India’s celebrity entrepreneurs – from Bollywood superstars to cricketing legends – are increasingly launching their own businesses and brands. Bollywood celebrity business ventures and sports star investments show how Indian celebrities leverage fame into thriving enterprises. These Indian celebrity-owned brands span fashion, beauty, tech, and more. Below we highlight the top Indian celebrities and their successful business ventures, illustrating the rise of Indian celebrity entrepreneurs.
Deepika Padukone – KA Enterprises
Deepika Padukone founded KA Enterprises in 2012 to fund and mentor startups, investing in companies like Furlenco and Blu Smart. She also co-founded 82°E (pronounced “82 Degrees East”) in 2021, a self-care brand offering skincare and wellness products. In addition, Deepika launched a fashion line called All About You in 2015 in partnership with Myntra – a brand later acquired by Myntra in 2020.
– KA Enterprises: Startup investment firm (e.g. Furlenco, Blu Smart).
– 82°E: Skincare and lifestyle brand (launched 2021).
– All About You: Women’s fashion label (launched 2015, later sold to Myntra.
Priyanka Chopra – Purple Pebble Pictures and Anomaly
Priyanka Chopra has diversified beyond acting into media and beauty. She co-founded Purple Pebble Pictures, a production company focusing on regional Indian films. She also launched Anomaly in 2021, a sustainable hair and skincare brand. Unusually for a Bollywood star, Priyanka even became a co-owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins team. These ventures showcase her reach as a global business mogul.
– Purple Pebble Pictures: Film production house (regional cinema focus).
– Anomaly Hair Care: Eco-friendly hair and skincare line.
– Miami Dolphins: Minority stake (NFL franchise co-owner).
Alia Bhatt – Ed-a-Mamma and Beyond
Actress Alia Bhatt founded Ed-a-Mamma in 2020, a sustainable clothing brand for children and new mothers. The brand emphasizes eco-friendly fabrics and responsible sourcing, tapping into a growing market for ethical apparel. In 2023, Reliance Retail acquired a majority stake (51%) in Ed-a-Mamma, expanding its reach. Alia also launched a production house (Eternal Sunshine Productions in 2021) and has invested in companies like Nykaa (beauty retail) and Phool (eco-tech).
– Ed-a-Mamma: Children’s fashion label (sustainable fabrics).
– Eternal Sunshine Productions: Film/OTT production company (launched 2021).
– Investments: Stakes in Nykaa, Phool, and other startups.
Katrina Kaif – Kay Beauty
Katrina Kaif entered the cosmetics industry with Kay Beauty in 2019, a makeup and skincare line launched in collaboration with retailer Nykaa. The brand earned acclaim for high-quality, inclusive products and quickly became one of India’s fastest-growing beauty labels. Nykaa eventually acquired a 51% stake in Kay Beauty, making it an in-house brand expected to earn around ₹200 crore in FY2024. Katrina has also invested in wellness and fitness ventures, reflecting her emphasis on health and beauty.
– Kay Beauty: Makeup and wellness brand (launched 2019 with Nykaa).
– Nykaa Stake: Nykaa holds majority ownership (2019–present).
– Fitness Ventures: Investments in health and fitness brands (personal branding emphasis).
Akshay Kumar – Hari Om Entertainment and Lifestyle Brands
Bollywood’s action star Akshay Kumar is known for smart business moves. He runs Hari Om Entertainment, a production company behind several hit films. Akshay has co-owned the (now-defunct) IPL team Pune Warriors India and invested heavily in the fitness industry – including fitness startup Fittr and home fitness product platform SQUATS. He also co-founded True Blue (a clothing line) and Power 5 (a nutrition/wellness brand). Akshay’s diverse portfolio—from film production to apparel and wellness—exemplifies Bollywood celebrity business success.
– Hari Om Entertainment: Film production house (multiple hits).
– True Blue: Men’s clothing brand (launched mid-2010s).
– Power 5: Health and nutrition supplement brand.
– Fitness & Ventures: Investments in Fittr (fitness app) and co-owned IPL franchise.
Salman Khan – Being Human and Media Ventures
Salman Khan channels his fame into the Being Human brand and entertainment businesses. He founded Being Human Clothing in 2007, with proceeds supporting his Being Human charitable foundation. The fashion label sells casualwear and accessories, and its store revenues fund social causes Salman also owns Salman Khan Films, a production company behind many popular movies. In addition, he launched SK-27, a chain of gyms in India, and FRSH, a men’s fragrance line. His business interests extend to tech startups too: he holds stakes in travel portal Yatra and the short-video app Chingari.
– Being Human (clothing): Apparel brand benefiting his charity.
– Salman Khan Films: Movie production company.
– SK-27 Gyms: Fitness center chain (affordable gyms across India).
