HELLO! India Exclusive: The stars to watch out for in 2026

These aren’t just rising stars; they’re multi-hyphenates who blur categories: OTT actors gone viral, a high-hitting female cricketer, a legacy-bearing young corporate bringing an immersive retail experience to India, a tech genius riding the AI wave, and more. This special feature presents the faces and forces going places in the Year of the Fire Horse — your all-access pass to the power players to watch out for this year, in entertainment, sports, business, brand endorsements, fashion and beauty — the ones shaping headlines, generating hashtags, and talking about the next must-cultivate habit you didn’t know you needed.

AN ALTERNATIVE STAR: ARYAN KHAN
Who: Filmmaker, Entrepreneur, and Co-founder of SLAB Ventures that launched D’YAVOL, a luxury lifestyle and beverage brand

All of 28, Aryan Khan is such a stunner. The son of global superstar Shah Rukh Khan, he already has a fan following of 3.9 million followers on Instagram alone. What was that idea? Fake it till you make it? Well, our young superstar didn’t need to fake anything whatsoever. Eschewing the idea of being talented “hero material” like his world-famous father — that he knew would lead to a constant comparison loop — he instead chose to channel his passion for the movies behind the scenes — as a director, and also the winner of the ‘NDTV Indian of the Year’ award. Aryan accepted his award with pride, the kind that can come only when you’ve sweated it out with the rest of your crew. Dedicating his first win to his mother Gauri Khan, he courted two generations of fans when he quoted SRK, who once said, “Haarne mein aur haar maanne mein bohot farak hota hai (there’s a huge difference between losing and accepting defeat).”

His OTT show debut — Netflix’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood — topped the charts as IMDb’s ‘Most Popular Series’ of 2025. Aryan created, co wrote, and directed the series, which premiered in September 2025. It’s a paradox that being a star kid, he still chose to create a realistic portrait of what talented newcomers deal with when pitted against the tribe of nepo-kids. After all, Shah Rukh Khan was a first-gen superstar. The show served as a commentary on industry struggles and fame.

Besides the many pop culture references, audiences particularly loved how it explored the grit behind the glamour, and the performances from both established and fresh talent. Without any magazine covers or endorsements, Aryan has preferred to take the stairs, not the elevator, to fame and fortune. Aryan may have chosen to be under the radar, though he did make his acting debut as a child in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. He has since showcased his versatile skills, lending his voice to the Hindi version of The Incredibles (2004), Disney’s The Lion King (2019), Mufasa: The Lion King (2024), as well as Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan (2024).

He’s walking his own walk, even with all doors wide open. We wait to see what mega projects are born next to this superstar kid, who has not just the backing of a powerful father, but all the amenities of the family-owned special effects at Red Chillies Entertainment. The sky — photoshopped in or not — is no limit!

FRESH FACE OF THE YEAR: ANEET PADDA
Who: Actor, Saiyaara and Big Girls Don’t Cry

From late-night Google searches for auditions that led to dubious websites, to sending out nearly 70 cold emails during the pandemic, from participating in plays in Amritsar to welcoming stardom as a Yash Raj heroine in Mumbai, Aneet Padda’s journey is as vividly cinematic as her earnest dream of becoming an actor. Bestowed with overwhelming fame that comes with becoming the newcomer of the decade, Saiyaara catapulted her out of this dream into the stature of one of the industry’s most sought-after new faces.

While the scale of recognition might be new, her discipline behind it is not. Aneet’s performances — whether in Salaam Venky (2022) or the coming-of-age series Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024) — are testament to how she has quietly honed and built her range. Just 23 and already three films old, she’s navigating her ascent with an easy going, childlike energy that makes her stand out.

