September 30, 2025

Bollywood's biggest stars are now making more money off the screen than in movies! A fresh study by US-based firm Kroll reveals that non-film income like brand endorsements and smart investments are pumping up their brand values big time. Leading the pack is Ranveer Singh, the dashing star who scored a whopping $170.7 million (₹1,423.8 crore) in 2024, even without a solo hit film for nearly two years. His last major film was "Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani" in 2023. "Ranveer Singh continues to be the top Bollywood star by brand value. He has become the face of diverse endorsements. This unique blend of stardom and strategy cements his position among the industry's most renowned stars," said Umakanta Panigrahi, managing director at Kroll. Ranveer's magic lies in his wild energy and charm that clicks with both young fans and the wider public. Suniel Wadhwa, co-founder of Karmic Films, explains, "His sheer energy and relatability resonate with youth as well as mass audiences, which is why marketers are willing to invest anywhere between ₹4-₹7 crore per campaign to leverage his influence." He's not just a pretty face! Ranveer’s bold move into start-ups and smart investments also pumps up his brand value. In 2024, he backed more than 45 brands, leaving other big stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Akshay Kumar, and Deepika Padukone—whose brand values range from $100 million to $146 million—far behind in endorsement numbers. "His celeb-preneurial spirit and bold investments set him apart in the celebrity ecosystem. From start-ups to smart investments, he is as bold as his on-screen persona," adds Panigrahi. Some cool brands he endorses include Zomato, Ching's, and Bold Care. Plus, he owns 50% of Elite Mindset, a packaged foods start-up! Interestingly, while Ranveer Singh and Akshay Kumar's brand values dropped by 16% and 3.3% respectively, Shah Rukh Khan and Alia Bhatt saw jumps of 20.7% and 15.1% in 2024. Ajimon Francis, MD of Brand Finance, adds clarity, "Celebrity brand value is an accumulation of their endorsements and investments. But there is a difference between brands and brand ambassadors. Brand endorsement deals are momentary, done on and off screen with big corporations and other engagements." So, the secret sauce for these stars is clear: smart money moves off screen are protecting them from box-office bumps. Ranveer Singh proves that to be the face of a brand—and a business—is the new way to stay on top!

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Tags: Bollywood, Ranveer singh, Brand value, Endorsements, Investments, Celebrity earnings,