Bollywood stars at Wimbledon: Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Preity Zinta and more—Love for the game or a stylish power move?

Dubai: This year at Wimbledon, the energy off-court often rivalled the action on it—especially in the Royal Box, where the turnout of Indian celebrities gave Centre Court a distinctly Bollywood flair.

From Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, the All England Club saw a steady stream of stars gracing the stands, dressed to the nines, camera-ready, and very much part of the spectacle.

It’s not the first time global celebrities have made Wimbledon part of their summer calendar—Hollywood and fashion royalty have long treated the tournament as a social highlight. But the recent uptick in South Asian celebrity attendance prompts a fair question: is this about a passion for tennis, or something else entirely?

Anushka Sharma was spotted on her phone during a thrilling match—perhaps just checking messages, perhaps momentarily distracted—but the image sparked conversation online. Priyanka Chopra, in contrast, seemed deeply engaged, watching the match intently alongside Nick Jonas.

Urvashi Rautela, meanwhile, made headlines for her outfit alone—a doll-like ivory dress paired with a Birkin bag weighed down by half a dozen Labubu plush toys. Subtle? Not exactly. The look was theatrical, eccentric, and impossible to miss—garnering equal parts fascination and bewilderment.

But according to her PR, this wasn’t just a fashion moment. “This is better than a front page of [any Indian newspaper],” they insisted, claiming that global visibility—especially at an event as internationally revered as Wimbledon—helps reposition her image and build cross-market recognition. An international fast food campaign is reportedly on the cards, and the narrative they’re aiming to shape is clear: she’s not just showing up, she’s expanding her brand.

In today’s fame economy, where visibility is monetised and moments are content, that logic tracks. After all, we’ve seen similar moves across the board—from the calculated virality of Urfi Javed to the high-octane glamour of Ambani weddings, and how even Kim Kardashian now floats seamlessly through elite global spaces. If attention is currency, then showing up at Wimbledon is less about tennis and more about trajectory.

Preity Zinta also shared photos with her husband and friends, calling it “an unbelievable game of tennis,” while Janhvi Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar, Shibani Dandekar and Javed Akhtar all made photogenic appearances in the stands.

To be fair, celebrity attendance at major global events is nothing new. During the pandemic, the Maldives became such a hotspot for Bollywood stars that it was jokingly referred to as “South Bombay by the sea.” Wimbledon now seems to be taking up that mantle—a glossy, elite stage where presence signals cultural relevance.

F1 races, cricket World Cups, fashion weeks—it’s all part of the modern celebrity playbook. Turn up, turn heads, turn it into a carousel post. These aren’t just leisure outings; they’re strategic placements.

And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. Culture thrives on spectacle, and for celebrities—particularly those navigating both Eastern and Western fame—events like Wimbledon offer more than a photo op. They become a statement. A handshake with legacy. A seat at the global table.

Still, one can’t help but wonder—do they actually follow the game? Is there a genuine interest in the sport itself, or is tennis simply another refined backdrop in an already well-curated lifestyle narrative?

Perhaps it’s both. Maybe some truly appreciate the sport. Maybe others are just glad to be part of the frame. But amid the couture, the cameras, and the luxury accessories, it would be refreshing to know who’s actually there for the love of the game.