EXCLUSIVE: Arjan Bajwa speaks on personal freedom to mark 80th Independence Day; says choosing your own path is an “act of courage and liberation”

Actor Arjan Bajwa has reflected on the meaning of independence, saying that personal freedom is closely linked to having the courage to make choices that may not always be understood by others. In a conversation on Independence Day, the actor spoke about taking unconventional decisions, dealing with criticism and remembering the sacrifices that made India’s freedom possible.

Bajwa, known for films including Rustom, Fashion, Kabir Singh and Tamil film Bigil, as well as projects such as State of Siege: 26/11 and Demon Hunters, said choosing a different path can require considerable courage, particularly when it means going against what is expected. “To choose one’s own path is, anyways, an act of courage because you are not following the herd and are trying to do something different,” he said.

According to Bajwa, unconventional choices can initially make a person appear out of place. However, he believes people’s perception can change when they understand the reasons behind those decisions. “Maybe initially, people look at you as a black sheep or someone who’s against the tide,” he said.

The actor added that standing by a decision can eventually inspire others to reconsider their own choices. “When one has chosen it for a good reason, the same people will follow you and call your act of choosing your path an act of courage and confidence,” Bajwa said.

Arjan Bajwa on moments of personal freedom

Bajwa said he has experienced situations in his own life where making a difficult choice or refusing to follow expectations gave him a sense of liberation. “Yes, of course, there have been many moments in my life where taking a strong decision, choosing a certain path, or even saying no when you are obligated to say yes has felt like an act of courage and liberation,” he said.

The actor was also asked about an Indian who has inspired him the most. While he acknowledged that India’s history is filled with people from different fields who have influenced generations, he chose freedom fighter Bhagat Singh in the context of Independence Day. “India is such a great country that people from different walks of life have been inspirations for generations, so it’s really difficult to pinpoint one person,” Bajwa said.

“But while I say that, since it is the month of Independence of India, I would say a heroic figure like Bhagat Singh has been an inspiration for our country and generations,” he added.

Arjan Bajwa remembers Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice

For Bajwa, one of the most striking aspects of Bhagat Singh’s story is the young age at which he chose to dedicate his life to India’s freedom struggle. “A youngster making up his mind strongly and sacrificing his life for the country so that we deserve a better future and live with freedom and harmony is not an easy job or a regular person’s state of mind,” he said.

The actor believes that remembering the sacrifices made by earlier generations is important to ensure that the freedoms enjoyed today are not taken for granted. While acknowledging that a single message cannot guarantee such awareness, he said remembering the cost of freedom is an important starting point. “Only if one message was enough for people to not take freedom for granted was possible,” Bajwa said.

He concluded by emphasising that the freedoms people experience today came after years of sacrifice and struggle. “What we have has been the result of a lot of blood, sweat, and struggle of our ancestors. So, let’s keep their sacrifice in mind and not take every day, each moment of happiness, freedom, and positivity for granted in our lives,” Arjan said.

Also Read: Arjan Bajwa praises Hong Kong cinematographer Tony Cheung after Demon Hunters success: “I really look forward to working with him again”

The post EXCLUSIVE: Arjan Bajwa speaks on personal freedom to mark 80th Independence Day; says choosing your own path is an “act of courage and liberation” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/cn5Xwv8

Jackky Bhagnani returns to acting after six years with Independence Day anthem ‘Tere Rang Mein’: “I wanted the street credibility and respect of Gen Z”

Jackky Bhagnani has returned to acting after a six-year gap with the Independence Day anthem ‘Tere Rang Mein,’ released under his music label Jjust Music. The actor-producer said the song offered him an opportunity to return to the screen with a project that was personally meaningful to him.

Bhagnani described himself as a patriot and said the nature of the song played an important role in his decision to face the camera again. “I am a patriot by heart. It’s been quite some time since I faced the camera. So, I thought the best way to come back is with the right cause,” Bhagnani said.

The actor’s return comes after several years of focusing primarily on film production. According to Bhagnani, stepping away from acting was a conscious decision as he worked behind the scenes and became more involved in producing films.

Jackky Bhagnani on focusing on film production

Bhagnani said his experience as a producer made him rethink the way he wanted to approach his acting career. He explained that producing his own films gave him greater control over the projects he wanted to associate with. “I realised that I should produce my own films because if I do that, no one will question it,” he said.

