Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vikas Khanna Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026

Three prominent Indian figures—Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, and Michelin-starred Chef Vikas Khanna—have been named to TIME’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026. This annual compilation honors the visionaries, leaders, and icons leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.

Marking his third appearance on the TIME100, Sundar Pichai was recognized for democratizing Artificial Intelligence. Under his leadership, Google has integrated advanced AI tools like Gemini CLI, NotebookLM, and the breakthrough Antigravity into the daily lives of billions. The inclusion highlights Pichai’s success in navigating the "AI revolution" while solidifying India’s reputation as a global tech powerhouse.

Ranbir Kapoor earned the distinction of being the only Indian actor on this year’s list. Praised for his ability to blend stardom with nuanced, subtle storytelling, Kapoor was cited as a key figure in elevating Indian cinema for a global audience. With highly anticipated projects like Ramayana on the horizon, his inclusion places him alongside international figures such as Ben Stiller and Donald Trump, underscoring the massive cultural footprint of Bollywood.

Chef Vikas Khanna was celebrated not just for his culinary artistry, but for his humanitarian heart. From his roots in Amritsar to becoming a global culinary ambassador, Khanna has championed Indian heritage through Michelin-starred cuisine, literature, and film. TIME specifically noted his FeedIndia initiative, which provided 30 million meals during the pandemic, as a testament to his "passion and purpose."