A recent report by Hansa Research has sparked a fascinating debate: who commands more star power in India, cricketers or Bollywood stars? The findings suggest that cricket reigns supreme, with cricketers topping the list of the country’s most popular celebrities.
Virat Kohli Outshines Shah Rukh Khan
The survey, conducted with 4,000 respondents across 36 Indian cities, revealed a surprising trend. Virat Kohli leads the rankings as India’s most powerful star, followed closely by cricket legends MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar. While Kohli’s active presence in cricket and endorsements keeps him in the public eye, the enduring popularity of Dhoni and Tendulkar underscores their iconic status.
Bollywood stars begin to make their mark only from rank 4, with Shah Rukh Khan leading the film industry contingent, followed by Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan.
A Diverse Star-Studded List
The list includes a mix of cricketing icons and Bollywood heavyweights, with South star Allu Arjun (rank 7) being the only representative from regional cinema. Salman Khan (rank 8) and Hrithik Roshan (rank 9) round out the top 10, along with Deepika Padukone (rank 10), the sole woman on the list.
This inter-industry comparison reveals the immense cultural impact of cricket and Bollywood, but also highlights how cricket transcends generations to maintain its grip on the nation’s collective consciousness.
Do You Agree With the Rankings?
While star power can be subjective and difficult to quantify, this report provides a unique perspective on who truly commands the masses in India. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a Bollywood fan, one thing is clear: both industries hold unparalleled sway over the hearts of millions.