Some of India’s most popular games are endorsed by Bollywood’s biggest names. We compile a list of celebrities who own sports teams.
Celebrities have long moved beyond the realm of lights and cameras to pursue their passions for fashion, food and liquor. Many have wholly or partially their own businesses in these sectors, which they regularly endorse on their social media platforms. In recent years, some of them have also donned sports jerseys and invested in games like cricket, badminton, soccer and even kabaddi. As they perform in stadiums and more and more sports stars endorse, the lines between entertainment and sport are blurring. We take a look at celebrities who own sports teams.
These popular celebrities in India own sports teams
Shah Rukh Khan
The King of Romance has a variety of brand endorsements under its belt. He also owns the production company Red Chillies Entertainment. However, his most popular investment continues to be the IPL-based franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, which he has co-owned since its inception in 2008. In addition, Khan also owns sports teams overseas, including Cape Town Knight Riders, Trinbago Knight Riders, and LA Knight Riders.
Speaking about his love of sport, Khan was quoted by Reuters as saying: “God gave me status and money. And instead of buying a plane and living an extravagant life, I want to invest money in the sport.” He added, “I wish this team would make money so I could build even more infrastructure for youth and possibly other sports can.”
Abhishek Bachchan
Abhishek Bachchan has been acting and producing films for quite some time. He has also invested in several companies over the years including two sports leagues namely the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and the Indian Super League (ISL). In the former he is a co-owner of the successful Jaipur Pink Panthers, while in the latter he supports two-time ISL champions Chennaiyin FC. In an interview with Hindu Business Line, he explained that running a business requires love for one’s profession. “I love going to the movies and that’s possibly the biggest contributor to my becoming an actor. I’m a big Kabaddi and soccer fan and that’s the reason for me to devote myself to the sport,” added the Paa actor.
Preity Zinta
Perhaps one of the most recognizable stars at every stadium in every Indian Premier League (IPL) season, actress Preity Zinta has co-owned Kings XI Punjab since its inception in 2008. Her love of the sport is palpable, and the actress celebrates her team through their ups and downs. When asked why she invested in cricket, she stated that she has been interested in sport since a young age. “My father used to run tournaments on his behalf in Himachal Pradesh. I wanted to start a sports school in Himachal. Then I heard that the BCCI was opening a way for private attendance at the IPL and I jumped at it. It fills me with great pride to be able to promote the sport at grassroots level,” she said in an interview with the Economic Times. Kings XI Punjab will compete at the IPL 2022 captained by Mayank Agarwal.
John Abraham
Actor John Abraham has dipped his toe into several ventures, investing in his own vodka brand Pure Wonder Abraham, low-calorie ice cream brand NOTO, and perfume and clothing line John Abraham Seduction. However, Abraham is best known for his commitment to clean eating and fitness, which complements his love of sports. “I love sport and I think sport is religion. If you see me, I’m an outdoor person. I think I live a very healthy lifestyle. And I just want to make sure that all of today’s youth lead such a lifestyle,” he was quoted as saying by Indian Express.
Naturally, he entered the world of professional sports and invested in Northeast United FC, a successful Guwahati ISL team representing eight states of Northeast India namely Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura and Mizoram.
Ranbir Kapoor
When he’s not busy filming the next hit movie, actor Ranbir Kapoor is known for playing football with his friends and colleagues. The Barfi star has expressed his passion for the sport on numerous occasions, adding that he is keen on starring in sports-focused films. Accordingly, he acquired a stake in Mumbai’s premium football league, Mumbai City FC, which won the 2021 cup. In a recent interview with Indian Express, he commented on the country’s relationship with sport, stating, “Sport in India is on the rise and growing exponentially as a culture. We are fortunate to be part of this process and it makes us proud whenever we can contribute to this positive trend.”
Juhi Chawla
Actress Juhi Chawla co-owns the Mehta Group, an Indian conglomerate, with her husband Jay Mehta. She is also a close friend and business partner of actor Shah Rukh Khan and as such has invested with him in Kolkata Knight Riders. Chawla is regularly seen at games and auctions and is closely involved in all decisions affecting the team. The Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL trophy in 2012 and 2014 and are preparing for a successful run in 2022 under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer.
Tapsee Pannu
Actress Tapsee Pannu has played the role of several sports personalities in features such as Rashmi Rocket, Saand Ki Aankh and Soorma. In her latest film, she follows in the footsteps of an Indian cricketer and national sports team captain, Mithali Raj. She has expressed her passion for sports in the past, saying in an interview with News18, “I love sports and I always feel like if I wasn’t an actor I would have aspired to be an athlete.” The actress invested Joined a franchise badminton team Pune 7 Aces in 2018, competing in the 2018-2019 Premier Badminton League season.
Akshaykumar
Akshay Kumar, the fourth highest paid actor in the world, is a staunch advocate of a healthy, fit lifestyle. He has also stated in a past interview that his love for the sport would never die. In 2017, he invested in Kolkata-based pro-Kabaddi League franchise Bengal Warriors. He had previously invested in Khalsa Warriors, another Kabaddi team.
Hero Image: Courtesy of Abhishek Bachchan; Cover Photo: Courtesy of Preity Zinta
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