The actor-producer also spoke about wanting to establish greater credibility among younger audiences. He said that even when some of his films performed well, he felt he had not received the recognition he was looking for as an actor. “I felt that even in the films that were working, I wasn’t getting credibility. I wanted the street credibility and respect of Gen Z, they should see that this is made by me,” Bhagnani shared.

Now that he is returning to acting, Bhagnani said he is not looking to sign projects simply for the sake of being on screen. Instead, he is searching for a role that offers something different.

The actor said he is looking for something “disruptive” for his next acting project, suggesting that his return to films will be guided by the kind of material he finds creatively interesting.

Jackky Bhagnani praises wife Rakul Preet Singh

Bhagnani also spoke about his wife, actor Rakul Preet Singh, who will soon be seen as Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1. The actor-producer expressed confidence in her performance and said the film could introduce another side of her talent to Hindi-speaking audiences. “Rakul is my superstar. She has seen superstardom in the South. She has so much more to offer to the Hindi audience, and Ramayana will do that for her,” he said.

Bhagnani also acknowledged the challenges involved in portraying a character such as Surpanakha. “Surpanakha can be a tricky character, but she has played it with elegance,” he added.

Rakul will feature alongside Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana in the upcoming epic. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on November 6, 2026.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh joins #WhatsOnYourPlate challenge, nominates Jackky Bhagnani and Tamannaah Bhatia

The post Jackky Bhagnani returns to acting after six years with Independence Day anthem ‘Tere Rang Mein’: “I wanted the street credibility and respect of Gen Z” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/QdSHCR4

Photos: Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh and Milap Zaveri snapped at a cafe in Khar

The post Photos: Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh and Milap Zaveri snapped at a cafe in Khar appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/3ibD2Rt

Sandeepa Dhar visits Srinagar’s Shankaracharya Temple, climbs 250 steps for darshan

Actor Sandeepa Dhar began her Kashmir trip with a visit to the Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing details of her visit on social media, she said the temple was the first place she wanted to see after landing in Srinagar.

Perched atop the Shankaracharya Hill, the temple required Sandeepa to climb nearly 250 steps. She said the thin mountain air and the steep climb made the journey physically demanding, with her legs beginning to shake midway through. However, she added that every step was worth it once she reached the top.

At the summit, Sandeepa offered prayers at the sacred Shivling and spent time at the site. She also reflected on standing at the spot where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to have meditated centuries ago, calling it an experience filled with an energy that is difficult to put into words.

Sandeepa also shared details about the shrine. Located nearly 1,000 feet above the Kashmir Valley, the temple overlooks Srinagar and Dal Lake. It is believed to date back to around 200 BC, making it one of the oldest temples in Kashmir. The shrine takes its name from Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have meditated there, while historians suggest the site may originally have been a Buddhist place of worship before becoming a Hindu shrine.

Calling it her first visit to the temple, Sandeepa described the darshan as blessed and ended her note with “Om Namah Shivaya.” She is currently in Kashmir and has indicated that her journey in the valley is just beginning.

Sandeepa Dhar is preparing for the release of her upcoming Netflix series Chumbak, in which she will next be seen.

Also Read: Sandeepa Dhar shares unseen Do Deewane Seher Mein still to wish Mrunal Thakur on her birthday; says, “You made the most stunning bride”

The post Sandeepa Dhar visits Srinagar’s Shankaracharya Temple, climbs 250 steps for darshan appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/8MSYOmh

Scam 2010 begins production: Hansal Mehta to direct Siddharth Bodke in new chapter

The next chapter in one of India’s most-loved and acclaimed franchises is officially underway. Sony LIV, Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment have begun production on Scam 2010, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Hansal Mehta. From his rise through small savings schemes that laid the foundation for a sprawling financial empire to the public scrutiny that followed, the series traces a compelling and extraordinary journey.

Speaking about the series, Hansal Mehta said, “Scam 2010 is a story about ambition, influence and the arrogance that follows both. It looks at how one of India’s largest business empires was built on belief — and what happened when that belief ran out. It tells the fascinating story of the rise of an empire and the man who mistook it for invincibility.”

