Top 20 Instagram Followers in India By Their Popularity

Instagram followers in India are increasing on a daily basis. Instagram is a very popular social media platform (now owned by Facebook/Metaverse) that allows users to create personal or business handles (term used for ‘user account’) in order to post photos and videos and reach out to a larger following base. Instagram is used by over a billion people across the globe. The social media platform is mainly developed as an application for mobile devices (iOS and Android). The app offers features where users can edit photos/videos and apply filters to make their pictures and videos look more engaging with other users and followers.

In India, there are a myriad of such users (or handles) who, through posting photos/videos for public viewing, have gained a huge fan following and the numbers keep growing. Though many Instagram followings include public figures, such as film actors/actresses, sportspersons, business tycoons, social influencers, politicians, etc., there are also several individuals that have garnered a social persona and success on the online platform.

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Let us now take a quick look at some of the most popular Instagram users of India that have gained a massive following on the social media platform.

20 Popular Instagram Users in India with Huge Fan Following

Listed below are the names of Indians that are most followed on the Instagram social media platform.

1. Virat Kohli

Profession: Cricketer

Instagram Handle: @virat.kohli [link to user account]

Fan Following: 212.36 Million

The popular Indian cricketer and the team’s former captain, Virat Kohli has the highest number of Instagram followers in India. He is considered to be one of the best batsmen. During his thirteen-year journey in Cricket, Virat had achieved numerous awards and honors including India’s most noteworthy donning differentiation, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna grant.

The audience size of Kohli’s @virat.kohli Instagram handle is 212.36M followers. Over the past four weeks, the account has gained 125K new subscribers. The level of engagement is 1.37%. The average number of likes and comments on an Instagram post created by Virat Kohli is 2.9M and 19.2K, respectively. Kohli’s @virat.kohli Instagram handle publishes content mostly about Sports with a ball.

2. Priyanka Chopra

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @priyankachopra [link to user account]

Fan Following: 81.9 Million

Priyanka Chopra holds the second position among the most followed Indians on Instagram. She is a beautiful and talented actress, singer, movie producer, and philanthropist. She won the Miss World beauty pageant in the year 2000 and is one of India’s highest-paid and most popular celebrities. Her career as a model also assisted her with various movies in the Bollywood industry.

She moved to Hollywood during the 2010s and turned into a colossal achievement. She is presently married to artist and entertainer Nick Jonas and lives in New York, USA. She is one of the most dynamic actresses in Bollywood and is a notable figure. The multi-talented star uses her Instagram handle to share moments from her professional and personal life. She posts photos and videos taken with her family, including her husband Nick(musician).

3. Shraddha Kapoor

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @shraddhakapoor [link to user account]

Fan Following: 74.52 Million

Shraddha Kapoor is the third most followed person on Instagram in India with over 70 million followers. She is the daughter of very famous Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor. She began her acting career with a brief role in the 2010 heist film ‘Teen Patti’ and after that, she gave many super hits like ‘Aashiqui 2’, ‘Baaghi’, ‘Ek Villain’, etc. You will see photos of her posing, eating, her vacation, and various projects on her account.

The audience size of Shraddha Kapoor’s @shraddhakapoor Instagram handle is 74.5M followers. The account gained 559K new followers in the four last weeks. The Engagement Rate is 1.68%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Shraddha is 1.2M and 8.1K, respectively. On her @shraddhakapoor Instagram account, Shraddha Kapoor publishes content mostly about Cinema and Actors/Actresses.

4. Neha Kakkar

Profession: Singer

Instagram Handle: @nehakakkar [link to user account]

Fan Following: 70.76 Million

Neha Kakkar is an Indian singer widely renowned for her unique voice, and one of the top Instagram influencers in India. She is the only Indian artist who has two tunes with over a billion views on YouTube. A few popular songs of Neha Kakkar are ‘Kala Chashma’, ‘Dilbar’, ‘Nikle Current’, and more. After her massive success in the music industry, she also appeared as the judge in the 10th and 11th seasons of the talent show Indian Idol.

She has also appeared in more than 1,000 live exhibitions over the span of her ten-year melodic profession and is one of the most generously compensated vocalists in the country. You will see her photos with her husband Rohanpree Singh. She shares clips from Indian Idol, the singing reality show that she judges along with other celebrities like Himesh Reshammiya and Vishal Dadlani.

