Ranbir Kapoor has been featured in the prestigious TIME 100 Most Influential People list for 2026, emerging as the only Indian actor to secure a place this year. He joins prominent Indian figures including Sundar Pichai and Vikas Khanna on the globally recognized list.

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who was part of the TIME 100 list in 2020, penned a heartfelt tribute to Kapoor, highlighting his impact on cinema and culture.

Khurrana described Ranbir Kapoor as a representation of an evolving India, emphasizing his ability to connect with global audiences through storytelling. He noted that Kapoor is not merely a film star but a storyteller who presents India’s rich cultural narratives, including inspirations drawn from epics like the Ramayana.

In his tribute, Khurrana remarked that while many actors chase legacy, some achieve it organically through their craft—and Kapoor belongs to the latter category. He further praised Kapoor for reshaping audience emotions through subtle and authentic performances, rather than relying on loud cinematic expressions.

According to Khurrana, Ranbir Kapoor embodies a modern India that is evolving in both scale and sensitivity, acting as a cultural bridge on the global stage.

The TIME 100 list for 2026 also features several internationally acclaimed artists, including Blake Lively, Ben Stiller, Zoe Saldana, and Ethan Hawke, among others.

About ‘Ramayana’ Project

Ranbir Kapoor is currently working on the ambitious film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The project is being mounted on a massive budget of ₹4,000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever produced.

The film features music composed through a unique collaboration between A. R. Rahman and Hans Zimmer.

Ranbir Kapoor will portray Lord Rama, alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

The film will be released in two parts, with the first installment scheduled for Diwali 2026 and the second for Diwali 2027.