Deepika Padukone, Virat Kohli win Instagram Awards

Padukone has the 'Most Followed Account', while Kohli has the 'Most Engaged Account' in India

MUMBAI: Bollywood starlet Deepika Padukone has the 'Most Followed Account' and Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has got the 'Most Engaged Account' on Instagram, according to the Instagram Awards which have been announced for the first time in India.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdZwezqg3GA/?taken-by=virat.kohli

Kohli has 19.8 million followers as of Monday. His account generated the biggest number of engagements when all likes and comments from the content that he shared in 2017  - except 'Story' views and video views - were aggregated.

The list, which acknowledges the photo-sharing platform's most engaging community members, also recognises Emerging Account and 20 Million Milestones.

In the Most Followed Account category, Priyanka Chopra trailed behind Deepika's 22.4 million followers with a count of 22 million, and Alia Bhatt rounded up the top three with 20.8 million followers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Be_Ef8iBbcY/?taken-by=deepikapadukone

In a statement, the Padmaavat star expressed gratitude and said, "Staying connected with my fans and loved ones is extremely important to me. I value the love, support and connection I share with them and I hope I continue to remain true and authentic."

Actor Ishaan Khatter, who will be seen in Dhadak, has been named for India's 'Emerging Account' for growing his fanbase on Instagram significantly throughout 2017.

For Ishaan, Instagram is his most loved social media platform.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BehR-u_gOAd/?taken-by=ishaan95

"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," he said. "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" he said.

Alia also got a 'milestone plaque,' with Shraddha Kapoor in recognition for building a community of 20 million followers.

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