AP Dhillon is set to feature in the NBA 2025 All-Star Celebrity Game next week, which will be held at the Oakland Arena in California on February 14. The announcement was made by the official NBA All-Star account on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Bringing his talents to the Ruffles Celeb Game at NBA All Star…It’s AP Dhillon.” Dhillon later shared the announcement on his Instagram Stories, adding, “NBA All-Star take over.” This high-profile celebrity game is highly anticipated, as it showcases some of the biggest names in entertainment.
Historically speaking, the participation of Indian celebrities in this esteemed event has been significant. Over a decade ago, Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan made history by being the first Indian to feature in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. While he captured attention, his debut didn’t go as planned; the West team, led by Little League Baseball pitcher Mo’ne Davis, clinched a 59-51 victory at Madison Square Garden in New York. Although Abhishek held the title of goodwill ambassador for the league, his impact on the court was minimal, overshadowed by Hollywood’s Kevin Hart, who garnered the Most Valuable Player award despite his team’s loss.
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh, another iconic Bollywood star, became NBA India’s brand ambassador in 2021 and participated in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in 2022, making him the second Indian to join this elite list. Ranveer represented former Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade’s team during an exciting match held in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Team Dwayne emerged victorious, edging out Team Ryan with a score of 81 to 78. During this star-studded event, Ranveer even had the opportunity to meet Hollywood star Ben Affleck on the court.
This year, the match will include several high-profile celebrities alongside AP Dhillon, such as comedian Druski, multi-time GRAMMY-nominated singer Shaboozey, Emmy-winning actor Rome Flynn, and actor Danny Ramirez. The game will also feature renowned athletes, including Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens and WWE Superstar Bayley, along with Olympic Track and Field gold medalists Masai Russell and Shelby McEwen.
The significance of this event extends beyond mere entertainment; it highlights the growing influence of Indian celebrities in international sporting events like the NBA, while also providing a platform for cultural exchange through sports. As this annual celebrity game approaches, fans eagerly await to see how AP Dhillon and his fellow stars will collaborate on the court, further blurring the lines between sport and entertainment.