Deepak Segal, Chief Content Officer, Applause Entertainment, said, “Scam has become much more than a franchise for us. The success of Scam comes with a lot of responsibility, as we are extremely conscious of the expectations that people have from us. Scam 1992 arrived at a time when the Indian streaming ecosystem was still finding its voice and went on to become one of the most loved and culturally resonant series to emerge from India. The success of Scam 1992 gave us the confidence to build an anthology around a simple but powerful idea: India’s history is full of extraordinary stories in which ambition, money, power, and human nature collide. With Scam 2010, we are taking that ambition even further. What makes this season particularly exciting is having Hansal Mehta return to direct. Hansal has been integral to the DNA of Scam from the beginning, and his ability to transform complex real-life events into intimate, gripping human stories is one of the reasons the franchise has resonated so deeply.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sony LIV (@sonylivindia)

Siddharth Bodke, who steps into the lead role, said, “What floored me was the complexity of the lead’s personality and the scale of the show. His passion, power, flaws, rise and eventual downfall make him an incredibly fascinating character to portray. The experience has been nothing short of thrilling for me, and I have relished the opportunity to play such a layered character under the guidance of someone like Hansal Mehta.”

Produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, Scam 2010 is currently in production and will stream exclusively on Sony LIV soon.

Also Read: Scam 1992 director Hansal Mehta cracks up crowd at WIFF: “OTT creators are delivery men, just like Salman Khan’s directors on Eid!”; recalls BBC rejecting him for Criminal Justice: “I had just made Simran then. I don’t blame them”

The post Scam 2010 begins production: Hansal Mehta to direct Siddharth Bodke in new chapter appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/Mnv2PNY

‘Chak De! India climax took 15 nights to shoot,’ reveals Vidya Malavade on 19th anniversary of Shah Rukh Khan starrer

Nineteen years after the release of Chak De! India, actress Vidya Malavade has revisited her memories of the much-loved sports drama, recalling the extensive preparation that went into making the film and revealing details about the filming of its climactic hockey match. The actress, who played team captain Vidya Sharma in the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer, shared a video message for fans as the film completed 19 years.

Reflecting on the enduring popularity of the film, Vidya expressed gratitude to audiences who have continued to remember the movie and its characters nearly two decades later. “So, it’s been 19 years since Chak De India. And it’s like a blessing that never stops giving. And this is your love. Thank you so so so much for loving us so much. So much love, that you’ve been giving us for 19 years, I’m so thankful for that,” she said.

The actress also spoke about how audiences still remember her character by name. “I always say, it’s my parents’ blessings, their blessings, and I don’t know, a little bit of hard work, and this is what, nowadays, when people don’t remember the names of the movies that have come out, you guys still remember and call me Vidya Sharma India. And I think that’s, it’s really heartwarming,” she added.

Vidya recalled that the cast had no idea during the making of Chak De! India that the film would eventually become such an enduring part of popular culture. According to her, the group of actresses was simply focused on playing their parts and learning hockey. “Our group of girls, my entire team, we’ve all been wishing each other, and hoping that we’d be together. You know, when we started shooting for Chak De, we had obviously no idea that it would become what it has become. But for us, we were just playing,” Vidya shared.

The preparation for the film was particularly demanding. Vidya revealed that the actresses trained in hockey for an entire year before and during the shoot. “We were taught set plays. That’s all we were doing. We were learning it, and we didn’t know where the cameras were kept, we didn’t know literally nothing. We were just doing our set plays, and then when they would say cut, they’d say, okay, we’ve got this take, let’s move on, and we’d move on and do the next set play. That is what we were doing throughout,” she said.

She further explained that the hockey training continued throughout the production. “But it took us one year. One year of practising hockey, and out of that, there was a six-month shoot. And whichever day, the day we weren’t shooting, any one of us not shooting, we would be on the field playing, learning our set plays. So it never really occurred to us that in the future, you guys would remember this for the next 19 years.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vidya S Malavade (@vidyamalavade)

One of the biggest revelations from Vidya’s recollection was about the film’s final hockey match. She revealed that the cast and crew spent six weeks in Australia for the shoot, with the climactic match being filmed across 15 nights.

“Yeah, 6 weeks in Australia. 15 nights of shooting the final match. All the lovely women who joined us. Australian team, the Korean team, rest of the teams are from Australia. And yeah, 16 girls. That bond is still there. It’s our group,” Vidya said.

Looking back at her experience, the actress also described getting the opportunity to play the team’s captain as a fortunate moment in her career. “I think I got really lucky that I could play the captain of the team. I got really lucky that I could play Vidya Sharma India!”

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: T-Series comes on board Kartik Aaryan-starrer Captain India; to be helmed by Chak De India director Shimit Amin

The post ‘Chak De! India climax took 15 nights to shoot,’ reveals Vidya Malavade on 19th anniversary of Shah Rukh Khan starrer appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/dbiVBDY

Delhi High Court grants Tabu protection from AI misuse, orders removal of 150+ URLs

The Delhi High Court has granted Tabu an ex-parte interim injunction shielding her name, image, voice and other personality attributes from unauthorised use, including through Artificial Intelligence, deepfakes, face morphing and other digital technologies, according to ANI.

