New Delhi: Prominent figures from various fields, including World Bank President Ajay Banga, Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and wrestler Sakshi Malik, have been featured in Time magazine’s prestigious ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’ list, released on Wednesday.
Ajay Banga, the former CEO of Mastercard who assumed the role of World Bank President last June, was lauded by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for his transformative leadership. Yellen highlighted Banga’s efforts in promoting financial inclusion and his vision to combat poverty and climate change through innovative financial tools and partnerships.
Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt was recognized as a “formidable talent” by director, producer, and writer Tom Harper. Harper praised Bhatt’s acting prowess and her multifaceted roles as an actor, businesswoman, and philanthropist, describing her as a “truly international star” with authenticity and sensitivity.
Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, was acknowledged by Time for his profound influence in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The magazine commended Nadella’s investment in OpenAI and his partnership with Mistral AI, positioning him at the forefront of the AI revolution. Time emphasized Nadella’s thoughtful approach to AI’s potential benefits and risks, highlighting his role as a responsible steward of the technology.
Olympian wrestler Sakshi Malik’s profile was penned by Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Nisha Pahuja. Pahuja praised Malik for her courageous stand against sexual harassment in Indian sports, particularly her role in demanding action against the then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India. Malik’s activism and resilience were highlighted as emblematic of a broader movement advocating for women’s rights and dignity in India.
Actor-director Dev Patel, known for his acclaimed performances, was celebrated by Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya for his humanity and versatility. Kaluuya praised Patel’s directorial debut ‘Monkey Man’ and his ability to explore new perspectives in storytelling, describing him as a fearless and limitless talent.
Other notable individuals of Indian origin featured in the list include Jigar Shah, director of the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office; Priyamvada Natarajan, Professor of Astronomy and Physics at Yale University; Indian-origin restaurateur Asma Khan; and Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
