Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The Indian Express has released its highly anticipated list of the Top 100 Most Influential Indians of 2024, covering a wide spectrum of personalities from politics, business, entertainment, and sports.
Notably, industrialist Gautam Adani has secured a position in the top 10, edging past billionaire Mukesh Ambani by one spot, marking a significant advancement in his influence.
Gautam Adani's ascent is attributed to his pivotal role in driving rapid progress across multiple infrastructure sectors, including cement, power, airport, and green energy, through strategic acquisitions and ambitious greenfield projects.
Despite facing challenges such as Hindenberg Research's accusations of accounting fraud and stock manipulation, Gautam Adani remained the second richest Indian with a staggering net worth of $101 billion, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, focused on strengthening his conglomerate through investments in new energy, organizational restructuring, and succession planning, positioning Reliance for future growth.
The list underscored the enduring dominance of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah retaining the top two positions for the seventh consecutive year, highlighting the party's continued influence.
While BJP members dominate the top ranks, opposition figures like Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal secured notable positions, reflecting their resilience amidst BJP's dominance.
The list also featured prominent figures from diverse fields, including Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, Bollywood actors Shah Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, and Deepika Padukone, highlighting the multifaceted nature of influence in contemporary India.
Indian Express' Top 100 list offered a comprehensive snapshot of the individuals shaping India's socio-political and cultural landscape in 2024, reflecting the evolving dynamics of power and influence across various domains.