Forbes has released the 10th edition of its 30 Under 30 Asia list, honoring 30 young individuals making significant contributions across various sectors, including entertainment, arts, technology, and entrepreneurship. This year, Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter are among those recognized for their artistic growth and expanding global presence.
Ananya Panday, who debuted in 2019 with Student of the Year 2, has successfully carved out a niche for herself in the Hindi film industry. She has embraced diverse roles and experimented with different genres while maintaining her visibility both on-screen and in the fashion world. Her latest release, Kesari Chapter 2, features her in a historically rooted drama alongside Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, where she portrays a more intense and grounded character focused on the political aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Off-screen, Ananya made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first Indian ambassador for the global fashion brand Chanel, further emphasizing her influence beyond cinema.
Also, her social initiative, So Positive, which addresses cyberbullying, has enhanced her reputation as a youth icon. Ishaan Khatter, who began his career with Beyond the Clouds and gained commercial success with Dhadak, has increasingly gravitated toward more nuanced and international projects. In 2025, he is set to make his Cannes debut with his film Homebound, which will be showcased in a special segment at the festival. Ishaan was also recently featured in Netflix’s romantic comedy series The Royals and made his international debut alongside Nicole Kidman in the Netflix original The Perfect Couple, expanding his reach as an actor on the global stage.
Both Ananya and Ishaan symbolize a new generation of Indian talent that merges commercial success with artistic exploration. Their inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 not only acknowledges their past achievements but also highlights their potential as emerging voices in South Asian entertainment. Stay tuned for more only with us!
