Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, along with singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, have been featured in the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2025. The annual list recognizes young achievers across various fields, highlighting their contributions to entertainment, sports, technology, and social impact.
Forbes announced the 10th edition of its 30 Under 30 Asia list, which includes 30 talented individuals from the Asia-Pacific region under the age of 30. The entertainment section of the list features Panday, Khatter, and Jain, acknowledging their influence and success in their respective industries.
Ananya Panday’s Rising Stardom
Ananya Panday, 26, has made a significant mark in Bollywood with 11 films to her credit, starting with Student of the Year 2 in 2019. Her recent project, CTRL, released on Netflix last year, further cemented her position in the industry. In April, Panday achieved a milestone by becoming Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador, a move that reflects the luxury brand’s expansion in South Asia. With 26 million followers on Instagram, she continues to be a prominent figure in Indian cinema and fashion.
Ishaan Khatter’s Bollywood and Hollywood Journey
Ishaan Khatter, 29, has gained recognition for his performances in critically acclaimed films. His debut in Beyond the Clouds earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut in 2019. He later starred in A Suitable Boy on Netflix and recently acted alongside Nicole Kidman in The Perfect Couple. Forbes describes Khatter as an emerging A-lister in both Bollywood and Hollywood, reflecting his growing international appeal.
Anuv Jain’s Musical Success
Singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, 30, has captivated audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic music. His 2023 hit Husn garnered 204 million views on YouTube, while his breakout single Baarishein amassed 107 million views. Jain has 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with his songs surpassing 1.5 billion streams globally. In 2024, he toured the UK, Australia, and South Asia, and even composed a song for the UN’s Earth Day album, further solidifying his influence in the independent music scene.
India’s Strong Representation in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia
India recorded the highest representation in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, with 94 entries, followed by Australia (32), China (30), Japan (25), and South Korea (23). The list spans multiple categories, including AI, healthcare, finance, retail, and social impact, showcasing young leaders who are shaping the future.
The inclusion of Panday, Khatter, and Jain in the Forbes list highlights their exceptional talent, resilience, and creativity in the entertainment industry. As they continue to make strides in their careers, their recognition on a global platform further strengthens India’s presence in the world of cinema and music.
