Every year, TIME Magazine releases its much-awaited list of the 100 Most Influential People.
Released on April 16, 2025, this year’s list includes big global names like Snoop Dogg, Demi Moore, Ed Sheeran, Serena Williams, and Demis Hassabis. These influential people were picked across fields like music, films, sports, politics, and tech.
Actor Blake Lively made it to the ‘Titans’ category, singer Rose from BLACKPINK was listed under ‘Pioneers’, while Snoop Dogg and director Jon M. Chu were recognized as ‘Innovators’. But what stood out to many Indians? There were no Indian-based celebrities on the list this year.
This comes as a surprise, especially since Indian stars like Shah Rukh Khan were featured in 2023, and Alia Bhatt in 2024. Fans took to social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), to express their disappointment. While no India-based entertainers were included, one Indian-origin name did appear, Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. But again, she represents the diaspora, not the Indian entertainment scene. This year, the magazine also chose five personalities for its cover: Snoop Dogg, Demis Hassabis, Serena Williams, Ed Sheeran, and Demi Moore.
So what’s up in India?
India continues to produce a massive volume of entertainment content, from record-breaking films to viral web shows and songs. Bollywood stars have global fan bases, Indian cricketers rule social media, and creators on platforms like Instagram and YouTube are shaping youth culture.
But this year, none of them made the TIME 100 cut. Maybe next time?
-Prachi Mehta