5. Alia Bhatt

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @aliaabhatt [link to user account]

Fan Following: 70.09 Million

Alia Bhatt is one of those entertainers who has fabricated a name for herself in Bollywood. She is the daughter of well-known Indian Film director Mahesh Bhatt. She made her Bollywood debut in Karan Johar’s film ‘Student Of The Year’ released in the year 2012. She has appeared in several Hindi movies, including ‘Raazi’, ‘2 States’, ‘Gully Boy, and ‘Highway’, ‘Gangubai’ etc. Alia Bhatt has also set to mark her name in the Tollywood industry (South Indian film industry) with the movie ‘RRR’ starring Jr. NTR and Ram Charan.

Alia Bhatt’s Instagram account gives an interesting insight into her life at home, current and upcoming films, brand promotions, and fitness routine. But, what you’ll like the most are the pictures she posts with her cute pets.

6. Narendra Modi

Profession: Current Prime Minister of India

Instagram Handle: @narendramodi [link to user account]

Fan Following: 69.26 Million

The current Prime Minister of India is yet another most followed person on Instagram in India. Narendra Damodardas Modi is an Indian politician and is presently serving his second term as Prime Minister of India. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for thirteen consecutive years before being elected as the Prime Minister of India in the year 2014.

The audience size of Indian PM’s @narendramodi Instagram handle is 69.3M followers. The account gained 371.5K new followers in the four last weeks. The Engagement Rate is 2.73%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Narendra Modi is 1.9M and 15.2K respectively. The Indian PM’s Instagram handles @narendramodi publish content mostly about Finance & Economics, Business & Careers.

7. Deepika Padukone

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @deepikapadukone [link to user account]

Fan Following: 68.81 Million

Deepika Padukone is another name on the list of most followed Indians on Instagram with over 68 million followers. She began her career in the Bollywood industry as a lead actress alongside actor Shahrukh Khan in the film ‘Om Shanti Om’. Her other films like ‘Piku’, ‘Bajirao Mastani’, ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’ and ‘Gehraayiyan’, starring Siddhanth Chaturvedi has won many hearts for her outstanding performance. Presently, she is among the highest-paid actresses in India and has been the recipient of three Filmfare Awards and numerous other features. She is married to popular Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh.

Deepika Padukone posts her photos and videos from her brand shoots and about her upcoming projects, such as the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood film ‘The Intern’. But, the highlight of her account is the childhood pictures that she posts from time to time.

8. Katrina Kaif

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @katrinakaif [link to user account]

Fan Following: 66.77 Million

Katrina Kaif is yet another celebrity who is most followed on Instagram in India. She joined Instagram on April 2017 and immediately turned into an Internet sensation. She actually surpassed the achievement of 1 million subscribers in the first 24 hours. Recently, Katrina was married to Vicky Kaushal, and fans couldn’t help but adore the lovely couple. Katrina Kaif acted in several Bollywood films such as ‘Sooryavanshi’, ‘Phone Bhoot’, ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, ‘Namaste London’, ‘Ek Tha Tiger, ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’ etc.

Beautiful personal shots, working out, photo shoots, holidays, and movie posters, actress Katrina Kaif’s Instagram handle give a wholesome look into her life. She also promotes her brand Kay Beauty and posts about the products featured in the line of beauty products.

9. Jacqueline Fernandez

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @jacquelinef143 [link to user account]

Fan Following: 63.3 Million

Jacqueline Fernandes is originally from Sri Lanka and the winner of the 2006 Miss Universe beauty pageant. She is also a popular film actress in India who works in the Bollywood film industry. In 2009, she made her Bollywood debut with the movie ‘Aladin’ and since then has made a place among Bollywood fans. She has appeared in several Hindi movies, such as ‘Murder 2’ and ‘Kick’ and other hit comedies including ‘Housefull 3’ and ‘Judwaa 2’ etc.

On her Instagram account, she shares pictures and videos of her doing various yoga asanas, along with her Bollywood projects and trips. She also loves horse riding.

