Forbes' 2025 edition of the 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Entertainment and Sports category spotlights rising icons from South Asia who are reshaping global pop culture. Among the featured are Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, and filmmaker Sulagna Chatterjee—each carving a unique narrative in their fields. From luxury brand ambassadorships and global film debuts to intimate musical storytelling and groundbreaking queer cinema, these creatives represent a new generation of talent driving influence beyond regional borders. The list also includes renowned names from across Asia, reinforcing the continent’s surging cultural capital.
South Asia’s Creative Vanguard Earns Global Recognition
The 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in the Entertainment and Sports category brings a new wave of South Asian talent into the international spotlight. Selected for their cultural impact and artistic innovation, actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, musician Anuv Jain, and screenwriter-filmmaker Sulagna Chatterjee have been recognized for advancing both regional narratives and global engagement.
Their inclusion in the prestigious list not only underscores their professional achievements but also signifies the growing influence of South Asian creators on the world stage.
Ananya Panday: Bollywood Starlet to Global Fashion Icon
At just 26, Ananya Panday has already built a filmography of 11 titles, including her debut in Student of the Year 2 (2019) and more recent work like CTRL (2024). However, it is her crossover into fashion that has solidified her international appeal. In April 2025, luxury house Chanel appointed Panday as its first Indian brand ambassador—an appointment that highlights both her personal brand and the label’s strategic shift toward South Asia.
With 26 million followers on Instagram, Panday’s digital presence reinforces her dual influence in cinema and fashion, positioning her as a key cultural figure in the Gen Z demographic.
Ishaan Khatter: Bridging Bollywood and Hollywood
At 29, Ishaan Khatter is quietly becoming a cross-continental cinematic presence. His first performance in Beyond the Clouds (2017) earned him accolades from both Filmfare and the International Indian Film Academy. Since then, he has demonstrated his versatility through projects like A Suitable Boy on Netflix and, more recently, The Perfect Couple alongside Nicole Kidman.
Khatter’s evolving portfolio suggests a deliberate navigation between Indian arthouse cinema and global streaming platforms, a strategy likely to pay long-term dividends as audiences seek more diverse narratives.
Anuv Jain: Minimalist Sound, Maximal Impact
Singer-songwriter Anuv Jain has cultivated a dedicated international fan base while maintaining the simplicity and authenticity of his acoustic style. Known for his poignant lyrics and use of instruments like the guitar and ukulele, Jain’s appeal lies in emotional intimacy. His 2023 hit Husn garnered over 204 million views on YouTube, while his earlier single Baarishein reached 107 million.
With over 16 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 1.5 billion cumulative streams, Jain’s digital success translates into real-world impact. His 2024 international tour included stops in the UK and Australia, and he even contributed to the United Nations’ Earth Day album, reflecting a broader social consciousness.
Sulagna Chatterjee: Pioneering Queer Representation on Screen
Sulagna Chatterjee, 29, is using screenwriting to tell stories that are both personal and political. Starting with Firsts, a 2020 web series exploring same-sex relationships, Chatterjee has gone on to write for Netflix’s Feels Like Ishq and Jio Studio’s Code M. Her forthcoming independent film Pehli Date—currently in post-production after five years—explores a queer woman’s experience on a first date, marking an important step in LGBTQ+ storytelling in Indian cinema.
Her work challenges dominant norms and opens up space for marginalized voices, making her one of the most compelling figures in contemporary Indian screenwriting.
Regional Icons Join Pan-Asian Roster
The list also includes notable names from across the Asia-Pacific, such as K-pop group Stray Kids, actor Cha Eun-woo of ASTRO fame, Korean drama star Go Min-si, and Bridgerton season four lead Yerin Ha. Other honorees include Philippine girl group BINI, Indian chess grandmaster D. Gukesh, and Paralympian Sheetal Devi.
Their collective presence highlights Asia’s increasing cultural prominence, as creative professionals across the continent redefine global standards in entertainment and sports.
Conclusion: A Generation Defining the Zeitgeist
This year’s honorees represent more than just rising stars—they embody a generational shift. Whether through song, script, or screen, these individuals are amplifying diverse voices and reshaping cultural boundaries. The inclusion of Indian creatives alongside East Asian and Southeast Asian icons affirms that South Asia is not just participating in the global cultural conversation—it is helping to lead it.
For businesses, producers, and investors tracking talent and market trends in entertainment, this list serves as a barometer for where global attention is headed. And for audiences, it’s a preview of the stories and sounds that will shape the decade ahead.
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