Top 10 Indian Celebrities of All Time

India’s global image is shaped by figures from cinema, sports, music, business and other fields. In the list of the Top 10 Indian Celebrities, the following ten individuals stand out as all-time celebrities whose fame and achievements have defined Indian culture and influenced perceptions worldwide. They are selected based on their popularity, influence, accomplishments and legacy. Each profile below explains the person’s background, career highlights and lasting impact on India and the world.

1. Amitabh Bachchan: The Legendary Bollywood Icon

Amitabh Bachchan (born 1942) is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most enduring stars of Hindi cinema. Nicknamed “Big B” and often called Bollywood’s “Angry Young Man”, he rose from a struggling actor to superstardom in the 1970s with hits like Zanjeer, Sholay and Deewar. Bachchan’s deep baritone voice and brooding presence made him an instant idol. He won six National Film Awards and sixteen Filmfare Awards during his career, more than any other actor, and has received India’s highest honors – the Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2015) and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2018). In 1999 the BBC’s millennium poll voted him “the greatest star of stage or screen”, and Time magazine dubbed him “the undisputed godfather of Bollywood”.

Beyond awards, Bachchan’s influence is seen in his massive fan following at home and abroad. He “acquired a large overseas following of the South Asian diaspora, as well as others, in markets including Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas”. He has hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati (India’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire?) and appeared in international films like The Great Gatsby (2013). Decades after his debut, Bachchan remains a cultural touchstone – brand endorsements, public service campaigns and new film roles keep him in the public eye. His commanding career spanning over fifty years, chart-topping box-office hits, record awards tally and status as a Bollywood legend all cement his place as India’s top celebrity.

2. Shah Rukh Khan: Bollywood’s “King of Hearts”

Shah Rukh Khan (born 1965), often called the “King of Bollywood” or “King Khan,” is one of the world’s most famous film stars. He has appeared in over 100 Hindi films and won 15 Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award. Beginning as a TV actor in the late 1980s, SRK’s breakout roles in Baazigar (1993) and Darr (1993) showed his range as an anti-hero, but he soon became best known for his romantic leads in blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), My Name Is Khan (2010) and Pathaan (2023). His on-screen persona – charming, witty, romantic – endeared him to generations of fans.

Khan’s accomplishments extend beyond acting. He founded the production house Red Chillies Entertainment and owns the Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. His philanthropic efforts (children’s education, disaster relief) earned him UNESCO and World Economic Forum awards. He was honored with India’s Padma Shri (2005) and France’s Legion of Honour (2014). Globally, Shah Rukh Khan has a massive following in Asia and the Indian diaspora, and media outlets describe him as “one of the most successful film stars in the world”. He was named among Newsweek’s 50 most powerful people (2008) and Time’s 100 most influential (2023). His combination of box-office draw, cross-cultural appeal (frequent Cannes juror, brand endorsements worldwide) and charismatic persona make him an iconic face of modern India.

3. Sachin Tendulkar: Cricket’s “Master Blaster”

Sachin Tendulkar (born 1973) is often hailed as the greatest batsman in cricket history and one of India’s most beloved sports icons. In a 24-year career for the Indian national team, he became the all-time leading run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs: 15,921 Test runs and 18,426 ODI runs. He is the only cricketer to score 100 international centuries, including 51 in Tests (the most ever). His 2008 innings at Kolkata, a double-century in an ODI, was the first by any male cricketer. Tendulkar also holds world records for the most centuries in world cups and the most matches played (200 Tests, 463 ODIs). He played a key role in India’s 2011 World Cup win, fulfilling a lifelong dream for Indian fans.

Tendulkar’s achievements brought him numerous national honors: the Arjuna Award (1994), India’s highest sports honor Khel Ratna (1997), Padma Shri (1999), Padma Vibhushan (2008), and after retirement the Bharat Ratna (2014) – making him the first sportsperson to receive India’s highest civilian award. His success popularized cricket in India and inspired generations. Millions of Indians grew up idolizing him, chanting “Sachin Sachin” at stadiums. Even non-cricket fans know his name worldwide. Tendulkar became a symbol of national pride and aspiration. His records still stand as benchmarks, and after retiring he served as a Member of Parliament and continued philanthropic work, cementing his legacy as India’s greatest sports icon.

