Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, filmmaker SS Rajamouli and actor Deepika Padukone are among those in the IE100 list.
The Indian entertainment industry scripted history, re-wrote records and left its stamp on the world, thanks to artistes who let their work do the talking, even when naysayers reveled in the short-lived disinformation about its downfall.
Artistes like superstar Shah Rukh Khan, megastar Amitabh Bachchan, filmmaker SS Rajamouli, actors Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh are among those in the IE100- the Most Powerful Indians 2023 list.
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Shah Rukh Khan- rank 50 (previous rank 82)
Shah Rukh Khan made a smashing comeback with Pathaan. (Photo: Shah Rukh Khan/Instagram)
Leading from the front–and making a spectacular jump from his previous ranking of 82– is Shah Rukh Khan. The superstar is ranked 50 in the list. The year 2023 for Khan has been about numbers. He returned to the screen after four years with Pathaan, a film that smashed all existing box office records. It ran for over 50 days and earned Rs 1046 worldwide.
Amitabh Bachchan- rank 87 (new)
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan had a packed last year with multiple film releases. (Photo: Amitabh Bachchan/Instagram)
Up next on the list is megastar Amitabh Bachchan. The actor, ranked 87 in the list, had a packed 2022 with films like this Jhund, Uunchai, Runway 34, Goodbye and Brahmastra: Part One – Shiva– becoming one of the few actors to have consecutive film releases post pandemic. Though he is yet to open his film account for 2023, Bachchan, as always, is raring to go; working around the clock, sometimes nursing an injury, but always ready to hit a film set. He will be next seen in Prabhas-Deepika Padukone starrer Project K.
SS Rajamouli- rank 95 (new)
SS Rajamouli hs now become a global name, thanks to his blockbuster RRR. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Filmmaker SS Rajamouli, who made the world dance and gasp with his blockbuster RRR, is ranked at 95. The Telugu filmmaker, who first became a pan-India name with his Baahubali franchise, erupted on the world map with his last feature, RRR. The 2022 film was a big hit in the country, but truly became a sensation when world discovered it thanks to streaming platforms. RRR made history by bagging the Oscar for best song, for its pulsating Naatu Naatu number in March. SS Rajamouli is now one of the most recognised Indian filmmakers in the world and definitely, a powerful Indian.
Deepika Padukone- rank 97 (new)
Deepika Padukone earned acclaim and box office browine points for Pathaan. (Photo: Deepika Padukone/Instagram)
Actor Deepika Padukone holds the spot at 97, with a glorious return to the big screen with Pathaan. The spy actioner, which featured Padukone as a Pakistani agent, earned the actor rave reviews and also gave her the much-needed big Bollywood hit. Though, the run-up to the release of Pathaan wasn’t easy for the star as she found herself in the middle of a storm, when her orange bikini in the film’s song, led to BJP ministers and right-wing outfits claiming the track insulted the saffron colour, “which is holy for the Hindu community.” Padukone maintained silence and let the box office of Pathaan speak for itself.
Alia Bhatt- rank 99 (previous rank 97)
Alia Bhatt had a glorious 2022 and she’d hope to continue the hit streak even in 2023. (Photo: Alia Bhatt/Instagram)
Actor Alia Bhatt, who had a magical 2022 with consecutive film releases, marriage, a baby, and a Hollywood project, is ranked 99 on the list. Bhatt had a dream run last year, ticking off both box office success and critical acclaim with films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Darlings, Brahmastra and her cameo in RRR. The actor also got married to Ranbir Kapoor and the duo became parents to a baby girl by the end of the year. Bhatt is now ready to be back on screen with her upcoming Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, hoping to kickstart even 2023 on a hit note.
Ranveer Singh- rank 100 (new)
Ranveer Singh will aim to cover lost ground and bounce back with his film this year. (Photo: Ranveer Singh/Instagram)
Ranked at 100 is actor Ranveer Singh. Post pandemic, Singh has had three diverse releases– from the cricket drama 83, where he played World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev, 2022 comedy drama Jayeshbhai Jordaar and the Rohit Shetty comedy Cirkus. While his films may not have lived up to the expectations at the box office, Singh is far from being written off. The actor, especially in 2023, will hope to reconsolidate his position as he returns to the big screen with Karan Johar’s romantic-comedy-drama Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