Court orders removal across platforms
Justice Jyoti Singh, who heard the actor’s petition, directed Google, Meta, X and Reddit to take down or disable a large number of URLs allegedly carrying unauthorised and objectionable content about Tabu.

In all, the order covers more than 150 identified URLs. Google has been told to remove 21, eight and five URLs across three separate sets within 36 hours, while Meta must take down 73, 28 and five URLs across three documents in the same window.

X Corp has been directed to remove three identified URLs, eBay Inc must take down URLs at serial numbers 15 to 20 in one document, and Reddit has also been ordered to act within 36 hours. The Court additionally asked Google, Meta, X, Reddit and GoDaddy to disclose Basic Subscriber Information and IP log details tied to the accounts, which could help Tabu trace those behind the content.

AI-generated content and fake accounts named in plea
Tabu’s suit stated that her identity was being commercially exploited through fake event-booking accounts, unauthorised merchandise, fabricated statements and AI-generated or manipulated obscene content. Her plea alleged that scenes from her films were edited, slowed down or zoomed in on intimate portions and circulated online to draw viewers and generate revenue.

An Instagram account with around 2,000 followers had allegedly used her name, images and video clips to offer bookings for her appearances, an association Tabu said she never authorised. Websites were also accused of selling mugs, posters, calendars, hoodies and sweatshirts bearing her photographs.

The actor further flagged a publication carrying a fabricated and disparaging statement attributed to her, which she said she never made despite her team issuing clarifications to leading newspapers. The Court termed this an “egregious act” and ordered the concerned publisher to delete the statement from all its platforms within three days.

Court cites prior personality rights cases
The Court held that Tabu had made out a prima facie case for an ex-parte ad-interim injunction, with the balance of convenience in her favour and a likelihood of irreparable harm without interim protection. It noted that her name and stage name ‘Tabu’, along with her image, voice and likeness, have acquired unique distinctiveness instantly associated with her by the public.

Justice Singh referred to earlier Delhi High Court rulings on personality rights, including D.M. Entertainment v. Baby Gift House, Anil Kapoor v. Simply Life India and Jaikishan Kakubhai Saraf v. Peppy Store, observing that misuse of personality rights is not confined to commercial loss but can also affect privacy, personality and the right to live with dignity.

The restraint covers Defendants 1 to 7, including unidentified John Does, and applies to her stage name, real name Tabassum Jamal Hashmi, voice recordings, signatures, images and movie stills, extending to misuse through AI, Generative AI, Machine Learning, deepfakes, face morphing and GIFs across websites, apps, social media and the Metaverse.

The Court also noted Tabu’s career and honours, including a Padma Shri and two National Awards, along with her following of around 3.2 million on In41stagram. The plaint has been registered as a commercial suit, with remaining defendants directed to file written statements within 30 days and the discovery application returnable on December 7, 2026.

The interim injunction will remain in force until the next hearing, subject to further orders, and does not finally decide the allegations raised in the suit.

Also Read: Govinda recalls suicidal thoughts after entering Narmada River following mother’s death: “I thought I would meet my mother again”

The post Delhi High Court grants Tabu protection from AI misuse, orders removal of 150+ URLs appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/DFgqIVS

Riteish Deshmukh praises TVF’s Marathi debut Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi Talaychi; says, “This looks awesome!!!”

TVF Motion Pictures has announced its entry into Marathi cinema with its first Marathi film, Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi, Talaychi. The upcoming project is described as a supernatural comedy thriller inspired by one of Konkan’s haunting folktales. Following the announcement, the film has already begun attracting attention, with actor Riteish Deshmukh among the first to congratulate the team.

Riteish shared the film’s announcement poster on his social media and expressed his excitement about the project. Reacting to the announcement, he wrote, “Best wishes to the entire team !!! This looks awesome!!! Congratulations @theviralfever @ameyzone round of you @abhayraut.”

Bayangi combines supernatural folklore with comedy, creating an unusual premise that is expected to offer audiences a mix of suspense, humour and entertainment. The film’s Konkan connection and focus on a haunting local folktale add another layer to its narrative, while the makers are looking to bring a distinct storytelling style to Marathi cinema.

The project marks a new step for TVF Motion Pictures, which has built a strong presence through its work across YouTube and OTT platforms. Over the years, TVF has created shows that have connected with audiences through stories rooted in everyday experiences and relatable characters.