4. A. R. Rahman: The Global Music Maestro

Allah Rakha Rahman (born 1967) is India’s most famous contemporary composer and a global music phenomenon. He revolutionized film music in India by blending Indian classical traditions with electronic and world music. Rahman has won six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and dozens of national film awards. His soundtrack for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire (2008) made history: he won Oscars for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Jai Ho”) – the first Asian film composer to do so. This brought unprecedented international attention to Indian film music.

His Tamil and Hindi compositions (e.g. Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Lagaan (2001), Rang De Basanti (2006)) have earned him a cult following. He was dubbed the “Mozart of Madras” and “Musical Storm” for his prodigious talent. In 2010 India honored him with the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to the arts. He was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people (2009). Rahman’s work has opened doors for Indian composers in Hollywood and globally. His concert tours and educational initiatives (like the KM Music Conservatory) further spread Indian music worldwide. In short, Rahman’s cross-cultural musical excellence and awards have made him a symbol of India’s creative soft power on the world stage.

5. Lata Mangeshkar: India’s “Nightingale” of Melody

Lata Mangeshkar (1929–2022) is widely regarded as the greatest playback singer in Indian cinema. Over an 80-year career, she recorded songs in over 30 languages, defining the sound of Bollywood for generations. Nicknamed the “Queen of Melody” and “Voice of the Millennium”, Lata’s soulful voice brought to life thousands of songs from the 1940s onward. She won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1989) and in 2001 became one of only two singers to receive the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. France made her an Officer of its Legion of Honour in 2009.

Her awards include three National Film Awards and four Filmfare Awards, among many others. In 1974 she was the first Indian playback singer to perform at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The Guinness World Records once listed her as the most-recorded artist in history. Lata Mangeshkar’s contributions made her a cultural icon: hundreds of her songs remain timeless hits. For countless Indians, her music evokes personal memories and national sentiment. She set the standard for film singing, and even after her death her legacy endures through the countless hits she sang.

6. Mukesh Ambani: India’s Business Tycoon and Visionary

Mukesh Ambani (born 1957) is the chairman of Reliance Industries Ltd., India’s largest private company. Under his leadership, Reliance has become a conglomerate spanning petrochemicals, refining, telecommunications and retail. Ambani spearheaded Reliance Jio (launched 2016), a telecom venture that disrupted India’s market by offering ultra-cheap data; Jio rapidly became the nation’s largest mobile network and helped drive down global data prices. This telecom success, along with Reliance’s other businesses, made Ambani an icon of India’s economic rise.

He is consistently among the world’s richest people: as of 2025 he is Asia’s richest man and the 13th-richest in the world with a fortune over $100 billion. His personal wealth and Reliance’s stock make him a household name in India. Under Ambani, Reliance forged global partnerships (e.g. with Facebook’s Meta, Google) and expanded India’s digital and retail infrastructure. His lifestyle and family (the lavish Ambani residence Antilia, global social events) also capture public attention. While he has faced criticism for his market power, Ambani’s impact on India’s economic transformation is undeniable. He holds an MBA from Stanford (dropped out to join Reliance) and has received honors such as the Padma Vibhushan (2016).

7. Ratan Tata: The Industrialist and Philanthropist

Ratan Tata (1937–2024) was the long-time chairman of Tata Sons and an icon of Indian industry. Grandson of Tata Group founder Jamsetji Tata, he led the Tata conglomerate from 1991 to 2012. Under his tenure, Tata Group acquired iconic global brands – such as Tetley tea (2000), Jaguar Land Rover (2008) and Corus steel (2007) – transforming Tata from a largely India-centric empire into a multinational corporation. This globalization greatly raised India’s business profile worldwide. He also promoted India’s own automotive (Tata Motors) and IT sectors, helping launch ventures like Tata Nano car and Tata Consultancy Services.

