Sundar Pichai, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vikas Khanna Among TIME's 100 Most Influential People of 2026
TIME Magazine's Influential List Features Indian Icons
Fie image of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor and celebrity chef Vikas Khanna(Photo: IANS)
New Delhi, April 16: In the latest edition of TIME magazine, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor, and renowned chef Vikas Khanna have been recognized as part of the '100 Most Influential People of 2026'.
This year's selection showcases individuals from various sectors whose contributions are shaping global discussions through innovation, creativity, leadership, and social impact, highlighting the increasing prominence of Indian figures on the international stage.
Sundar Pichai has been acknowledged in the 'titans' category for his pivotal role in promoting artificial intelligence within Google's framework.
Under his guidance, AI technologies have been seamlessly integrated into platforms like Search, Android, and Chrome, with the company intensifying its efforts in this domain through the Gemini platform amidst growing global competition.
AI specialist Andrew Ng, who penned Pichai's profile for TIME, emphasized that in a time when AI is transforming knowledge and work, Pichai's impact is evident in "how extensively it is utilized".
On the 'artist' front, Ranbir Kapoor has been celebrated for his unique acting approach and subtle performances, which have significantly altered audience expectations in Indian cinema.
His extensive body of work has also played a crucial role in introducing Indian narratives to a broader global audience.
Chef Vikas Khanna has been honored for his culinary artistry as well as his humanitarian and cultural efforts. His initiatives have been recognized for using food as a means to connect cultures while promoting Indian traditions worldwide.
Chef Eric Ripert, who wrote Khanna's profile, remarked that Khanna's influence extends beyond his achievements to “uplifting and connecting with others”. He noted that through his restaurant Bungalow, Khanna has crafted an environment where food serves as a narrative rooted in memory and heritage.
The list also includes notable global figures such as YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Pope Leo XIV, Artemis II mission commander Reid Wiseman, US President Donald Trump, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Additionally, prominent Asian leaders like Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Nepal’s youthful Prime Minister Balendra Shah are featured.
The annual 'TIME100' list honors influential personalities across politics, technology, entertainment, business, and culture who are driving conversations and effecting change globally.