Ranbir Kapoor ONLY Indian Actor In 2026 TIME 100 List - Alia Bhatt Celebrates; Ayushmann Calls RK 'Cultural Bridge'

Ranbir

Kapoor is the only Indian actor who has made it to TIME Magazine's List of 100 Most Influential People of 2026. The milestone comes as he looks forward to one of his most ambitious projects, Nitesh Tiwari directed the mythological epic Ramayana. Fans have double reason to rejoice. While on one hand, they are celebrating Ranbir's portrayal of Lord Rama, the other reason is now emerging as one of the most influential people of the year, globally. Lauding Ranbir's craft and career, actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote a beautiful tribute in the magazine. Meanwhile, Ranbir's wife, Alia Bhatt, also celebrated his feat.

Alia Bhatt celebrates Ranbir's achievement

On April 16, TIME's official website released its list titled 2026 TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World, and finding Ranbir as the only Indian artist, apart from celebrity chef Vikas Khanna, left the internet buzzing. On Thursday, Alia took to her Instagram stories and posted the TIME page featuring Ranbir with the text, "looking good baby."

Ayushmann Khurrana, who featured on the TIME 100 in 2020, in his note of appreciation for his colleague, appreciated him as someone who represents an evolving India.

Ayushmann Khurrana's note for Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir isn't just a movie star—he's a storyteller talking to a global audience and telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like The Ramayana have inspired other civilizations and cultures. There are actors who chase legacy and there are actors who become one through their craft. Ranbir Kapoor is the latter. In an industry as prolific and passionate as Indian cinema, we often measure greatness in decibels—box-office numbers, fan frenzy, opening weekends. But every once in a while, an actor shifts something quieter yet far more enduring: our emotional vocabulary as an audience. Ranbir has been doing that film after film. In a world where performances are often amplified, Ranbir internalises. He shows our culture through quiet restraint. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity. Globally, actors like Ranbir become important cultural bridges. He embodies an India that is evolving not just in scale but also in sensitivity.

About Ramayana

Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama opposite Sai Pallavi's Sita in Ramayana. The movie also stars Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, among others. The makers had recently released the first look teaser of his character in a special video titled Rama. Touted to be the biggest film ever made in India, this Namit Malhotra production is set to release on Diwali this year.