Ranbir Kapoor Recognized in TIME's 2026 Most Influential People List

Ranbir Kapoor has made history by being the only Indian actor on TIME Magazine's 2026 Most Influential People list. This recognition coincides with his role in the highly anticipated film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. His wife, Alia Bhatt, and fellow actor Ayushmann Khurrana have publicly celebrated his achievement. Khurrana praised Ranbir for his storytelling ability and cultural impact, highlighting his role in representing an evolving India. As anticipation builds for Ramayana, which features a star-studded cast, fans are eager to see Ranbir's portrayal of Lord Rama. This article delves into both his recent accolade and upcoming project.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 16, 2026, 13:51 IST

Ranbir Kapoor's Remarkable Achievement

Ranbir Kapoor has achieved a significant milestone by being the sole Indian actor featured in TIME Magazine's 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential People. This recognition comes as he prepares for his ambitious role in the mythological film directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana. Fans have double reasons to celebrate: his portrayal of Lord Rama and his global recognition as an influential figure. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned a heartfelt tribute to Ranbir in the magazine, while his wife, Alia Bhatt, also expressed her pride in his accomplishment.

Alia Bhatt Celebrates Her Husband's Success

Alia Bhatt Celebrates Ranbir's Achievement

On April 16, TIME's official website unveiled its list of the 2026 TIME 100 Most Influential People, highlighting Ranbir as the only Indian artist alongside celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, which sparked excitement online. Alia took to her Instagram stories to share the TIME page featuring Ranbir, captioning it with, "looking good baby."

Ayushmann Khurrana's Tribute to Ranbir Kapoor

Ayushmann Khurrana's Note for Ranbir Kapoor

Ayushmann Khurrana, who was part of the TIME 100 in 2020, expressed his admiration for Ranbir, stating that he represents a changing India. He remarked, “Ranbir isn't just a movie star—he's a storyteller engaging a global audience with tales from a mythical land where epics like The Ramayana have influenced various cultures. Some actors pursue legacy, while others create it through their work. Ranbir is among the latter. In the vibrant world of Indian cinema, greatness is often measured by box office success, but occasionally, an actor makes a more profound impact: reshaping our emotional language as viewers. Ranbir achieves this consistently. In a landscape where performances are often exaggerated, he embodies our culture with subtlety. He represents an India that is learning to listen to itself and leaves a lasting impression through genuine authenticity. Globally, actors like Ranbir serve as vital cultural connectors, embodying an evolving India in both scale and sensitivity.”

Overview of Ramayana

About Ramayana

In the film Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor takes on the role of Lord Rama, with Sai Pallavi portraying Sita. The cast also includes Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The first look teaser of Ranbir's character was recently unveiled in a special video titled 'Rama.' This film, produced by Namit Malhotra, is anticipated to be the largest production in Indian cinema and is scheduled for release during Diwali this year.