Instagram today announced Instagram Awards in India to acknowledge its most engaging community members in India. With a global community of over 800 monthly actives, Indian Instagram community is home to some of the most popular entertainment and sports accounts that attract fans nationwide and globally. The first ever Instagram awards in India are a testimony to the growth that the local Instagram community has seen in the recent past.

Instagram Awards India

• Indian Cricket Team Captain, Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) emerged as the “Most Engaged Account” with 19.8 million followers as on March 2018
• Deepika Padukone (@deepikapadukone) emerged as the “Most Followed Account” with 22.4 million followers, followed by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) with 22 million followers, and Alia Bhatt(@aliaabhatt) with 20.8 million followers as on March 2018
• Ishaan Khatter (@ishaan95) is India’s “Emerging Account” for growing his fan base on Instagram significantly throughout 2017. Instagram is Ishaan’s only official presence on social media
• Further, in recognition for building a community of 20 million followers, Instagram presents Alia Bhatt (@aliaabhatt­) and Shraddha Kapoor (@shraddhakapoor) with a milestone plaque.

2017 captured some of their most cherished and favorite moments from the public figures, whether it was Virat Kohli’s wedding announcement to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma, or when Priyanka Chopra went Live on Instagram with actor Ranveer Singh and Hollywood’s Kate Bosworth on International Women’s Day. The growing use of features and content formats offered on Instagram like Stories, Live, Boomerangs, and Superzoom, have also allowed celebrities to express their personalities and engage directly with fans.

Here’s what the celebrities are saying: 

Deepika Padukone“Staying connected with my fans and loved ones is extremely important to me! I value the love, support & connection I share with them and I hope I continue to remain true & authentic!”

Ishaan Khatter “Instagram is the social media platform I love the most. It’s a non-stop source for inspiration from people and personalities all over the world. I find it especially enjoyable because it’s about connecting through pictures and videos. On a more personal note it’s almost like a time machine for your memories and a way to immortalise your favourite moments. It’s lovely connecting with others through this medium and I look forward to being inspired and hopefully inspiring more people in the future, too!”

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