The production house has also maintained a busy slate in 2026, with nine shows released so far, including Gullak Season 5 on SonyLIV, Sapne Vs. Everyone Season 2, Aspirants Season 3 on Amazon Prime Video, Hello Bachhon Season 1 on Netflix and Space Gen: Chandrayaan Season 1 on JioHotstar.

TVF also made several announcements during Prime Video Presents, including upcoming films such as Vvan and College Fest. With Bayangi, the production house is now set to explore Marathi cinema through a supernatural comedy thriller rooted in Konkan folklore.

Also Read : “Riteish Deshmukh ki naukri khatre mein lag rahi hai”: Salman Khan quips on Alliance

The post Riteish Deshmukh praises TVF’s Marathi debut Bayangi: Palaychi Nahi Talaychi; says, “This looks awesome!!!” appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/c4XNoBQ

Photos: Eijaz Khan, Sajid Khan, Salman Yusuff Khan and others snapped at Nikii Daas’ birthday bash

The post Photos: Eijaz Khan, Sajid Khan, Salman Yusuff Khan and others snapped at Nikii Daas’ birthday bash appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/kB946Uo

Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol join Amitabh Bachchan on KBC 18 premiere

Earlier in the week, Bollywood Hungama had reported that Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol were expected to grace Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) to promote their upcoming film Batwara 1947. The news has now been confirmed, as the three actors will be seen sharing the hot seat with Amitabh Bachchan in the opening episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18.

The much-awaited new season of the popular quiz-based reality show is set to begin with a star-studded premiere featuring Aamir Khan and Preity Zinta, along with Sunny Deol, who will make his debut on the KBC hot seat. The trio will be joined by the show’s legendary host Amitabh Bachchan.

Season 18 of KBC has been designed around the theme ‘Sochna Padega’, which focuses on the importance of applied knowledge, thought and quick thinking. The makers have now released a new promo offering a glimpse of the interaction between Aamir and Amitabh Bachchan.

In the promo, Aamir can be seen questioning the megastar about the show’s new theme. He asked, “Aapne kaha hain aapke promo main ‘Sochna Padega,’ toh kya sochna padega?”

Responding with his trademark wit, Amitabh Bachchan said, “Itna aasan nahi honewala hain, kyunki sochna padta hai na bhaisahab.”

Aamir quickly responded, “Sochna Padega, Sir waakai sochna padega.”

The grand premiere promises a mix of star appearances, nostalgia and quiz-based challenges as KBC returns with its 18th season. Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18 will premiere on Monday, August 10, at 9:00 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.

Also Read : Amitabh Bachchan reveals why he has worn the same tinted glasses for 25 years: “Humari aankh joh hai woh vrudhawastha mein pahonch gayi”

The post Aamir Khan, Preity Zinta and Sunny Deol join Amitabh Bachchan on KBC 18 premiere appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/Z7zgidy

‘Dhurandhar was this year’s biggest non-English film globally on Netflix,’ says co-CEO Ted Sarandos

After rewriting box office records and finding a strong audience on streaming, Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has achieved another milestone. Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos has praised the Aditya Dhar directorial, revealing that it emerged as the most-watched non-English film on the platform globally this year.

Speaking at Express Adda, Sarandos highlighted the film’s remarkable international reach while also reflecting on India’s growing influence in global entertainment.

Ted Sarandos praises Dhurandhar‘s global streaming success

During the conversation, Ted Sarandos revealed just how strongly Dhurandhar performed on Netflix after its digital premiere. “Dhurandhar was the most-watched non-English movie in the world this year. Bigger than every other English [movie] and second only to the US and the UK in terms of watching,” he said.

“India has that moment all the time”

Sarandos also addressed a question that is often asked about Indian entertainment’s presence on the global stage, particularly whether India would produce a worldwide phenomenon similar to Squid Game or La casa de papel (Money Heist).

Responding to the comparison, he said India has already been experiencing such moments, especially through cinema: “I hear a lot when I travel around the world, particularly in India, is like what happened with Squid Game, what happened with La casa de papel, when is India going to have that moment? And I say India has that moment all the time. It’s much more likely to be in cinema.”

He added, “I think, right now, because there is this enormous, beautiful, rich, long history of movies in India. I think when we came in and made Sacred Games, it was a whole different kind of television, so through most of the history and all that that’s coming through, it’s likely to come through in the form of cinema.”

