Indian film icons SS Rajamouli and Shah Rukh Khan have been named in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2023 list, solidifying their position as some of the most influential personalities in the Indian entertainment industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Indian entertainment industry in various ways, with the Hindi film industry suffering unprecedented setbacks. However, South Indian films performed better commercially and critically, and two of the biggest names behind this success are Rajamouli and Khan.
SS Rajamouli. Credits – Times of India
Rajamouli, the director of the blockbuster movie Baahubali, was praised for his ability to understand and cater to his audience by actress Alia Bhatt, who wrote his Time profile. Bhatt, who worked with Rajamouli on the upcoming film RRR, also expressed her admiration for the director’s commitment to making films with love.
Khan, who returned to the industry after a hiatus, was praised for his role in the film Pathaan by co-star Deepika Padukone, who wrote his Time profile. The film, which was made on a budget of around Rs 250 crore, set box office records both domestically and internationally, collecting over Rs 1,050.05 crore worldwide.
Shah Rukh Khan. Credits – The Week
Other notable figures on the Time list include Twitter CEO Elon Musk, US President Joe Biden, British monarch King Charles, Syrian swimmers and activists Sara Mardini and Yusra Mardini, Bella Hadid, and Beyonce. It also includes Salman Rushdie, the author of Satanic Verses and Midnight’s Children, and Padma Lakshmi, host of Top Chef.
Rajamouli and Khan’s inclusion in the Time 100 list is a testament to their impact on the Indian entertainment industry and their continued influence on the global stage.