Signed on for Shakti Shalini, part of Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe that’s slated for a December 2026 release, her trajectory is set on track for a steady rise. Also the freshest face of Lakmé and Mia by Tanishq, Aneet is wading through the industry mask-free, making authenticity her greatest strength

ALL ABOUT FINDING ‘JOY’: KHUSHI KAPOOR
Who: Actor and Brand Ambassador for Sol de Janeiro, The Face Shop, Converse, Azorte, and Arrow

Just 25 years old, this young lady has essayed a few hits and misses in the few roles she’s taken on so far. We may recall her playing Betty Cooper in The Archies on Netflix and perhaps more vaguely, in lacklustre romcom productions like Loveyapa and Nadaaniyan. But her story is just beginning… Khushi does have all the genetic credentials as daughter of Boney and Sridevi Kapoor, sister to the already well-established Janhvi Kapoor. She is a ‘name.’

Her classmates at the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Ecole Mondiale World School, and the New York Film Academy, may have known a more earnest foodie version of Khushi, piling on the pounds even as she studied in her chosen metier. To give credit where it’s due, Khushi has shown tremendous determination, chiselling away at her baby fat and emerging as a well-coiffed, well put together star on the make.

Her mother, Sridevi had once shared with HELLO!, years ago, that “Khushi is like her father — a true Punjabi when it comes to good food. Janhvi is more figure-conscious... And me? I’m ready to be size zero!”

Clearly, while being size zero is a thing of the past, Khushi is well on the other end of the spectrum, and values the opportunities in front of her today. Her fun, youthful energy and relatable charm on screen are appreciated by the younger audiences, and she triggers an avalanche of paparazzi flashbulbs on the red carpets — an undeniable sign of influence and potential.

It’s this very potential that brands have noticed. Although just a few movies in, her inarguable star power and influence have earned her brand ambassadorships from noted names like skincare biggies Sol de Janeiro, and The Face Shop, sneaker brand Converse, Reliance’s Azorte, and Arrow with her rumoured partner, actor Vedang Raina. We may see her in a sequel of the movie Mom, which earlier starred her own mother and is sure to be an emotional roller coaster for the budding actor. There are reports that she may be cast opposite Ahaan Panday in an unannounced project. As they say, the curtains are just going up… We wait and watch!   

A POP-CULTURE SENSATION: AHAAN PANDAY
Who: Actor, Saiyaara

The concept of “instant fame” is largely a myth, especially in an industry as competitive as Bollywood. An exception to the rule, however, was Ahaan Panday’s blockbuster debut in Saiyaara — a phenomenal box-office hit with newbies that hasn’t been seen since the craze around Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai.

Through his portrayal of an arrogant lover who is intense and volatile, yet nuanced, Ahaan proved how he could hold the frame without being consumed by it. The secret behind what seems like a story of overnight success lies less in his decision to become a lead and more in the way he laid his foundation — deliberate, steady and honed with first-hand experience, mentored by YRF chief Aditya Chopra. From pursuing a degree in cinematic arts from the University of Mumbai to working as an assistant director on Freaky Ali, Rock On 2, and Netflix’s The Railway Men, his apprenticeship and exposure is perhaps why he caused cinema-wide furore.

Son of businessman Chikki Panday and former model Deanne Panday, nephew of actor Chunky Panday and cousin to Ananya Panday, Ahaan carries the entourage of a star kid. Even though neither of his parents are actors themselves, he remained an industry insider by proximity, not by profession. Defying his parents’ apprehension on carving out a career in acting, he ventured out for his first audition at the age of 16. Now 28, Ahaan has found himself at yet another beginning — the beginning of a successful stint in Bollywood, thanks to his emotive connection with the audience that transformed Saiyaara into a pop-culture moment.

With his next project already underway — he’s been cast in Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming action film opposite Sharvari — Ahaan’s journey is poised to make a steady rise driven by intentional work and an innate ability to emote.

PLAYING IT HER WAY: JEMIMAH RODRIGUES
Who: Cricketer, Middle-Order Batter

During the ICC Women’s World Cup PHOTO: BANDEEP SINGH/ITG semifinals, just before the Indian women’s cricket scripted history, a 25-year-old produced one of the most memorable innings of her career. Scoring an unbeaten 127, she anchored India’s chase of a daunting 339 — the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history. Little did Jemimah Rodrigues know then that she’d soon be part of a historic moment, as India went on to lift their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title in November 2025.

