SRK joins the A-list

After the business titans like Ambanis and Mittals, it is the turn of the three young icons of Indian entertainment world -- Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan and Abhishek Bachchan -- to make it to a Forbes list.

The US publication, known for its rankings of wealthiest persons across the world, has named these Bollywood stars among ten celebrities adding star-power to mobile phones.

The two Khans and the junior Bachchan, son of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, have been joined by two international sportstars Maria Sharapova and David Beckham, four singers Usher, Fergie, Rain and Andy Lau and race car driver Danica Patrick in the 'Ten Celebs and Their Cells' list published on the Forbes website.

"Once upon a time, perfume and designer jean makers were the ones who relied on celebrities to add a bit of star-dust glamour to their products. Add to that list, now, mobile phone makers," the report said.

While Shahrukh endorses mobile phones made by Nokia, the world's biggest cellphone maker, Abhishek and Aimer are brand ambassadors for Motorola and Samsung phones respectively.

Among other celebrities, Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova endorses Sony Ericsson phones, while soccer star David Beckham is a brand ambassador for Motorola RAZR2 phone.

Forbes said the ten celebrities are "some of the big ones who want you to join their handheld club."
"As nearly everyone on the planet seems to have a cellphone, device makers must work harder to win new customers. Cool designs and low prices help, of course. But so do celebrities. That's led phone makers to recruit some A-listers from Usher to David Beckham to lend an ear-- and a smile-- to selling cellphones," it added.

The Hindu