This actor wrote Ranbir Kapoor’s TIME100 profile and here’s why he was chosen

Highlights:

• Ranbir Kapoor was selected for his global cultural influence and artistic depth.
• His acting style focuses on quiet, authentic emotional expression.
• Ayushmann Khurrana wrote his profile due to shared values and industry respect.
• Ayushmann is a TIME100 alumnus, making him part of the selection network.
• TIME100 honors influence, not just fame, through a curated editorial process.

Bollywood actor Ranbir was the only actor named in the TIME100 Most Influential People of 2026, marking a major moment in the actor's career. But guess who wrote his profile?

Yes, the profile was written by another talented actor of Bollywood, Ayushmann Khurrana. This recognition was not just about fame; it was also about how he shaped the cinema and helped it present to the global audience. Khurrana, who was once also in the TIME100 list, whose career that reflects a similar focus on meaningful storytelling.

Kapoor was chosen for the TIME100 list because of his evolution, especially his 'artistic restraint.' In an industry that often values loud performances and box office success, Ranbir stands out for his ability to express emotion quietly and authentically, with a wide range of a singer with a broken heart in Rockstar to his humble character of Lord Rama in the upcoming film Ramayana.

Khurrana called Kapoor a 'cultural bridge' who connects Indian cinema with the international audience. His performances shift how audiences feel and understand stories.

Kapoor's work also represents a changing India, one that is growing in both scale and sensitivity. Another reason for his selection is his balance despite such vast and opposite characters; the mix of risk-taking and reliability has made him one of the most influential actors, despite not giving a film multiple times in a year.

He was also the only Indian actor on the 2026 list, alongside other notable Indians like Sundar Pichai and Vikas Khanna.

Khurrana was chosen to write Ranbir’s profile because he is both a peer and a respected voice in the same industry. TIME often selects writers who share a connection or similar values with the honoree.

First, Ayushmann and Ranbir share a common artistic philosophy. Ayushmann is known for content-driven films that focus on meaningful storytelling rather than spectacle. This makes him well-suited to describe Ranbir’s “quiet restraint” and thoughtful performances.

Second, Ayushmann is himself a TIME100 honoree. He was included in the list in 2020, which makes him part of the TIME100 alumni network. This group is often invited to contribute nominations or write profiles for new honorees.

Third, Ayushmann has built a reputation for consistency and impact. Like Ranbir, he focuses on stories that connect with audiences emotionally while still achieving commercial success. This shared experience gives his words credibility.

Finally, the choice reflects mutual respect. By writing the profile, Ayushmann presents Ranbir not as a competitor but as a collaborator in shaping the future of Indian cinema on a global stage.

The TIME100 list is created through an editorial process led by TIME.

The process begins with nominations. These come from TIME’s writers, global correspondents, and TIME100 alumni like Ayushmann Khurrana. They suggest individuals who have had a strong impact on the world.

Next, TIME editors make the final selections. The list is not based only on popularity or power. Instead, it focuses on influence—people who are changing how others think, act, or create. The final list is divided into categories such as Artists, Leaders, Innovators, Icons, Titans, and Pioneers.

After the list is finalized, TIME selects prominent figures to write short profiles of each honoree. These writers are usually peers or respected voices whose perspective adds meaning to the recognition.

There is also a reader’s poll, but it only guarantees one spot. The rest of the list is carefully curated to ensure global diversity and representation across different fields.