Effervescent, agile and armed with one of the warmest smiles in the game, Jemimah is among the brightest stars of Indian women’s cricket today. Fierce and focussed on the pitch, she’s refreshingly relatable off it — a girl-next-door on Instagram, charming fans with guitar strums and soulful retro melodies.

A Mumbai girl through and through, Jemimah’s relationship with cricket began early. She was just four when she picked up a bat, honing her skills under the guidance of a junior cricket coach at school. Bowling endlessly to her two brothers, she also explored basketball, football and hockey — a multi-sport childhood that shaped her athletic instinct.

She made her Mumbai Under-19 debut at 13, and in 2017, announced her arrival in emphatic fashion with a blistering 202 against Saurashtra, becoming only the second Indian woman — after Smriti Mandhana — to score a double century in the Under-19 One Day Trophy. She scored her first international hundred in an ODI against Ireland at Rajkot in January 2025. 

Her senior debut followed in 2018, with half-centuries across formats, including at her first T20 World Cup. In test series, too, Jemimah made her mark early on, scoring three 50s in five innings during India’s home series wins — a testament to her adaptability and temperament.

THE BIRLA SCION: ARYAMAN VIKRAM BIRLA
Who: Director, Aditya Birla Management Corporation Pvt Ltd

As the pictures started pouring in, showcasing the launch of the Galeries Lafayette’s first outpost in India, Aryaman Vikram Birla’s charming presence in those was overarching. That he steered the iconic Parisian department store’s advent to India notwithstanding, Aryaman — a Harvard Business School graduate — was a picture of calm and self assured poise. Dapper in a grey suit, the 28-year-old looked perfectly at ease with his new role — as the seventh-generation Birla scion.

Synonymous with fashion, culture and creativity, Galeries Lafayette’s sprawling 90,000 sqft across five levels in Mumbai’s historic neighbourhood of Fort houses over 250 luxury brands, including the best of fashion, lifestyle, and F&B, plus private lounges and cultural programmes. This was, perhaps, the most ambitious project he was handed after being given the reins of the Birla business empire sometime in 2023. It arrived as a full-circle moment for the family as his father, Kumar Mangalam Birla, too, was around 28 when he took over the group, currently valued at US$115-billion.

Aryaman’s formative years were far from predictable. He first pursued his passion for cricket at just 17; he made his debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy season. However, in 2019, he publicly announced his break from the game, citing mental health reasons — not often heard of in the realm of sports in India.

And that’s how the world knows Aryaman — warm and far removed from his larger-than-life stature. Time and again, he’s spoken about his pride in his family name, yet wanting to make sure he’s not defined by the title. Today, as the gen-next for the Birla conglomerate, Aryaman is on his way to not just crafting a legacy, but also building a new identity.

AS BRIGHT AS THE ‘SUN’: KAVIYA KALANITHI MARAN
Who: Executive Director, Sun TV Network, and Head of SunRisers Hyderabad

At the many Indian Premier League matches of SunRisers Hyderabad, there was one permanent, prominent and pretty face in the VIP pavilion, always cheering the team on with gusto — Kaviya Kalanithi Maran. Even at the recent mini auction for the IPL in Abu Dhabi, this 32-year old grabbed attention with her stunning presence and quick decisions.

Popularly dubbed the “IPL poster girl,” Kaviya represents far more than sporting glamour. She is the Executive Director of Sun TV Network and Head of SunRisers, playing a pivotal role in one of India’s most influential media and entertainment groups. The daughter of Kalanithi Maran, Founder-Chairman of the Sun TV Network, she joined the company in 2012 after graduating with a B.Com degree from Stella Maris College, Chennai, gaining hands-on exposure across various departments of the group.

