Bollywood celebrities are increasingly involved in Indian sports, moving beyond mere spectators to become team owners, ambassadors, and even athletes. This infusion of star power brings attention, investment, and credibility to sports often overshadowed by cricket. Their genuine commitment fosters growth and development within India’s diverse sports landscape, creating a symbiotic relationship between the entertainment and athletic worlds.
It has always been the case that cricket is the king in India, however in the last 10 years, we have seen something interesting. Bollywood celebrities, already large fan favorites, are walking on the field of play—not just cheering from the stands, but as team owners, league ambassadors and players. They have brought glamor, money and most importantly, attention to sports that always seemed forgotton under the weight of cricket.
Why stars matter in sport
When a Shah Rukh Khan or a Ranbir Kapoor attaches their name to a sport, people take notice. Viewership goes up, sponsors come in, and suddenly games like kabaddi, football, and badminton are being watched by millions. For fans, it’s also about aspiration. If their favourite actor is passionate about polo, rugby, or basketball, it suddenly feels ‘cool’ to follow those sports too.
Stars who own the game
Shah Rukh Khan is not just the King of Bollywood. He co-owns Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL with Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta. KKR has won the trophy in 2012, 2014 and now 2024. SRK’s Knight Riders brand extends internationally, with teams in the Caribbean (Trinbago Knight Riders), UAE (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), and even the USA (Los Angeles Knight Riders).Preity Zinta has been the lively face of Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) since the IPL began. Her energy in the stands is as famous as her films, and she remains an active co-owner.
Abhishek Bachchan is one of the most hands-on team owners in Bollywood. He owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League (winners in 2014 and 2022) and also co-owns Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League. He even fronted a docu-series on kabaddi (Sons of the Soil), showing fans the behind-the-scenes grind of the sport.In an earlier interview with CNBC TV 18, Abhishek said, “It’s becoming a bit of an expensive hobby. It’s thankfully become more of a side profession now. My hobby remains acting. My first love is acting, making movies, and telling interesting stories.”He added, “What I’ve realised in the last 10-15 years of working in this field is that I have the ability, which I didn’t think I had when I first started. Now, I have the belief that I can turn it into a business and set up a well-oiled machinery that can take care of itself—something I don’t need to micromanage. I can now macro-manage it. So yes, it’s become a second profession, and I’m enjoying it.”
Ranbir Kapoor co-founded Mumbai City FC, a team in the Indian Super League. Although the global football juggernaut City Football Group now has the majority stake, Ranbir’s affection for the franchise and his role as a co-owner is still meaningful and clear from his support at matches.John Abraham has long been passionate about football. He owns NorthEast United FC, giving young talent from the North-East region a big platform to shine.Taapsee Pannu made a bold move by investing in Pune 7 Aces, a team in the Premier Badminton League. It’s not often you see a young female actor stepping into ownership, and she has used the platform to champion badminton between Olympic seasons.
When actors become athletes
Some Bollywood stars aren’t just investors; they actually compete in sports themselves. Randeep Hooda is a serious equestrian. He has competed in national-level show jumping and dressage, even winning medals. His social media often highlights his love for horses as much as his films.
In an old interview with IANS, Randeep had stated, “Horse riding will always be special. I think I’m the only professional horse rider from the movie industry. Strangely I’ve seen no men from the industry at equestrian events though I’ve seen some ladies like Diya Mirza and Lara Dutta at the race course. Women, by the way, make superior horse riders.”Rahul Bose is another unique example. Before becoming an actor, he was part of India’s national rugby team. Today, he heads Rugby India and in 2025 oversaw the launch of the Rugby Premier League, hoping to bring more visibility to the sport.
Saiyami Kher, granddaughter of veteran actress Usha Kiran, has played cricket at the state level. She’s also into endurance sports and has completed multiple Ironman triathlons—something very few Indian celebrities can claim.Deepika Padukone, daughter of badminton legend Prakash Padukone, trained as a professional shuttler in her teens. Even today, she remains closely connected with the badminton ecosystem through her family’s academy, which works at the grassroots level.
Sanya Malhotra picked up Kalaripayattu, one of India’s oldest martial arts, while preparing for a role—and has since continued her practice.Sikandar Kher, though less vocal, has long been a supporter of golf, often helping promote tournaments.
The ambassador effect
Sometimes stars don’t own or play a sport but act as ambassadors, bringing attention to it.Ranveer Singh became the official face of the NBA in India in 2021. His flamboyant personality is a natural fit for basketball’s energy and has helped the league connect with India’s youth.The All Stars Football Club (ASFC), featuring actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Abhishek Bachchan, plays charity football matches against corporate teams. These games not only raise funds but also show fans a fun side of their favourite stars while promoting football.
The bigger picture
There’s a flip side too. Star involvement works only when it’s genuine. Fans can tell the difference between a publicity stunt and a real passion. That’s why figures like Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham, and Randeep Hooda get respect—they’ve stayed committed year after year.
Conclusion
Bollywood’s connection with sports is now more than showing up in designer sunglasses for IPL matches. Nowadays, actors are investors, ambassadors, change-makers, and athletes. Actors bring a lot of money, publicity, and credibility to a sport that sometimes lacks all of them. And in return, they receive something famecannot buy: the ability to develop India’s sports landscape. The reel world and the sport are meeting in the true sense of the word. Go to Source
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