In India, the fervor surrounding cricket and cinema is unparalleled. Both industries command immense popularity, often sparking debates about which realm boasts the more influential figures. While cinema holds a prominent place in Indian life, cricket transcends entertainment; it’s deeply intertwined with national identity, a unifying force that resonates across the country’s diverse population. From legendary figures like Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar to contemporary stars such as Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, the passion for cricket knows no bounds. National team matches, especially those against Pakistan, bring the nation to a standstill, with many taking time off work or studies to witness these monumental clashes.
The popularity of Bollywood is equally undeniable. From the golden age of Dev Anand and Dilip Kumar, through the eras of Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan, to the contemporary reign of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Allu Arjun, Thalapathy Vijay, and Hrithik Roshan, Indian cinema has consistently produced iconic figures who captivate audiences. However, the question of which industry reigns supreme in terms of celebrity popularity has remained a topic of much speculation.
To settle this ongoing debate, Hansa Research conducted a comprehensive study, gathering data from 4,000 respondents across 36 diverse Indian cities. The research focused on identifying the top 10 celebrities across both cricket and film, employing a robust methodology to rank them based on overall popularity and recognition.
The results delivered a clear verdict: cricket stars dominated the top rankings. Virat Kohli emerged as the most popular celebrity, surpassing even the iconic Shah Rukh Khan. The top three positions were exclusively occupied by cricket legends: Virat Kohli securing first place, followed by MS Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, showcasing the enduring impact of these cricketing titans on the Indian public consciousness.
Bollywood’s leading lights made their presence felt from the fourth rank onwards. Shah Rukh Khan claimed the fourth position, reflecting his longstanding status as a King of Bollywood. Akshay Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan followed closely, securing the fifth and sixth spots respectively. Allu Arjun held the seventh position, demonstrating his considerable pan-India appeal. Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan occupied the eighth and ninth positions. Deepika Padukone, the only woman on the top 10 list, secured the tenth position, demonstrating the growing influence of female actors in the Indian entertainment industry. The study’s findings offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of celebrity influence and the remarkable popularity of cricket in India, highlighting its pervasive cultural impact alongside the ever-evolving Bollywood landscape.