Kaviya went on to pursue her MBA at the Stern School of Business, New York University, graduating in 2016. Soon after, she took on greater leadership responsibilities, spearheading Sun group’s digital initiatives. In 2017, she led the launch of Sun NXT, the group’s OTT platform, which today boasts over 10 million subscribers worldwide.

As head of the firm’s professional sports ventures, Kaviya oversees three cricket franchises. SunRisers Hyderabad clinched the IPL title in 2016 and finished runners-up in 2018 and 2024, qualifying for the playoffs seven times in 12 seasons. SunRisers Eastern Cape made history with consecutive appearances in the finals of SA20, South Africa’s T20 league, winning the tournament in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, SunRisers Leeds marks the group’s newest foray into UK cricket.

Beyond sports and media, Kaviya also oversees projects at Sun Pictures and plays an active role in the Sun Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives. Her growing influence has been widely recognised, earning her multiple national accolades and listings among India’s most powerful and promising business leaders. In the near future, her focus will be on building a robust digital ecosystem that speaks to younger, digital-first audiences while strengthening the group’s regional dominance online.

THE BEAUTY DISRUPTOR: BHAKTI MODI
Who: Co-founder and CEO at Tira Beauty

Just a week into the new year, Tira announced yet another entrant to its ever-growing hemisphere — this time, it was minimalist Korean brand, Hince. One of the powerhouses behind the curated omnichannel beauty destination has been Bhakti Modi, who has steered the platform through many firsts. In August 2025, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin launched in India through Tira. In October, the popular French cosmetics brand NARS strengthened its presence here through her venture. Bhakti also launched celebrity beauty labels like 9Skin by Nayanthara in offline retail and co-created Mira Kapoor’s Akind.

The daughter of Mukesh Ambani’s close associate Manoj Modi, and also Isha Ambani’s close collaborator, Bhakti has been a force to reckon with in India’s beauty industry. Rising to the ranks of Tira’s CEO at just 30, she’s taken the f irm to new heights, disrupting established industry players early on.

Armed with a degree in psychology and communication from the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, followed by a degree in fashion and apparel design at the famed Parsons School of Design, New York, Bhakti’s academic background certainly helped shape her role and Tira’s trajectory within just two years of its launch in 2023. In fact, her innate skill of merging consumer insight with creative direction were crucial in forging alliances with international beauty brands like Sephora and Kiko Milano.

Under Bhakti’s clear vision, Tira’s presence expanded across the country, including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with experiential offline stores, and a flagship at Jio World Plaza in Mumbai. The brand has also collaborated with several global beauty favourites like Augustinus Bader, Youth To The People, Muzigae Mansion and SheGlam, as well as exclusive K-beauty labels such as Mixsoon, Milktouch, and Sungboon. Even as Tira continues to take its footprint to Tier 2 cities countrywide, the Indian beauty bazaar can expect multiple exclusive brand collaborations, fuelled by Bhakti’s acumen that defines its course.

AN AUGUST PERFORMER: AGASTYA NANDA
Who: Actor and Bachchan-Nanda legacy

If The Archies, Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix web series, offered an appetiser of this third gen Bachchan-descended actor’s potential, then Ikkis, his feature film debut was a full main course. Agastya played the lead role of a 21-year-old Second Lieutenant Officer, Arun Khetarpal, who chooses to gamble heart, soul and body for the Indian Army in the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. It was surely a demanding, action-oriented and emotional journey to fill the shoes of such a braveheart, but Agastya proved his mettle.

Expectations were stratospheric, given his family background, and fans have posted appreciative reviews. But box office scripts only understand one language — money. Although the movie grossed negligible figures compared to Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and the Kartik Arynan-Ananya Panday-starrer Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, which were both in theatres alongside Ikkis, debut films are just that — merely debuts! While Bollywood is clearly in a season of celebrating war and cross-border spy dramas, Agastya scored high on the home front. Superstar grandfather Amitabh Bachchan has been quoted as saying that his portrayal of Arun Khetarpal was “honest, mature and authentic.” He also made it clear that this was not him talking as a biased grandfather, but a “hardened cinema viewer.”

