Vijay<\/h2>\n
In the IE100 list for 2026, Vijay clinched the 66th position, improving from last year\u2019s 74th, underscoring his emergence as a force to be reckoned with in Tamil Nadu<\/a> politics. Mentioning that his entry has altered the political atmosphere in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with his large rallies unsettling both the DMK and the AIADMK, the list says that his popularity, particularly among young voters, as well as Dalits and Christians, might impact smaller but influential parties such as Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), potentially securing around 15-20 per cent of the vote share in the impending polls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Must Read | When Amitabh Bachchan dedicated his Best Actor trophy to Ranveer Singh: \u2018The happiest moment is that Ranveer is standing right next to me\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Pawan Kalyan also improved his ranking, rising to 68th from 73rd in a year, as he delivered an impressive balancing act as a coalition partner in Andhra Pradesh\u2019s NDA government. His ability to oscillate between his political and cinematic commitments also found a special mention in the list, which highlighted his habit of spending more time among the people than in office and his outreach to tribal and remote rural areas, contributing to his status as an enduring star. He is the founding president of the Janasena Party (JSP).<\/p>\n One of the most shocking yet apt fresh additions to the IE100 list for 2026 is director Aditya Dhar, who emerged as one of the most popular directors in the country in just four months with his Dhurandhar movies<\/strong><\/a>. The list cites that he redefined the genre of espionage thrillers in the country with the Dhurandhar films, thanks to his style of blending pop nationalism with fast-paced action. It further notes that he has \u201cturned the lens on realistic, high-stakes narratives and meticulous research into spy thrillers and military operations.\u201d<\/p>\n Dhurandhar 2 Worldwide Box Office Collection Day 10 LIVE Updates: Ranveer Singh film crosses Rs 1,226 cr mark globally<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Four of the last five spots on the list have been secured by Bollywood heavyweights who, over the decades, have contributed to shaping the industry as we see it today. Jumping two spots from last year\u2019s 97, Shah Rukh Khan secured the 95th position, remaining one of India\u2019s most-loved superstars. Last year, he also won his first-ever National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Jawan (2023). From making heads turn at the Met Gala in May 2025 to getting a spot among The New York Times\u2019 \u201c67 Most Stylish People of 2025,\u201d the year was eventful for him, despite not having a single new release apart from a cameo appearance in his son Aryan Khan\u2019s The Ba***ds of Bollywood.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh also improved his ranking, rising from 2025\u2019s 98th spot to 96th. The list notes that his meteoric rise continued in 2025 with his Aura tour, which sold out stadiums in Canada, North America, and Australia. Aside from becoming perhaps the first Punjabi musician to be studied academically at the Toronto Metropolitan University, he also became the first turbaned artiste to attend the MET Gala last year.<\/p>\n Director-producer Karan Johar, however, fell one spot to 97th place this year. Yet, he remains one of the most influential figures in the Indian film industry and produced two highly acclaimed movies, Dhadak 2 and Homebound<\/strong><\/a>, in 2025. He is set to return to the director\u2019s chair in 2026.<\/p>\n The year 2025 saw the Indian film industry rocked by the unexpected news that singer-music producer Arijit Singh had announced his retirement from playback singing. \u201cOne of the most influential voices in contemporary music, he comes with the rare combination of mass appeal and artistic credibility,\u201d the list notes.<\/p>\n And how can a list of the most powerful Indians be complete without a mention of the Shahenshah of Bollywood? Although 57 years have passed since his on-screen debut, Amitabh Bachchan continues to hold sway over the Indian film industry, drawing respect and affection from his audience and colleagues alike. Last year also saw him becoming the highest-earning television host in the country, commanding about Rs 5 crore per episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati. \u201cHe emerged as the highest tax-paying celebrity for the financial year 2024-25, reporting an income of Rs 350 crore and paying Rs 120 crore in taxes,\u201d the list adds.<\/p>\n Story continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Award](\"https:\/\/images.indianexpress.com\/2026\/03\/Screen-awards-horizontal-strip-new.gif?w=650\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\nPawan Kalyan<\/h2>\n
Aditya Dhar<\/h2>\n
Shah Rukh Khan<\/h2>\n
Diljit Dosanjh<\/h2>\n
Karan Johar<\/h2>\n
Arijit Singh<\/h2>\n
Amitabh Bachchan<\/h2>\n
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