TIME unveils its 2026 TIME 100 list, honoring influential figures across film, music, politics, literature, and entertainment, with Keke Palmer, Anderson .Paak, Coco Jones, Zoe Saldaña, Anok Yai, and others among the honorees.

Nikki Glaser will host the TIME100 Gala in New York City on April 23, with the event livestreamed for the first time this year.

The list features global leaders like Xi Jinping, Mark Carney, Benjamin Netanyahu, Claudia Sheinbaum, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Tarique Rahman, Sanae Takaichi, and Balendra Shah, alongside U.S. figures Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Mark Kelly, and Zohran Mamdani.

The piece includes a brief attribution to Ayesha, a South Asia correspondent, and closes with a light personal motto related to her life philosophy.

Ranbir Kapoor is portrayed as internalizing roles to create lasting impact, aligning with a broader narrative of authentic storytelling.

Vikas Khanna is depicted as a globally connected chef whose restaurants, including Bungalow, serve as living storytelling platforms that reflect Indian heritage and bridge cultures, praised by James Beard Award-winning chef Eric Ripert.

Khanna’s culinary work and storytelling approach use food to uplift communities, reinforcing his global reach and cultural bridge-building.

Noah Kahan’s essay highlights his generosity, honesty, and humor, noting he’s highly connected with audiences despite not being the most glamorous.

The recognition is framed within a broader trend of India’s cultural and intellectual capital shaping global conversations, with inputs attributed to ANI.

Tarique Rahman’s return to leadership in Bangladesh aims to revive an economy facing inflation and unemployment while stabilizing regional relations.

Balendra Shah represents a youth-driven political shift in South Asia, moving from a former hip-hop artist to political leadership amid public demand for change.

Gracie Abrams describes JENNIE’s magnetic stage presence and impact, both on screen and in social settings.