What’s next for Agastya? While no new movie projects have been revealed, we’re sure the Sevenoaks School graduate (this is one of the most expensive schools there is; it had Agastya grow up in Kent, England) will continue to hone his thespianic talents. After all, his father Nikhil Nanda is an astute businessman, helming a million-dollar empire of businesses and shareholdings that may just need Agastya and sister Navya’s participation at some point. Little wonder that when reporters run to the young man, asking how he’s handling the pressure of being Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson with a Kapoor ancestry, as well, he simply smiles and says,“I’m a Nanda. There’s no other legacy.” Touche!

READY TO ‘KILL’: LAKSHYA LALWANI
Who: Actor, The Ba**ds of Bollywood and Kill

He has the looks, he has the moves, and he certainly has the talent — if the success of his two latest projects are anything to go by. In an era defined by virality and lineage, Lakshya’s foray into Bollywood comes with two back-to-back hits that catapulted him into the limelight, years after his on-screen debut.

There’s a cinematic tint to his journey, which took him from the gym floor to the big screen, where his range, grit and commitment to the craft shone — along with the physique he developed as a trainer, of course. Before he came to be known as Aasmaan Singh — an outsider navigating Bollywood’s glamour — from Aryan Khan’s The Ba***ds of Bollywood, he proved his mettle in Kill, a high-octane action thriller that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 and also received widespread acclaim upon its theatrical release the next year.

In Ba***ds, Lakshya proved he could hold his own among a lot more seasoned actors, his screen presence unmissable and his comic timing spot on. Not only does this transition from the serious army commander to the up-and-coming star reflect his range and the gamut of emotions he’s capable of portraying, it also makes us eagerly await the projects he has up his sleeve — there’s the romantic drama, Chand Mera Dil, with Ananya Panday, as well as the rumoured Dostana 2 with Vikrant Massey, both by Dharma Productions.

Speaking of Dharma, Lakshya certainly has head honcho and filmmaker Karan Johar by his side, given how he was all praises for his performance in Kill as well as the three-film deal with the production house.

From his small-screen debut in 2015 to the recent acclaim he garnered, Lakshya’s climb has been anything but conventional. With awards for ‘Best Male Debut’ already under his wing, a Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, and exciting new movies coming up, he leads a new cohort of actors who are refusing to cling to their comfort zones, with his commitment to the craft and quiet conviction setting him apart.

THE CHANEL EFFECT: BHAVITHA MANDAVA
Who: Model for Chanel, Dior and Bottega Veneta

How often does a regular walk down the stairs of a mundane subway translate into a lightning fashion moment that challenges the ‘model’ narrative worldover? How many such Cinderellas have left their glass slippers at the door of modelling agencies, waiting for the prince of all opportunities to come looking for them? Bhavitha Mandava was born and raised in Hyderabad, where she studied architecture at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University. After graduating, she moved to pursue a Master of Science degree in Integrated Design & Media/Human Computer Interaction at New York University.

She was prepping for a no-frills career, designing the products and techno-human experiences of tomorrow, when she caught the eye of a fellow passenger in the New York City subway. It happened to be a model scout who ultimately sent Bhavitha’s photos to casting director Anita Bitton, who took them further to Matthieu Blazy, back when he was Creative Director at Bottega Veneta and now heads Chanel.

This was a year ago, just two weeks before the Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2025 show. After Bottega, Bhavitha also walked for Dior. This sequence of events makes it pretty clear why the 25-year-old opened Chanel’s Métiers d’art show late last year at an NYC subway — a role typically reserved for established supermodels. Her casting is seen as resonant with the post-pandemic quest for all that feels authentic. Agency-groomed beauties can wait!

In 2026, Bhavitha is expected to be a mainstay at the big four fashion capitals and also appear at fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and London. She’s likely to be seen in significant brand endorsements, as well, cracking racial glass ceilings everywhere. That doesn’t leave India out. Remember that our ‘fair and lovely’ market is worth crores. Three cheers to Ms. Mandava, and her lucky star that sets new aspirations for all genres of beauty.

