RA
Person
Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian International Cricketer
Ravichandran Ashwin is an Indian international cricketer who plays for the Indian national cricket team as an all-rounder. Renowned for his exceptional off-spin bowling, Ashwin is widely considered one of the greatest spin bowlers in the history of Test cricket. He is the fastest bowler to reach several milestone wicket marks in Test cricket, including 250, 300, and 350 wickets. Born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Ashwin started his domestic cricket career with Tamil Nadu and made his international debut for India in 2010. Known for his tactical intelligence and variations like the carrom ball, he quickly became a vital cog in India's spin attack, especially in home conditions. Ashwin played a pivotal role in India's victory at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy. Beyond his international achievements, he has had a highly successful career in the Indian Premier League, representing prominent franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals. In 2024, Ashwin reached the historic milestone of taking 500 Test wickets, becoming only the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to achieve this feat. Aside from his bowling exploits, Ashwin is an accomplished lower-order batter with multiple Test centuries to his name, highlighting his utility as a genuine all-rounder. He has been honored with the Arjuna Award and the ICC Cricketer of the Year award.
Sports
Person
AM
Person
Abhishek Malhan
Indian YouTuber and Social Media Influencer
Abhishek Malhan, widely recognized by his online moniker Fukra Insaan, is a highly popular Indian YouTuber, digital content creator, musician, and social media personality. Born on April 12, 1997, in New Delhi, India, Malhan completed his business studies at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce before fully committing to digital media. He launched his YouTube journey in July 2019, quickly gaining traction with high-energy challenge videos, humorous pranks, and relatable reaction content. Within a few years, his creative content and engaging personality earned him millions of subscribers and established him as a prominent figure in India's digital entertainment ecosystem. In 2023, Malhan transitioned from digital platforms to mainstream national media when he participated in the second season of the reality television show Bigg Boss OTT. His strategic gameplay, strong personality, and loyal fan base led him to the finals, where he finished as the first runner-up. Beyond his solo achievements, Malhan belongs to a highly prominent family of Indian creators; his brother Nischay Malhan is the famous YouTuber Triggered Insaan, and his mother Dimple Malhan runs her own successful channel. Known for his collaborations with other top Indian influencers and his venture into independent music videos, Abhishek Malhan remains an influential voice and a leading name in India's creator economy.
Media
Person
KK
Karan Kundrra
Indian television actor and host
Karan Kundrra is a prominent Indian television actor, model, and host widely recognized for his extensive work in Hindi-language entertainment. He rose to stardom with his breakthrough debut performance as Arjun Punj in Ekta Kapoor's popular romantic drama series Kitani Mohabbat Hai in 2009. Over the years, Kundrra has built a versatile career spanning fiction dramas, major reality television formats, and feature films. He established himself as a dominant figure in youth reality entertainment, serving as a prominent gang leader and host for multiple editions of MTV Roadies and hosting shows like MTV Love School and Gumrah End of Innocence. His national popularity spiked significantly following his participation in the reality show Bigg Boss 15 in 2021, where he emerged as the second runner-up. In addition to his substantial television presence, Kundrra has expanded his portfolio into cinema with appearances in movies such as Mubarakan, 1921, and Thank You for Coming, as well as several digital web series on prominent streaming platforms.
Media
Person
SB
Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and music composer
Sanjay Leela Bhansali is one of Indian cinema's most acclaimed and visually distinctive filmmakers, recognized for his grand aesthetic vision, operatic scale, and tragic romanticism. Born in Mumbai, he studied at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) before establishing his unique voice in Hindi cinema. He made his directorial debut with the critically acclaimed musical drama Khamoshi: The Musical in 1996. Over nearly three decades, Bhansali has become synonymous with lavish period dramas, sprawling sets, and highly intricate musical compositions, which he frequently writes himself. His landmark directorial works include iconic box office successes and cultural milestones such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Devdas, Black, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Throughout his career, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including seven National Film Awards and the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor. In 2024, Bhansali expanded his artistic reach into digital streaming with the massive epic drama series Heeramandi, while simultaneously launching his independent music label, Bhansali Music.
