‘Chennai Express’ proved to be a helping hand.
By Prabhav Hiremath

MUMBAI: He had just one release this year, but Shah Rukh Khan is still reaping the benefits of his record smasher hit ‘Chennai Express’.
Recently, the Wharton business school awarded ‘Chennai Express’ digital team with the best social media campaign. Now, more recognition has come Khan’s way. For the second year running, he is listed on top of the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list 2013, making him the most powerful celebrity of the year.
Last year, when Forbes introduced the celebrity list, Baadshah Khan was at the number one position. This year, it is the enhancement of his popularity and earnings due to ‘Chennai Express’ that had led him to this position.
Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni got a promotion this year and has moved up the ladder one step up to number two position; a reflection of his increase in endorsement deals and popularity.
Bollywood’s Dabanng actor Salman Khan was replaced by Dhoni, and he slipped to the third spot. The fourth position was grabbed by the cricketing God Sachin Tendulkar who made Indian eyes wet with his recent retirement from international cricket. The last spot in the top five was grabbed by megastar Amitabh Bachchan, retaining his slot from last year.
The Khiladi of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar, has made it to the 6th spot. Surprisingly, Bollywood’s Bebo Kareena Kapoor and the run machine Virendra Sehwag has not been able to mark their presence in this year’s list. Instead their positions are filled by Ranbir Kapoor and India’s most loved superhero, Hrithik Roshan, at 8th and 10th spots, respectively.
The 25 year old cricket star Virat Kohli is the new entrant to this year’s list making him the youngest celebrity to make it to the top ten. Woman power is not absent from 2013 list as the new ‘Dhoom’ girl, Katrina Kaif, also managed to clinch a spot in the top 10.
Kohli isn’t the only newcomer to this year’s coveted list, with as many as a quarter of them being fresh entries. Renowned names include Ravindra Jadeja (28), Shikhar Dhawan (39), Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy (52), Ranveer Singh (66) and Prakash Jha (67).
The Forbes India Celebrity 100 list is the ranking system based on the income and popularity of India’s biggest entertainers from eight streams: film actors, directors, sports, TV, singers/musicians, authors, models and comedians. The list factors in celebrities’ income from business of entertainment and fame factor from media mentions, online presence and social media followers.
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1 Comment
This Article was really amazing and i liked it alot… Shahrukh Khan has topped the Forbes list of Indian Leaders in the Arab world.
Shahrukh Khan Tops the Forbes List