HUMANNESS IN CLOTHING: KARTIK KUMRA
Who: Founder, Kartik Research

When Zohran Mamdani took oath as the mayor of New York, Indian fashion hawks zeroed in on his tie — this gold-embroidered herringbone tie, crafted in eri silk from Assam, came from Kartik Research, a Delhi-based luxury streetwear label founded by designer Kartik Kumra in 2021.

Kartik reads the global landscape so well that he’s made the Indian village craft an international totem. That’s kosher brand storytelling! To wit, he’s recrafted the artisanal crafts fashion tale, making it a new lingua franca for men’s fashion.

Originally launched as Karu Research, his 2024 rebranding to Kartik Research showed a strategic move towards global expansion. He kept to his signature, tapping into traditional textiles, craftsmanship — handloom, natural dyes, block printing — with modern, often vintage-inspired silhouettes and cultural narratives from India.

But what’s setting him apart? Unlike the la-di dah, ivory tower lifestyles of ‘vintage’ designers from the country, he engages consumers worldover with quirky tales of his Indian design adventures through the ’Gram. He doesn’t just think of who wears his style but those who help weave it. And by 2023, Kartik had already found himself as a semifinalist for the coveted LVMH Prize.

It rained milestones for the brand last year. Not only did he make a debut at Paris Fashion Week with his Spring/Summer 2026 collection, he garnered celebrity consumers like Lewis Hamilton, Paul Mescal, Kendrick Lamar and Damson Idris. He also used the platform to introduce his artisanal womenswear, opened a store on NYC’s Lower East Side, and was featured in the TIME 100 Next 2025 list. Kartik has clearly become the poster boy of an emerging ethos and brand in the global fashion industry, with a host of iconic fashion bibles taking notice of him for prioritising seemingly forgotten Indian fashion crafts to define a new idea of luxury.

This young fashion spin doctor has collaborators from around the world, as well — not just talented photographers like Felix Cooper and Ola Ebiti, but students from institutes like the National Institute of Design in India.

Here’s to more ethnically-inspired storytelling campaigns like ‘Delhi Dreaming’ and ‘AMDAVAD,’ and to more men around the world embracing kurtas, dhotis and stoles with modern tailoring. And here’s hoping sparkle meets soul for Kartik Research in 2026.

THE NATIONAL CRUSH: ROHIT SARAF
Who: Actor and Brand Ambassador for Kama Ayurveda and Bacca Bucci

For most, he’s Rishi Singh Shekhawat from the Netflix cult hit Mismatched. But the craze around ‘Panwadi’ from Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari turned Rohit Saraf into a viral sensation overnight, making him an indisputable name to watch out for in the Hindi film industry.

Much before the Dharma flick, Rohit had made his mark in a number of high-profile movies, starting with his debut playing Alia Bhatt’s brother in Dear Zindagi. While Rohit enjoys the moniker of the “national crush” of India, he’s added to his repertoire year after year, his range evident with every character he’s portrayed. As Rishi in Mismatched, he was the ideal boyfriend who made girls across the country swoon. As Shatak Betal, Hrithik Roshan’s brother in Vikram Vedha, he had audiences rooting for him to succeed in his business and mourn over his death. As Rahul Awasthi in the OTT mega-hit Ludo, he did a remarkable job portraying a struggling small town man with a significant emotional depth — much of it conveyed without dialogue! And early in his career, as Ishaan Chaudhary in The Sky Is Pink, Rohit showcased his innate talent and expressiveness, providing emotional support to his terminally ill sister.

The 29-year-old has built a reputation as a versatile, chameleon-esque actor who changes colour with every role as seamlessly as the reptile. And even though he has starred alongside industry veterans in nearly every movie, his relatively fewer years of experience certainly didn’t dilute his screen presence, making him a much sought after actor and a fast-rising star.

