Ranbir Kapoor, Sundar Pichai, Vikas Khanna Honored on TIME's 2026 Influential List

TIME magazine has unveiled its 2026 list of the 100 most influential people, featuring prominent Indian figures Ranbir Kapoor, Sundar Pichai, and Vikas Khanna. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana authored a glowing tribute praising Kapoor's craft and role as a cultural bridge. Chef Vikas Khanna expressed immense pride, dedicating the honor to his family and India's culinary legacy. The list also includes international names like Ralph Lauren and Ethan Hawke from various sectors.

Key Points: TIME's 2026 100 Most Influential Includes Indian Stars

  • TIME's 2026 influential list released
  • Features leaders from tech, entertainment, culinary arts
  • Ayushmann Khurrana pens tribute to Ranbir Kapoor
  • Khanna dedicates honor to family and India
2 min read

Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor, Vikas Khanna make it to TIME's 100 most influential list

Ranbir Kapoor, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and chef Vikas Khanna are named to TIME magazine's prestigious 2026 list of the world's most influential people.

Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor, Vikas Khanna make it to TIME's 100 most influential list
"Ranbir isn't just a movie star--he's a storyteller talking to a global audience - Ayushmann Khurrana"

New Delhi, April 15

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, chef Vikas Khanna, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai have been named in TIME magazine's 2026 list of the 100 most influential people.

Released on Wednesday, the list features a diverse array of personalities from various sectors, including finance, entertainment, technology, sports, activism, and academia.

Ranbir's piece in the feature was written by actor Ayushmann Khurrana.

"There are actors who chase legacy and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels--box-office numbers, fan frenzy, opening weekends. But every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring: our emotional vocabulary as an audience. Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalises. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity. Globally, actors like Ranbir become important cultural bridges. He embodies an India that is evolving not just in scale but also in sensitivity. Our cinema is influencing the world. Ranbir isn't just a movie star--he's a storyteller talking to a global audience and telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like The Ramayana have inspired other civilisations and cultures," Ayushmann wrote.

Ranbir is yet to react to this honour.

Meanwhile, celebrity chef Vikas Khanna has expressed his happiness at making it to TIME's 100 list.

Sharing his thoughts, Vikas, in a press note said, "Being on the 2026 TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world is a matter of immense pride for me. I owe this recognition to my grandmother, mother, and sister; they always believed in me, and it is their sacrifices, blessings, and guidance that have helped me reach where I am today. This achievement is a victory for India and our culinary legacy that is appreciated by people across the world. With this honour, I hope to inspire the people of my country to follow their ambition and represent India on the global stage."

The coveted list also features the names of Ralph Lauren, Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Mark Kelly, and Hilary Knight, among others.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Aman W
Sundar Pichai absolutely deserves this. He's steering one of the world's most important companies. Vikas Khanna's journey from Amritsar to global fame is so inspiring. Ranbir is a fine actor, but the write-up by Ayushmann feels a bit over-the-top, no?
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Vikram M
Vikas Khanna's comment about his grandmother and mother hit home. That's our Indian values shining on a global stage. His success makes every Indian food lover proud. More power to him!
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Sarah B
As someone who follows global business, Pichai's influence is undeniable. It's interesting to see TIME's list blend such different fields. Congratulations to all three!
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Rohit P
While I'm happy for the recognition, I can't help but think there are many Indian scientists, doctors, and social workers doing groundbreaking work who never get this kind of spotlight. The list is always heavy on entertainment and business.
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Kavya N
Ranbir Kapoor? Really? There are so many more influential Indians. But chalo, at least it's positive coverage for India. Sundar Pichai is the real star here, no doubt. What a legend!

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