Beyond business, Ratan Tata was known for ethical leadership and philanthropy. The Tata Trusts, which own 66% of Tata Sons, fund major charitable programs in education, health and rural development. He personally invested in Indian start-ups (e.g. Ola, Paytm) and innovation. India honored him with the Padma Bhushan (2000) and Padma Vibhushan (2008). He was widely respected for humility and integrity. Even after stepping down, his opinions on business and public affairs carried weight. With a career combining business success and generous giving, Ratan Tata is seen as a statesman of Indian industry – a symbol of India’s rise as a global economy.

8. Rajinikanth: The Superstar with a Cult Following

Rajinikanth (born 1950) is arguably the most famous actor from South India and one of Indian cinema’s biggest superstars. Over a 50-year career he has appeared in about 170 films (mostly Tamil, but also Hindi, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali). He is widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular actors in Indian cinema. Rajinikanth’s signature style – charismatic on-screen mannerisms, stylized dialogues and larger-than-life roles – has earned him a devout “cult” fan base. Fans in southern India celebrate his film releases almost like festivals, and his dialogues often become part of popular culture.

The Government of India and Tamil Nadu have honored him for his cinematic contributions: he received the Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019) – the highest Indian cinema honor. He has won a National Film Award and multiple state film awards. Rajinikanth’s influence extends beyond box office: Asiaweek named him one of the most influential persons in South Asia, and Forbes India listed him as India’s most influential person of 2010. His persona is so iconic that he even has a dedicated following overseas – Tamil-speaking communities in Malaysia and Singapore, for example, revere him. With his humble origins (former bus conductor) and meteoric rise, Rajinikanth embodies the everyman turned legend.

9. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: The Global Screen Beauty

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (born 1973) is one of India’s most famous actresses and a global style icon. Crowned Miss World 1994, she used that platform to launch a successful acting career in Hindi and Tamil films. Aishwarya delivered many blockbuster and critically acclaimed performances (e.g. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Jodhaa Akbar, Enthiran) and won two Filmfare Best Actress Awards. Her striking beauty and grace led Time magazine to name her one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2004, and she has often been called “the most beautiful woman in the world”. In 2009 the Indian government awarded her the Padma Shri for her contributions to the arts, and France honored her with the Order of Arts and Letters in 2012.

Aishwarya’s impact goes beyond film. She has been a prominent brand ambassador for international companies (L’Oréal, Longines) and regularly represents India at global events (often attending the Cannes Film Festival each year). She served as a goodwill ambassador for AIDS awareness and other charities. Her international presence helped raise the profile of Indian cinema abroad. Domestically, she remains one of Bollywood’s most recognizable faces. Her life (high-profile marriage into the Bachchan film family) and beauty have been followed passionately by media and fans.

10. Virat Kohli: Modern Cricket’s Superstar

Virat Kohli (born 1988) is a contemporary cricket legend and one of India’s most famous athletes. As a top-order batsman and former captain of the Indian team, he rewrote record books. Kohli is “widely regarded as one of the greatest limited-overs batters of all time”. He holds the record for the most centuries in One-Day Internationals (over 50 ODI hundreds) and is second only to Sachin Tendulkar in total international hundreds. He is also the highest run-scorer in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has amassed over 23,000 international runs combined. Under his captaincy India won the 2011 World Cup (as a team member) and the 2024 T20 World Cup, among other titles.

Individually, Kohli’s consistency earned him four ICC ODI Player of the Year awards and ICC Player of the Year twice. In 2018 he was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People. He has received India’s Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017) and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (2018) – India’s highest sporting honor. Aside from stats, Kohli’s fierce passion and fitness transformed team culture; he became a youth icon. His enormous social media following and brand endorsements make him one of India’s richest and most recognizable sports figures. In 2022 he was reported as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.