Next, he has several high-profile projects in the pipeline, including the Amazon Prime Video period drama web series, The Revolutionaries, and Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, in the works by David Dhawan. Do we believe he’s a highly promising talent, and deserves the “bankable” tag he appears to have earned? Yes! And are we excited to see Rohit in his moustachioed avatar in the period drama? Hell, yes!

THE CURIOSITY ARCHITECT: ARAVIND SRINIVAS
Who: Co-founder, President & CEO of Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine

This Chennai-born tech genius rode into the new wave of Artificial Intelligence and gave Indians something to dabble with — Perplexity, an AI-powered answer engine focussed on real-time web searches, providing cited, factual summaries that makes it great for research. His mission was clear: “PhD students write papers, and for every sentence they write, they reference another paper. We baked that principle into an AI chatbot, and that ended up becoming Perplexity.” Aravind’s tryst with AI began while studying at IIT Madras, where he concentrated on machine learning. He was invited to join a research project on teaching AI to play the 1970s’ Atari games, Pong and Breakout. Next, he followed his passion for AI while pursuing his PhD in computer science at the University of California, Berkeley.

After a slew of jobs at tech behemoths like OpenAI, Google Brain, and DeepMind, Aravind founded Perplexity in 2022 and added a new arm to the world’s ever-growing AI horizon. His chatbot now logs more than 300 million queries a week, and in October 2025, with a mission to “serve the world’s curiosity,” they released Comet, an AI-powered web browser that integrates an AI assistant directly into its users browsing experience.

Today, Aravind is a regular on podcasts, where he’s been vocal about the role of AI in the future and the supremacy of the human brain. He was also named in TIME magazine’s list of ‘100 Most Influential People’ in 2024.

Now, as AI has the world in a vice grip, Aravind wants to mould Perplexity from a search engine into an AI platform that integrates into the daily digital lives of users, primarily through Comet. And we believe that if anyone can bring about good change with AI, it’s certainly Aravind.

STRIKING UNINHIBITED: ABHISHEK SHARMA
Who: Cricketer, All-Rounder

The year began with buzz for Abhishek Sharma, after he bought a Ferrari Purosangue for a whopping Rs 12.97 crore — a figure he’s earned with all the right shots and spins. So far, he has played 33 T20 matches and scored 1,115 runs at a strike rate of 188.02 — more commendable figures for his short career.

Sharp and good looking, this 25-year-old Amritsar boy has made a name for himself as one of India’s most explosive top order batters, with a well-grounded game in pace and spin. He even topped the 2025 ICC T20I charts with 908 points in batting rankings — the highest ever achieved in the format. Abhishek grew up with fellow Punjabi cricketer, Shubman Gill. Friendly competition over the years and being coached by both Rajkumar Sharma — his father and a former cricketer — and Yuvraj Singh, who he took over during the lockdown, helped shape Abhishek’s career.

His near-200 strike rate represents a new generation of dynamic cricketers. Abhishek’s meteoric rise could be attributed to his almost calculated aggression at the crease. His elegant strokeplay — cuts and flicks, reverse sweeps, lofted shots and down-the-ground hits — are a delight to watch.

Abhishek was first noticed as a leading run-scorer at the 2015 16 Vijay Merchant Domestic U-16 tournament, when he smashed 1,200 runs in seven matches. The next year, he became the Indian skipper for the Youth ODIs. He was also an integral part of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2018, scoring 50 and taking 2 for 11 against Bangladesh in the quarter-final.

The turning point, though, arrived the same year when he was inducted into the Delhi Daredevils IPL team — he went on to score 46 off 19 balls in his very first game! In 2022, in his fourth IPL season, this time with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he made 426 runs at a strike rate of 133. Impressive, indeed. If 2025 was any indicator, Indian T20 cricket is pinning a lot of hope on this young hard-hitter.

This story was featured in the Vol 1. Issue 6 of HELLO! India. For more exclusive stories, subscribe to the magazine here. 

Text by Sangeeta Waddhwani, Rewati Rau and Hunar Bhatia