– FRSH: Men’s fragrance and grooming brand.
– Investments: Stake in Yatra (travel booking) and Chingari (social app).
Shah Rukh Khan – Red Chillies and Beyond
Shah Rukh Khan, the “King of Bollywood,” parlayed his stardom into a media and sports empire. He co-founded Red Chillies Entertainment in 2002 (with wife Gauri Khan), a production and VFX company behind blockbusters like Chennai Express and Jawan. He also co-owns the IPL cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders. Beyond entertainment, SRK has invested in tech startups and real estate projects. His ability to diversify—balancing film hits, sports franchises, and startup investments—cements his status as a savvy entrepreneur-actor.
– Red Chillies Entertainment: Film studio and VFX house (many hit films).
– Kolkata Knight Riders: Co-owner (IPL cricket franchise).
– Tech & Real Estate: Investments in tech startups and luxury properties.
Ranveer Singh – Bold Care and Startup Investments
Ranveer Singh has ventured into the startup world with a focus on health and lifestyle. In 2023 he became a co-owner of Bold Care, a sexual wellness brand for men known for its viral marketing campaigns (including a famous ad with adult performer Johnny Sins). Bold Care sells products addressing men’s intimate health (condoms, wellness supplements, etc.) and quickly gained publicity. Ranveer also invests in other startups like bOAT (audio accessories) and Sugar Cosmetics, reflecting a broader strategy as an Indian celebrity entrepreneur.
– Bold Care: Men’s sexual wellness and lifestyle brand (co-owner since 2023).
– Startup Investments: Early investments in bOAT (earphones), Sugar Cosmetics, and fitness ventures.
Virat Kohli – WROGN, One8 and Restaurants
Cricket icon Virat Kohli built a powerful brand portfolio off the field. He co-founded WROGN in 2014, a youth-oriented fashion label managed by Universal Sportsbiz. He also launched One8, a sportswear line in partnership with Puma around 2017, which expanded into lifestyle products. Virat turned One8 into a restaurant venture by opening One8 Commune (a casual-dining chain, now with outlets nationwide) and also started another restaurant brand called Nueva. He even owns a 12% stake in the Indian Super League football team FC Goa. In short, Virat’s interests span clothing, food & beverage, and sports franchises.
– WROGN: Clothing and accessory brand (youth fashion).
– One8: Sportswear label (with Puma partnership).
– One8 Commune & Nueva: Chain of restaurants co-owned by Kohli.
– FC Goa: Co-owner (12% stake in ISL football club).
MS Dhoni – Seven and Enterprise Ventures
Former cricket captain MS Dhoni has built a sizable business empire. He co-founded SEVEN in 2016, a sports-inspired apparel and footwear brand (named after his jersey number 7). Dhoni serves as brand ambassador and owns the footwear division of Seven. He is also co-owner of the Chennaiyin FC football team in the Indian Super League. Beyond sportswear, Dhoni founded Dhoni Entertainment (a film production company) in 2019 and owns Hotel Mahi Residency (a Ranchi hotel). His investments cover gyms (SportsFit), drone tech (Garuda Aerospace), and cloud kitchens (House of Biryani), illustrating a diverse business portfolio.
– SEVEN: Lifestyle sportswear/footwear brand (launched 2016).
– Chennaiyin FC: Co-owner (ISL football franchise).
– Dhoni Entertainment: Film/TV production house (founded 2019).
– Other Ventures: Hotels (Hotel Mahi), fitness gyms (SportsFit), and investments in tech startups.
Summary
These examples of top celebrities in India show how fame can translate into successful business ventures. Many Bollywood stars and sports icons have become Indian celebrity entrepreneurs, launching their own brands and companies. From fashion labels and film studios to tech startups and restaurant chains, these Bollywood celebrity business ventures cover a wide range of industries. Notably, cricketers with brands – like Virat Kohli’s One8 and Dhoni’s Seven – highlight how even athletes diversify into entrepreneurship. Each celebrity’s business journey reflects a mix of personal passion and market savvy, proving that India’s most famous personalities can also be savvy business leaders.
- Bollywood celebrities turned business owners: Film stars such as Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, and Katrina Kaif co-founded lifestyle, beauty, and fashion brands. These ventures leverage their star power to stand out in crowded markets.
- Sports stars as entrepreneurs: Legendary cricketers like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have launched brands (fashion, fitness, tech) and co-own sports teams, tapping into their popularity among fans.
- Diverse ventures: Collectively, these celebrities are involved in production companies, clothing lines, fitness and wellness brands, restaurants, and more. Their success underlines a broader trend of Indian business ventures by actors and athletes, where celebrity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is based on publicly available sources including official brand websites, press releases, and reputable news publications. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, business ventures, ownership structures, and financial data may evolve over time. This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently and consult official sources when making business or investment decisions.