Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, and celebrity chef Vikas Khanna have been named in TIME magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2026’. The list features individuals from various fields impacting global narratives through innovation, creativity, leadership, and social influence, highlighting the increasing presence of Indian voices globally.
Sundar Pichai, listed under the ‘titans’ category, was acknowledged for his leadership in advancing artificial intelligence within Google’s ecosystem. His influence is seen in the integration of AI tools across Google products like Search, Android, and Chrome, with the company intensifying its efforts in this sector through the Gemini platform amid growing global competition.
Ranbir Kapoor, featured in the ‘artist’ section, was recognized for his unique acting style and subtle performances that have reshaped audience expectations in Indian cinema. His body of work has also played a role in bringing Indian storytelling to a broader international audience.
Chef Vikas Khanna was honored for his culinary expertise and humanitarian contributions, using food as a cultural bridge while showcasing Indian traditions globally. Chef Eric Ripert, who penned Khanna’s profile, highlighted his success in uplifting and connecting with others, particularly through his restaurant Bungalow, where food intertwines with storytelling rooted in memory and heritage.
The TIME100 list also includes global figures like YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and various political leaders such as US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Asian leaders like Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and Nepal’s Balendra Shah are also recognized for their contributions.