Media
Person
RK
Ranbir Kapoor
Indian actor and film producer
Ranbir Kapoor is one of contemporary Indian cinema's most acclaimed and commercially successful actors, celebrated for his versatility and emotionally intense performances. Born into the legendary Kapoor film dynasty, he is the son of actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh. After studying filmmaking and acting in New York, he entered Bollywood as an assistant director to Sanjay Leela Bhansali before making his acting debut in the 2007 romantic drama Saawariya. Kapoor quickly established himself as a generation-defining talent, earning critical and box office success with diverse roles ranging from romantic comedies to complex psychological dramas. His filmography features iconic blockbusters and critically lauded films such as Wake Up Sid, Rockstar, Barfi!, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Sanju, and Animal. Over his career, he has won multiple Filmfare Awards and has been recognized as one of the country's highest-paid celebrities. In 2026, his global influence was highlighted by his inclusion in Time magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, coinciding with his starring role as Lord Rama in Nitesh Tiwari's epic mythological production Ramayana.
Media
Person
RK
Rishi Kapoor
Indian actor, film director, and producer
Rishi Kapoor was a legendary Indian actor, director, and producer who left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema across a career spanning five decades. Born into the illustrious Kapoor film dynasty as the second son of cinema pioneer Raj Kapoor, he was affectionately nicknamed Chintu. He entered the industry as a child artist, winning national acclaim before establishing himself as Bollywood's definitive romantic 'chocolate boy' throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Renowned for his charismatic charm, effortless dance moves, and expressive acting, he starred in numerous iconic musicals. In his later years, Kapoor transitioned brilliantly into a highly versatile character actor, earning widespread critical praise for portraying diverse roles ranging from endearing fathers to formidable antagonists. Over his lifetime, his contributions were honored with a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Media
Person
AB
Aryaman Vikram Birla
Indian business executive, entrepreneur, and former first-class cricketer
Aryaman Vikram Birla is a seventh-generation member of the illustrious Birla business family and a key executive within the leadership team of the multi-billion-dollar Aditya Birla Group. Before entering corporate boardrooms, Birla pursued a professional sports career as a first-class cricketer. Operating as a left-handed opening batsman, he played for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy and secured a contract with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before stepping away from professional cricket in 2019. Transitioning fully into enterprise leadership, he earned advanced global degrees, including an MBA with Honors from Harvard Business School. Birla spearheads the Aditya Birla Group's portfolio strategy agenda, leading its high-growth expansion into new-age verticals. He is the founder of Aditya Birla Ventures, the group's venture capital arm, and Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality, which scales luxury dining and lifestyle brands across India. He holds non-executive directorships across major flagship entities, including Grasim Industries, Hindalco Industries, and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL). In 2026, he dramatically scaled his footprint in sports management by orchestrating the high-profile acquisition of the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), subsequently assuming its Chairmanship.
Business
Person
RP
Rajat Patidar
Indian international cricketer and captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Rajat Patidar is an accomplished Indian international cricketer who plays as a right-handed top-order batter. Representing Madhya Pradesh in domestic cricket, he first gained prominent national recognition for his clinical, high-impact strokeplay in pressure scenarios. Patidar made his first-class debut in 2015 and gradually established himself as a mainstay of his state's batting lineup, notably leading them as captain during the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy tournament. His international breakthrough came with his ODI debut against South Africa in late 2023, followed by his Test debut against England in early 2024. In the Indian Premier League, Patidar's trajectory transformed remarkably after joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Originally signed as a mid-season replacement, he achieved legendary status within the franchise when he was appointed team captain. He phenomenally broke the team's long-standing championship drought by leading them to their maiden IPL title, and further cemented his legacy by successfully defending the crown to secure back-to-back championships, making him one of the most successful leaders in the tournament's history.
Sports
Person
LS
Lakshya Sen
Indian international badminton player
Lakshya Sen is one of India's most prominent and successful contemporary badminton players, celebrated for his exceptional speed, defensive resilience, and sharp attacking net play. Born into a sporting family in Almora, Uttarakhand, he trained from a young age at the prestigious Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. Sen first achieved international prominence during his junior career, rising to World Junior No. 1 in 2017 and capturing a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Junior Championships. Transitioning swiftly to the senior circuit, he cemented his status as a world-class competitor by securing a bronze medal at the 2021 BWF World Championships. His absolute breakout year came in 2022, when he claimed his maiden BWF Super 500 title at the India Open, guided the Indian men's team to a historic first-ever Thomas Cup gold, reached the finals of the All England Open, and grabbed a men's singles gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Recognized for his monumental contributions, he was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 2022. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Sen etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic badminton semi-final, ultimately achieving a commendable fourth-place finish. He continues to represent India at elite global echelons, maintaining a steady presence among the sport's top international rankings.
Sports
Person