IE 100 Most Powerful Indians: Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Kangana Ranaut in the list
Some stars never go out of style, and in 2022 Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar proved new actors could impress, but Khan and Kumar remain relevant. Other Bollywood personalities who also feature in IE 100: India’s Most Powerful List are lyricist and head of censorship board Prasoon Joshi, Gangubai star Kathiawadi Alia Bhatt and Manikarnika actor Kangana Ranaut.
82. Shah Rukh Khan, 56 years old
Actor, producer, sports entrepreneur (2021 Ranking: New)
Shah Rukh Khan
Why
He is the guru of reinvention. He shaped the entertainment industry for three decades and is back in an action hero avatar with Pathaan and filmmaker Atlee’s dual-role thriller Lion. Amid the controversy around his son, he maintains a stoic silence and retains the loyalty of the brands associated with him.
Power punch
With SRK+, it is set to revolutionize the OTT space, either independently or in association with Disney Hotstar.
After that
After critically acclaimed titles like Badla, Bard of Blood, Bob Biswas and Love Hostel, his Red Chillies are working on two women-themed films, one about two women finding love in exceptional circumstances and the another about a journalist who speaks truth to power.
Besides
He loves hanging out in Dubai and is terrified of riding horses.
94. Kangana Ranaut, 34 years old
Actor and Producer (New)
Kangana Ranaut
Why
With four national awards, this recipient of Padma Shri proved that business respects talent even if you’re on a lonely road. She continues to grab headlines with her boundless opinions, engaging in heated debates with critics across all public platforms. She is the poster child for pop nationalism.
Power punch
By becoming a producer with Manikarnika and having directed Thalaivi, the biopic about actor-politician J Jayalalithaa, she is determined to push female narratives and direct them herself. Considered close to the establishment, she defends her position through social media posts and was invited to the UP CM swearing-in.
After that
Watch out for Dhaakad and Tejas. By directing a feature film called Emergency and playing the lead role in Sita, she highlights underground political-cultural viewpoints in popular space.
Besides
She is strongly into spirituality.
96. Akshay Kumar, 54
Actor and Producer (New)
Akshay Kumar
Why
It is the most visible barometer of the public pulse. Calling himself a producer actor, his sustained success in the film industry proves that he is in the business called Bollywood. From action hero, comic, Everyman, crossover and now anti-hero, he delivered in every genre. He kept the industry afloat with his Bellbottom, Sooryavanshi and Bachchan Pandey, earning nearly Rs 200 crore during the pandemic sabbaticals.
Power punch
Known for being a shrewd businessman who appreciates time, budgets and co-stars, the Padma Shri recipient is the most bankable star in the industry. FMCG brands love it.
After that
He will play the role of Prithviraj Chauhan in the upcoming YRF and an archaeologist on the trail of the Ram Setu.
Besides
He prefers not to eat after sunset and sleeps at 9 p.m.
97. Alia Bhatt, 29
Actor, Producer (New)
Alia Bhat
Why
After establishing herself as a versatile and emotional actress at a relatively young age, she proved to be a force of attraction at the Rs 100 crore-plus club with Gangubai Kathiawadi, where she literally carried the film on her shoulders. He played a crucial role in bringing moviegoers back to movie theaters in droves.
Power punch
With SS Rajamouli’s big-budget RRR and Brahmastra magnum opus, she is the queen of the draw. She also signed an international spy thriller, Heart of Stone, starring Gal Gadot.
After that
The actor is on a breakthrough spree with Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and the all-female road movie Jee Le
Zaraa. Darlings, a dark comedy co-produced by Eternal Sunshine Production, is slated for release this year.
Besides
Bhat love nature photography.
99. Prason Joshi, 50
Adman, lyricist, head of the Cbfc (New)
Prasoon Joshi
Why
One of the eminent lyricists of Hindi cinema and leading adman, Joshi has been the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) since 2017. Winner of Indian Personality of the Year award at India International Film Festival India, Goa, last year he played a key role in digitizing CBFC.
Power punch
Worked on government social messaging as reflected in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaigns call, polio eradication, malnutrition and child rights.
After that
He has the daunting task of convincing filmmakers of a new draft proposal to amend the Cinema Act 1952, which will give the Center review powers.
Besides
He’s a good singer.