R Madhavan credits Aditya Dhar’s vision

Sarandos’ praise comes shortly after actor R Madhavan spoke about director Aditya Dhar’s commitment to detail and the audience’s appreciation for it.

During a conversation with Gulte.com, Madhavan revealed that he initially questioned the extensive creative process behind the film.

“Can you imagine a project that is so lengthy, like eight hours, in which you have to invest time to add details you have in your mind, but which might be missed?” he said. He further shared, “Somebody told me that Aditya Dhar spent an extra Rs 10 crores for this peak detailing. Before the film’s release, I would have asked, who would watch all of this? Who would have thought about these?”

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar was released in theatres in December 2025 before making its Netflix debut shortly ahead of the theatrical release of its sequel, Dhurandhar The Revenge, in March 2026. The sequel is currently available to stream in India on Netflix and JioHotstar.

Also Read: ‘Operation Safed Sagar contributed over Rs 215 crores to Indian economy,’ says Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos

The post ‘Dhurandhar was this year’s biggest non-English film globally on Netflix,’ says co-CEO Ted Sarandos appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/MYe7gHc

Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025: Nearly half of the Top 25 are actresses; no South male star in rankings

India’s biggest celebrity brands are no longer dominated solely by male stars. Kroll’s Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025 highlights a notable shift, with 12 actresses featuring among the country’s top 25 celebrity brands, up from nine in 2024. The remaining 13 names comprise a mix of male film stars and cricketers, underscoring the growing commercial influence of female actors in India’s endorsement landscape.

The report values the combined brand worth of India’s top 25 celebrities at USD 2 billion in 2025.

From nine to 12: Female stars strengthen their presence

Compared to last year’s rankings, the number of actresses in the top 25 has increased by three.

The 12 actresses featured in this year’s list are:

• Alia Bhatt (Rank 6 | USD 93.9 million)
• Deepika Padukone (Rank 7 | USD 89.2 million)
• Rashmika Mandanna (Rank 12 | USD 75.2 million)
• Kareena Kapoor (Rank 15 | USD 61.8 million)
• Kiara Advani (Rank 17 | USD 51.9 million)
• Kriti Sanon (Rank 18 | USD 50.2 million)
• Ananya Panday (Rank 19 | USD 48.5 million)
• Samantha Ruth Prabhu (Rank 21 | USD 43.1 million)
• Tamannaah Bhatia (Rank 22 | USD 36.5 million)
• Janhvi Kapoor (Rank 23 | USD 34.2 million)
• Shraddha Kapoor (Rank 24 | USD 31 million)
• Anushka Sharma (Rank 25 | USD 29.9 million)

In comparison, the 2024 rankings featured Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Kriti Sanon, Kiara Advani, Kareena Kapoor, Tamannaah Bhatia, Rashmika Mandanna, Ananya Panday and Anushka Sharma.

Among the new entrants this year are Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Janhvi Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of actresses across languages and platforms.

Women continue to climb the rankings

Several actresses also improved their rankings this year.

• Rashmika Mandanna climbed from 15th to 12th.
• Ananya Panday rose from 25th to 19th.
• Samantha Ruth Prabhu entered the list at 21st, after being ranked 28th previously.
• Janhvi Kapoor moved up from 29th to 23rd.
• Shraddha Kapoor registered one of the biggest jumps, climbing from 33rd to 24th.

The rankings suggest brands are increasingly investing in actresses who enjoy strong theatrical presence alongside significant digital reach.

No South Indian male superstar in the top 25

One of the report’s biggest surprises is the absence of any South Indian male superstar from the top 25 celebrity brands. Despite blockbuster success and global popularity, names such as Allu Arjun, Prabhas, Ram Charan, Jr NTR and Mahesh Babu do not feature in this year’s rankings.

The absence is particularly notable because Allu Arjun was part of the 2024 list, making 2025 the first edition in recent years without a South Indian male actor among India’s top celebrity brands.

Interestingly, while South Indian male stars are missing, Rashmika Mandanna and Samantha Ruth Prabhu continue to represent the southern film industries, highlighting the growing endorsement strength of female actors.

Editorial note: The absence of South Indian male stars in Kroll’s Top 25 reflects the report’s valuation methodology based on endorsement portfolios and social media presence. It should not be interpreted as a measure of box office success or popularity alone.

Also Read: Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025: Shah Rukh Khan’s brand value jumps 47% in two years; tops the list with USD 177.9 million

The post Kroll Celebrity Brand Valuation 2025: Nearly half of the Top 25 are actresses; no South male star in rankings appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.

from Bollywood Hungama https://ift.tt/MET791s