Ayushmann Khurrana joins PM Modi, Shaheen Bagh 'dadi' Bilkis in TIME's 100 Most Influential People Of 2020 list
Khurrana is the youngest Indian to be featured in this year's list.
By ET Online and Agencies | Updated:
Agencies
Ayushmann Khurrana features in TIME's Artists category , while PM Modi features in the Leaders segment alongside Xi Jinping and Trump, and Bilkis finds her place in Icons section.
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is the only Indian film star to feature in TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People Of 2020 list. The 36-year-old 'Andhadhun' actor features alongside international stars like Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho, 'Fleabag' icon Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and The Weeknd among others in the artists category.
Others Indians on the list include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, London-based Indian-origin doctor Ravindra Gupta, and Bilkis - a grandmother from Shaheen Bagh, a Delhi neighbourhood that became the epicentre of the anti-CAA protests. US Vice Presidential nominee Kamala Harris also features in the Leaders category alongside Modi.
Pichai finds a spot in the Titans segment alongside Mackenzie Scott and Jerome Powell among others.
Deepika Padukone, who also featured on the magazine's 2018 list, penned an introduction for Khurrana, saying she remembered him "vividly from his debut film, Vicky Donor".
"He had, of course, been a part of the entertainment industry in various other ways for several years before that, but the reason you and I talk about him today is because of the impact he has been able to create through memorable films and iconic characters. Where male protagonist roles often fall into the trap of stereotypical masculinity, Ayushmann has successfully and convincingly transformed into characters who challenge those very stereotypes," Padukone adds.
She then emphasised on his "patience, perseverance and fearlessness," three qualities vital for those "who dare to dream."
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"In India, with a population of more than 1.3 billion, only a tiny percentage of people see their dreams come alive, and Ayushmann Khurrana is one of them. You’re probably wondering, How? Talent and hard work. Sure, that goes without saying. But more important, patience, perseverance and fearlessness. A little insight for those who dare to dream," Padukone concluded.
The actor began his journey as a contestant on a reality show before going on to be an RJ and VJ, and eventually making his mark in Bollywood.
Khurrana is the youngest Indian to be featured in this year's TIME Magazine. The 'Article 15' star said he is humbled with the recognition.
"As an artiste, I have only looked to contribute towards bringing a positive change in society through cinema and this moment is a huge validation of my belief system and my journey," he said in a statement according to news agency PTI.