10. Akshay Kumar

Profession: Film Actor

Instagram Handle: @akshaykumar [link to user account]

Fan Following: 63.12 Million

Akshay Kumar is right now respected as India’s fittest and most beneficial actor and entertainer. In 2019, he featured in four movies that earned more than 200 crores in the world of Indian cinema, making him the only Indian entertainer to do such Bollywood history. He has appeared in over a hundred and forty movies, including ‘Welcome’, ‘Aitraaz’, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi’, ‘Namastey London’, ‘Housefull’, and more. Forbes named him India’s most generously compensated entertainer in 2020. He is one of the popular Bollywood actors and the most popular person in India on Instagram.

On his Instagram account, Akshay Kumar’s posts include his movie promotions, a behind-the-scenes look into his shoots, and photos with his wife Twinkle Khanna. He occasionally also posts pictures with his kids, Aarav and Nitara.

11. Anushka Sharma

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @anushkasharma [link to user account]

Fan Following: 59.89 Million

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma’s Instagram account gives a look into her life with her cricketer husband Virat Kohli and her movie projects. She has appeared in several successful movies such as ‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’, ‘Band Baaja Baraat’, ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’, ‘PK’ and more. She also promotes her brand Nush on her Instagram feed. The couple also uses their individual Instagram accounts to make important announcements like the birth of their daughter, Vamika.

The audience size of Anushka Sharma’s @anushkasharma Instagram handle is 59.8M followers. Over the past four weeks, the account has gained 76.2K new subscribers. The Engagement Rate is 2.24%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Anushka Sharma is 1.3M and 3K, respectively. On her @anushkasharma Instagram account, she publishes content mostly about Cinema & Actors/Actresses.

12. Urvashi Rautela

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @urvashirautela [link to user account]

Fan Following: 54.81 Million

Urvashi Rautela is a dancer and actress in the Bollywood film industry. She appeared in films like ‘Pagalpanti’, ‘Sanam Re’, ‘Kaabil’, ‘Hate Story 4’ and more. She gained the limelight for her dancing skills. Her dancing movies with singer and musician Yo Yo Honey Singh in his international video album ‘Love Dose’ gained her an immense fan following. Later, she also performed several dance numbers in Bollywood films. She is considered one of the most fashionable personalities in Bollywood.

She is also an active social media influencer. Her Instagram account is filled with throwback pictures, outfit ensembles, dance, and goofy videos. On her Instagram account, she posts content mostly about her life, movies, and others.

13. Salman Khan

Profession: Film Actor

Instagram Handle: @beingsalmankhan [link to user account]

Fan Following: 53.98 Million

Salman Khan is one of the most popular actors in Bollywood cinema of all time. He’s appeared in over a hundred movies and hosts the popular reality TV show Bigg Boss. Actor Salman Khan frequently posts about his movies. Scroll through his feed and you will also come across photos of his ripped body and himself with his brothers and sisters and their children.

The audience size of Salman Khan’s @beingsalmankhan Instagram handle is 54M followers. Over the past four weeks, the account has gained 350.4Knew subscribers. The Engagement Rate is 2.07%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Salman Khan is 1.1M and 18.1K, respectively. On his @beingsalmankhan Instagram account, he publishes content mostly about Cinema, Actors/Actresses, and Art/Artists.

14. Sunny Leone

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @sunnyleone [link to user account]

Fan Following: 53.74 Million

Canada-based model and adult film actress Sunny Leone earned popularity in India after stepping into Bollywood films, where she appeared in item songs in several Hindi films. Later, she started working on roles in various films. She has appeared in films like ‘Ragini MMS 2’, ‘Ek Paheli Leela’, and ‘Mastizaade’ etc. She also owns the brand StarBuck Cosmetics, which she regularly posts on her Instagram handle.

The audience size of Sunny Leone’s @sunnyleone Instagram handle is 53.8M followers. The account gained 62.4K new followers in the last weeks. The Engagement Rate is 2.24%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Sunny Leone is 1.3M and 3K, respectively. On her @sunnyleone Instagram account, she publishes content mostly about Cinema & Actors/Actresses.

