It has at all times been the case that cricket is the king in India, on the other hand within the ultimate 10 years, we have now noticed one thing fascinating. Bollywood celebrities, already huge fan favorites, are strolling at the box of play—no longer simply cheering from the stands, however as group house owners, league ambassadors and avid gamers. They have got introduced glamor, cash and most significantly, consideration to sports activities that at all times gave the impression forgotton beneath the load of cricket.
Why stars subject in game
When a Shah rukh khan or a Ranbir Kapoor attaches their title to a game, other folks take realize. Viewership is going up, sponsors are available in, and abruptly video games like kabaddi, soccer, and badminton are being watched by means of hundreds of thousands. For enthusiasts, it’s additionally about aspiration. If their favorite actor is keen about polo, rugby, or basketball, it abruptly feels ‘cool’ to apply the ones sports activities too.
Stars who personal the sport
Shah Rukh Khan isn’t just the King of Bollywood. He co-owns Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) within the IPL with Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta. KKR has received the trophy in 2012, 2014 and now 2024. SRK’s Knight Riders emblem extends across the world, with groups within the Caribbean (Trinbago Knight Riders), UAE (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), or even america (Los Angeles Knight Riders).Preity Zinta has been the vigorous face of Punjab Kings (previously Kings XI Punjab) because the IPL started. Her power within the stands is as well-known as her motion pictures, and she or he stays an energetic co-owner.
Abhishek bachchan is likely one of the maximum hands-on group house owners in Bollywood. He owns the Jaipur Purple Panthers within the Professional Kabaddi League (winners in 2014 and 2022) and in addition co-owns Chennaiyin FC within the Indian Tremendous League. He even fronted a docu-series on kabaddi (Sons of the Soil), appearing enthusiasts the behind-the-scenes grind of the game.In an previous interview with CNBC TV 18, Abhishek stated, “It’s changing into somewhat of a pricey interest. It’s fortunately turn into extra of an aspect career now. My interest stays appearing. My past love is appearing, making motion pictures, and telling fascinating tales.”He added, “What I’ve realised within the ultimate 10-15 years of running on this box is that I’ve the power, which I didn’t suppose I had after I first began. Now, I’ve the conclusion that I will be able to flip it right into a trade and arrange a well-oiled equipment that may handle itself—one thing I don’t want to micromanage. I will be able to now macro-manage it. So sure, it’s turn into a 2nd career, and I’m taking part in it.”
Ranbir Kapoor co-founded Mumbai Town FC, a group within the Indian Tremendous League. Despite the fact that the worldwide soccer juggernaut Town Soccer Workforce now has the bulk stake, Ranbir’s affection for the franchise and his function as a co-owner remains to be significant and transparent from his make stronger at fits.John Abraham has lengthy been keen about soccer. He owns NorthEast United FC, giving younger ability from the North-East area a large platform to polish.Taapsee Pannu made a daring transfer by means of making an investment in Pune 7 Aces, a group within the Premier Badminton League. It’s no longer frequently you spot a tender feminine actor getting into possession, and she or he has used the platform to champion badminton between Olympic seasons.
When actors turn into athletes
Some Bollywood stars aren’t simply buyers; they in truth compete in sports activities themselves. Randeep Hooda is a major equestrian. He has competed in national-level display leaping and dressage, even profitable medals. His social media frequently highlights his love for horses up to his motion pictures.
In an previous interview with IANS, Randeep had mentioned, “Horse using will at all times be particular. I feel I am the one skilled horse rider from the film trade. Unusually I have noticed no males from the trade at equestrian occasions even though I have noticed some girls like Diya Mirza and Lara Dutta on the race path. Girls, by means of the best way, make awesome horse riders.”Rahul Bose is some other distinctive instance. Sooner than changing into an actor, he was once a part of India’s nationwide rugby group. These days, he heads Rugby India and in 2025 oversaw the release of the Rugby Premier League, hoping to convey extra visibility to the game.
Saiyami khergranddaughter of veteran actress Usha Kiran, has performed cricket on the state point. She’s additionally into staying power sports activities and has finished more than one Ironman triathlons—one thing only a few Indian celebrities can declare.Deepika Padukone, daughter of badminton legend Prakash Padukone, educated as a qualified shuttler in her teenagers. Even these days, she stays intently hooked up with the badminton ecosystem thru her circle of relatives’s academy, which goes on the grassroots point.
Sanya Malhotra picked up Kalaripayattu, one in every of India’s oldest martial arts, whilst getting ready for a job—and has since endured her apply.Sikandar Kherthough much less vocal, has lengthy been a supporter of golfing, frequently serving to advertise tournaments.
The ambassador impact
Now and again stars don’t personal or play a game however act as ambassadors, bringing consideration to it.Ranveer Singh changed into the professional face of the NBA in India in 2021. His flamboyant character is a herbal are compatible for basketball’s power and has helped the league hook up with India’s formative years.The All Stars Soccer Membership (ASFC), that includes actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, performs charity soccer fits in opposition to company groups. Those video games no longer simplest carry price range but additionally display enthusiasts a a laugh aspect in their favorite stars whilst selling soccer.
The larger image
There’s a turn aspect too. Megastar involvement works simplest when it’s authentic. Lovers can inform the variation between a exposure stunt and an actual hobby. That’s why figures like Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Randeep Hooda get appreciate—they’ve stayed dedicated yr after yr.
Conclusion
Bollywood’s reference to sports activities is now greater than appearing up in fashion designer shades for IPL fits. At the moment, actors are buyers, ambassadors, change-makers, and athletes. Actors convey some huge cash, exposure, and credibility to a game that infrequently lacks they all. And in go back, they obtain one thing famecannot purchase: the power to increase India’s sports activities panorama. The reel international and the game are assembly in the actual sense of the phrase.