In the digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for individuals to connect, engage, and showcase their talents and lifestyles to a global audience. Among these platforms, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular, with millions of users sharing photos, videos, and stories every day. For celebrities, Instagram offers a unique opportunity to interact directly with fans, promote their work, and build their personal brands. In India, where the entertainment industry thrives, Instagram has become a crucial platform for celebrities to stay relevant and maintain their fanbase. Let's delve into the world of Indian celebrities and uncover the top 10 most-followed personalities on Instagram.
1. Virat Kohli
The captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, not only dominates the cricket field but also social media with his massive fan following. With 267 million followers, he is the most-followed cricketer in the world. The Instagram account of the 35-year-old is a mix of cricketing highlights, fitness routines, family moments with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, and glimpses of his off-field endeavors, including his fashion brand and charity work.
2. Priyanka Chopra Jonas
With a staggering follower count of over 91 million, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, 41, reigns as the queen of Instagram in India. A global icon, Chopra Jonas has successfully transitioned from Bollywood to Hollywood, establishing herself as an actor, producer, and philanthropist. Her Instagram feed offers a glimpse into her glamorous life, featuring behind-the-scenes moments, red-carpet appearances, and glimpses of her work and personal life.
3. Shraddha Kapoor
With a follower count of 88.7 million, Shraddha Kapoor has carved a niche for herself in the Indian film industry with her versatility and screen presence. On Instagram, the 37-year-old shares snippets of her life, including glimpses from film sets, travel adventures, and moments spent with her loved ones, captivating her audience with her infectious energy and positivity.
4. Narendra Modi
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 73, is a prominent figure on Instagram, where he shares glimpses of his official duties, initiatives, and personal moments, attracting a large following from across the country. He has over 88.3 million followers on Instagram.
5. Alia Bhatt
As one of Bollywood's most promising talents, Alia Bhatt, 31, boasts a massive following of over 84 million on Instagram. Bhatt's feed is a blend of glamour and relatability, featuring glimpses of her film projects, fashion choices, and personal milestones. With her girl-next-door charm and effortless style, Bhatt continues to win hearts both on and off the screen.
6. Katrina Kaif
With over 80.1 million followers and counting, Katrina Kaif's Instagram account stands as a testament to her popularity and influence in the digital sphere. The 40-year-old shares on her handle glimpses of glamour, behind-the-scenes moments, travel pictures, fitness and wellness, philanthropic endeavors, and personal moments.
7. Deepika Padukone
With over 79 million followers, Deepika Padukone, 38, is one of Bollywood's leading ladies and a force to be reckoned with on Instagram. Known for her impeccable style and versatile acting skills, Padukone's Instagram feed exudes elegance and grace. From stunning photoshoots to candid moments with her husband, actor Ranveer Singh, Padukone keeps her fans captivated with her charm and charisma.
8. Neha Kakkar
With a follower count surpassing 78 million, Neha Kakkar, 37 is the reigning queen of Indian music on Instagram. From sharing snippets of her chart-topping songs to documenting her journey as a judge on reality shows, Kakkar's Instagram offers fans an intimate look into her life and career. Her infectious smile and down-to-earth persona have endeared her to millions of followers worldwide.
9. Urvashi Rautela
Urvashi Rautela's Instagram account serves as a window into her glamorous world, offering fans a glimpse into her life, career, and passions. With over 70.1 followers and counting, her Instagram presence is a testament to her widespread appeal and influence.
10. Jacqueline Fernandez
With over 69.7 million followers, Jacqueline Fernandez, 38, is a social media sensation known for her infectious energy and captivating presence. The Sri Lankan beauty's Instagram is a visual treat, featuring glamorous photoshoots, fitness routines, and moments of self-expression. Fernandez's bubbly personality and engaging content keep her followers hooked and coming back for more.
These Indian celebrities have leveraged the power of Instagram to connect with millions of fans worldwide, making them some of the most influential personalities on the platform.
The actress defended her claim that acting demands more than desk jobs in a recent interview.
She said office workers can "chill out" during work hours, unlike film stars.
Fans and working professionals called her comments privileged and out of touch.
The backlash started after her appearance on Amazon Prime's Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle.
Critics pointed out the financial gap and support systems actors have compared to regular employees.
Kajol probably didn't expect this reaction when she sat down with Twinkle Khanna on Two Much. But her comments about actors working harder than people with 9-to-5 jobs have blown up, and not in a good way.
Fans slam Kajol after she says actors work harder than regular employees sparking online outrage Getty Images
The comments that started it all
Kajol was speaking out about her earlier comments on Two Much with Kajol & Twinkle on Amazon Prime, where she said actors work harder than most people. This time she was explaining why she thinks that.
She told The Hollywood Reporter India that her days are full of shoots, events, and very early flights. One day involved waking at 5 AM to catch a flight to Jaipur for a 3 PM event.
But it was her take on regular jobs that got people talking. She claimed desk workers don't need to be "100% present" and can take breaks, "chill out," and relax while working. She kept coming back to the unending scrutiny actors face like the feeling of always being watched or something as simple as how you cross your legs or who's snapping a picture in the background becomes a constant calculation. You have to be switched on, she insisted, all the time.
The internet, frankly, was having none of it. YouTube and Reddit exploded with responses. "For the kind of remuneration actors are paid, they shouldn't have a problem working 12 hours a day for 4 days a week," one user wrote. Another pointed out that films typically take 3-4 months to shoot, while regular jobs run year-round.
The responses got more pointed. "Vanity mein naps or massages bhi toh hum lete hain," a Reddit user commented, referencing the comfort of vanity vans. Someone else joked: "If you work poorly, you get fired. If you act poorly, you get a Filmfare award."
The bluntest response yet? "Respectfully, Kajol, shut up."
Nobody denies acting is demanding. Long hours, public pressure, and constant judgement are very real. But comparing it to regular employment ignores some major differences.
Most people work 12 months a year with two weeks' holiday if they're lucky. They don't have spot boys fetching drinks or vanity vans for rest breaks. One netizen nailed it: "A working parent's schedule is continuous, every single day, with no wrap-up party or off-season."
Online erupts as Kajol defends claim that acting demands more than everyday 9-to-5 workGetty Images
There's also the money. While her fee for a single film is probably more than most people earn in a year, she says that doesn’t make the work easy. Still, it does provide a comfort that regular employees don’t have. Kajol has not yet replied to the backlash.
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