Prominent Indian personalities including Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor and Vikas Khanna have appeared in TIME magazine for the year 2026 ranking of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The annual TIME100 list, released Wednesday, honors individuals across sectors such as entertainment, technology, finance, sports, activism and academia for their global influence.
Sundar Pichai’s role in expanding AI access
TIME highlighted Sundar Pichai’s leadership in bringing artificial intelligence to a wider global audience. Since becoming Google’s CEO in 2015, he has overseen the translation of the company’s research into products used by billions.
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The feature noted that after the launch of ChatGPT in 2022 raised questions about Google’s position in the AI space, Pichai responded by restructuring key teams. The company merged Google Brain and DeepMind to develop Gemini, which has since been integrated across major platforms including Search, Android, Chrome and Google Cloud.
Under his leadership, Google also introduced several AI-focused tools such as Google AI Studio, Notebook LM, and Gemini CLI, expanding its portfolio beyond core advertising products.
According to TIME, Google continues to be a major force in artificial intelligence, whose systems are influencing how information is created and consumed globally.
Ranbir Kapoor’s entry was written by Ayushmann Khurrana
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote a profile of Ranbir Kapoor and described him as an artist known for understated yet impressive performances.
“There are actors who chase legacies and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter,” Khurrana wrote.
He added that Kapoor’s work transcends conventional measures of success.
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“In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalizes. He shows our culture through quiet restraint,” he said, adding that the actor represents a developing India and connects with audiences across the globe.
Ranbir Kapoor has yet to publicly respond to the recognition.
Vikas Khanna calls it a proud moment
Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna also shared his reaction, calling the recognition significant.
“Being on the 2026 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people is a matter of immense pride for me,” Khanna said.
He thanked his family for their support, adding: “I owe this recognition to my grandmother, mother and sister. It is their sacrifices, blessings and guidance that have helped me get to where I am today.”
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Khanna described the honor as a reflection of India’s culinary heritage, which is gaining global recognition.
“This achievement is a victory for India and our culinary heritage, which is appreciated by people all over the world,” he said.
Global names across arrays
The TIME100 list also includes global personalities such as Ralph Lauren, Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Mark Kelly and Hilary Knight, among others.
The list is published annually and is widely regarded as a benchmark of the individuals who shape industries and influence the global discourse.
