stars. Data shows enduring endorsements build more trust than one-off spots. For example, Boost Milkshake’s ongoing “Secret of Energy” ads with Dhoni demonstrate this strategy. As new media costs rise, brands may invest in one big face and stretch content across seasons. Long-haul deals with stars help advertisers maintain consistent messaging in a fast-changing market.
Conclusion
Celebrity endorsements are evolving but remain vital in India’s ad landscape. In 2026, stars like M.S. Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dominated endorsements across categories — from consumer goods and fintech to luxury and e-commerce. Brands are increasingly choosing endorsements that go beyond TV: digital campaigns, authentic storytelling, and influencer tie-ins are key.
The year’s biggest campaigns combined broad appeal with niche targeting. For example, Popeyes India tapped Rashmika Mandanna to connect with South-Indian youth, while Pay10 used Virat and Anushka to build trust in payments. The rise of celebrity couples and athletes shows how personal connection drives ads. The common lesson is that a well-fit celebrity (or couple) can deeply resonate with the intended audience.
Looking forward, the celebrity endorsement model will likely blend with influencer and digital strategies even more. Brands today understand that selecting a star is not just about fame but about audience match and authenticity. Celebrity ambassadors who engage audiences on social media and live events will have an edge. For businesses in India, partnering with the right celebrity remains a powerful way to boost visibility — if done thoughtfully.
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