15. Disha Patani

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @dishapatani [link to user account]

Fan Following: 53.53 Million

Disha Patani is a model and actress in the Bollywood film industry. She has appeared in various Hindi-language movies, such as ‘M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, ‘Baaghi 2’ and ‘Bharat’ etc.

The audience size of actress Disha Patani’s @dishapatani Instagram handle is 53.6M followers. Over the past four weeks, the account has gained 690.5K new subscribers. The Engagement Rate is 1.84%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Disha Patani is 983.4K and 4.6K, respectively. On her @dishapatani Instagram account, she publishes content mostly about Cinema, Actors/Actresses, and Lifestyle.

16. Kriti Sanon

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @kritisanon [link to user account]

Fan Following: 50.49 Million

Kriti Sanon is a model and actress who works in the Bollywood film industry. She made her Bollywood debut in the year 2014 alongside actor Tiger Shroff in the movie ‘Heropanti’. She has appeared in several Hindi movies like ‘Luka Chuppi’, ‘Heropanti’, ‘Dilwale’, and ‘Bareilly Ki Barfi’ etc.

The audience size of Kriti Sanon’s @kritisanon Instagram handle is 50.5M followers. Over the past four weeks, the account has gained 76.2K new subscribers. The Engagement Rate is 2.24%. The average number of likes and comments per Instagram post created by Kriti Sanon is 1.3M and 3K, respectively. On her @kritisanon Instagram account, she publishes content mostly about Cinema & Actors/Actresses, photos, and behind-the-scenes videos.

17. Jannat Zubair

Profession: Film Actress

Instagram Handle: @jannatzubair29 [link to user account]

Fan Following: 44.28 Million

Jannat Zubair Rahmani is a popular TV actress as well as in the Bollywood film industry. Jannat is known for playing the role of Pankti in the Colors TV series “Tu Aashiqui”. The talented actress began her career in 2009, but received recognition in 2011 for her drama “Phulwa”. The social media sensation became famous after she played the lead role in the movie “Phulwa”.

On her Instagram account, she posts photos and videos about her personal life, family, TV shows, movies, and other activities.

18. Varun Dhawan

Profession: Film Actor

Instagram Handle: @varundvn [link to user account]

Fan Following: 44.01 Million

Varun Dhawan is an actor in the Bollywood film industry. He is the son of Indian filmmaker David Dhawan. Varun Dhawan has worked in several Hindi films like ‘Student Of The Year’, ‘Kalank’, ‘Judwaa 2’, ‘Street Dancer 3D’, ‘Dilwale’, and more. The actor made his debut in 2012 in Karan Johar’s teen drama “Student of the Year” alongside newcomers Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra.

Varun Dhawan is quite active on social media, where he updates his fans on his Instagram handle about his next projects.

19. Hrithik Roshan

Profession: Film Actor

Instagram Handle: @hrithikroshan [link to user account]

Fan Following: 43.87 Million

Hrithik Roshan is an actor in the Bollywood film industry. He is the son of Indian filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. He made his career in Indian cinema with the top-grossing film ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ released in the year 2000. He has appeared in several Hindi films such as ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘Fizaa’, ‘Koi Mil Gaya’, ‘Krish’, ‘Dhoom 2’, ‘Agneepath’, ‘Jodha Akbar’ and more.

On his Instagram handle, he posts pictures and videos of his life, children, movies, and others.

20. Kapil Sharma

Profession: TV Comedian

Instagram Handle: @kapilsharma [link to user account]

Fan Following: 42.66 Million

Kapil Sharma is the most followed stand-up comedian in India. He hosts the comedy night show on television, The Kapil Sharma Show on the Sony channel. He previously hosted a few television comedy shows like ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ and ‘Family Time with Kapil’. Sharma became famous after winning the comedy reality show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2007. He has also worked in a few Bollywood films, ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon’, ‘Firangi’, ‘ABCD 2’, and “It’s My Life”.

On his Instagram handle, he posts pictures and videos of his life and family, movie projects, television shows, etc.

Wrapping Up

The above-mentioned highly influential Indians with a huge fan following on Instagram social media platforms have gained fame and success with their followers. Many individuals, whether celebrities or common people, find social media platforms such as Instagram, a way to share their interests and everyday activities on the internet and be seen by viewers in greater numbers.