“Bharat Dialogues 100 Most Influential People”: Reflecting the intricacies of India’s Power Dynamics

In a nation as vast and complex as India, influence is like a glittery fluid that takes the form of the vessel it is poured into. It is defined by political power, cultural impact, economic leadership, or grassroots mobilization. This Bharat Dialogues list of the 100 most Influential People of India 2024 captures this complexity in all its layers, but it also mirrors the entrenched hierarchies and systemic gaps that define the country’s socio-econo-political landscape. While this list is a celebration of immediate achievement and prominence in 2024, one cannot deny that influence cannot be built as per a predefined timeline. It is a culmination of people’s vivid and diverse trajectory of work over the years, sometimes decades or some event that pivoted them to this coveted list.

The list is our editorial opinion backed by a sample of data revealing who had how much “influence” but also aims to raise critical questions about who holds power, whose voices dominate, and whose voices remain marginalized.

Politics: The All-Consuming Sphere of Influence

Unsurprisingly, the 2024 list is overwhelmingly dominated by political figures, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and others. Politics in India continues to be the primary conduit of influence, shaping the nation’s policy, economy, and societal norms. This dominance, however, comes at a cost. It has clearly overshadowed many other significant domains like science and the performing arts. The top bracket is thickly populated by people directly or indirectly involved in politics and governance and that speaks for itself.

The Gender Gap: A Stark Reality

One of the most glaring disparities in the list is the underrepresentation of women & Queer people. While influential figures appear, their presence underscores how few women break into the top echelons of power. Women remain grossly underrepresented in almost all spheres. Even in media or the arts—where women have traditionally carved more space—the representation is still far from equitable. Only about 1/4th of this list consists of women. Only 9 women in the top 50, and only 1 in top 10 is a clear indicator of how tilted the scales of power are.

Such disparities aren’t just a numbers game; they reflect deeper societal attitudes and pre-dominance of patriarchy in our systems. The few women who do make it to the list often face greater scrutiny and higher standards than their male counterparts. The absence of gender diversity among India’s most influential figures serves as a reminder of how far the country has to go in terms of achieving true equality. Celebrating these women should not detract from the urgent need for systemic reforms that can enable more women to rise to prominence.

As a woman this was one of my first concerns while critically observing the list, has education and economic empowerment tilted the scales for women but it seems there is still a lot of weight needed to bring that to even near an equilibrium. Women are still being viewed as “achiever mothers” and not more. The Media’s Dual Role: Amplifier and Gatekeeper

The media’s influence in shaping the list cannot be overstated. In a digital-first era, media personalities, influencers, and even meme creators wield significant power, often shaping narratives that resonate across the nation.

However, this influence is a double-edged sword. The media is both an amplifier of public voices and a gatekeeper of narratives. It decides who gets attention, whose achievements are celebrated, and whose stories are sidelined. The symbiotic relationship between media and politics exacerbates this imbalance. There are media tycoons, journalists in mainstream media and independent journalists all on the list, but it is indicative that the fourth pillar is now hugely dependent on the other three.

Where Are the Innovators, Artists, and Grassroots Leaders?

While politics and media dominate, the list includes a sprinkling of industrialists, scientists, and artists. Yet, these names are few and far between. Grassroots leaders—activists, educators, and changemakers—are conspicuous by their near-absence. Young influencers, startup-founders and rising Gen Z have created a significant dent in the influence parade. As expected, their influence is bound to grow in the near future.

Bharat Dialogues 100 Influential People of India 2024 serves as both a celebration and a critique. While it acknowledges the achievements of India’s most powerful individuals, it also exposes the gaps in who we consider influential and why.

True influence isn’t just about holding power; it’s about using it to create pathways as trailblazers. As we look ahead, let this list not just reflect the India that is, but inspire the India that could be—one where influence is more equitably distributed across gender, region, and sector, and where the power of quiet impact is recognized alongside the clamor of visibility.

In the evolving landscape of Indian influence, Bharat Dialogues' list of the 100 Most Influential People encapsulates a fascinating interplay of power, branding, and storytelling. This curation not only celebrates influence but also mirrors the shifting social dynamics and evolving narratives of leadership in India.

Dominating the apex are the stalwarts: politicians and veteran industrialists. Their enduring presence reinforces a timeless truth—power rooted in governance and economic clout remains central to societal structures. Among the top spots, an impressive 24 politicians feature prominently, illustrating the enduring grip of political power in shaping national discourse. Yet, the top 10 reveals deeper social narratives. Nirmala Sitharaman, as the only woman in this tier, highlights the persisting gender disparities in India’s power corridors. Rahul Gandhi’s singular representation from the opposition underscores the heavily polarized political landscape. These patterns reflect entrenched hierarchies but also signal the slow recalibration of social representation in positions of influence.

The list also celebrates the diversity of industries shaping modern India. An influential cohort of 18 leaders from the business fraternity cements the role of corporate visionaries in driving economic and social progress. Equally notable are the 18 representatives spanning Bollywood, music, stand-up comedy, and digital content creation, showcasing the cultural zeitgeist and the growing power of entertainment as a tool for social connection and influence.

From positions 25 to 50, the list takes on a more contemporary tone, showcasing individuals who have embraced the tools of social mobility—digital media, innovation, and storytelling. Bureaucrats, film stars, unicorn startup founders, and sports icons populate this segment, redefining influence by connecting directly with the public. Social media has emerged as their strongest ally, transforming personal achievements into relatable and aspirational narratives. The prominence of entrepreneurs mirrors India’s growing startup culture, where disruption, innovation, and resilience are becoming celebrated societal values.

Journalists have not been completely absent from this sphere of influence. The top 50 includes Ravish Kumar, Rajat Sharma, and Upendrra Rai, demonstrating the continued relevance of media voices who shape public opinion. Further down, the list recognizes Navika Kumar, Palki Sharma Upadhyay, and Naveen Kumar, emphasizing the evolving role of journalism in a media-saturated age.

The latter half of the list, encompassing positions 51 to 100, is a vibrant tapestry of diversity and modernity. Women entrepreneurs, young politicians, Olympic medalists, and viral social media personalities like Urfi Javed and Dolly Chaiwala represent the democratization of influence. Urfi Javed’s provocative presence and Dolly Chaiwala’s unexpected charm highlight the shifting definitions of influence in a digital-first world, where virality and unconventional narratives hold unprecedented sway. Figures like Ranveer Allahbadia and Raj Shamani illustrate the rise of relatable digital influencers who craft compelling social connections. Their success underscores the cultural shift toward valuing authenticity and relatability over traditional status symbols. Olympians, meanwhile, remind society of the universal appeal of hard work, discipline, and patriotism.

The list spans generations, from the youngest influencer, Sheetal Devi, a 17-year-old para-archer breaking barriers, to Ruskin Bond, the 90-year-old literary icon whose enduring storytelling continues to inspire. Their inclusion signifies a continuum of influence that transcends age, proving that impact can be ageless.

Yet, this list raises critical social questions. The glaring underrepresentation of Southern and Northeastern India reflects enduring regional inequities in recognition and visibility. The stark absence of influencers from fields like science, education, social work, and the arts points to a societal shift where spectacle often eclipses cerebral contributions. Despite the presence of seven journalists across the list, it also highlights the diminishing overall trust and importance assigned to traditional gatekeepers of information in the social hierarchy.

Despite its highlights, the list also brings to light the persistent gender gap, with only 25 women making it to the top 100. While their presence signals progress, it also emphasizes the need for greater inclusivity and representation across all domains.

This compilation is as much about the nature of influence as it is about its shifting pathways. The rise of branding—fueled by the immediacy and reach of social media—has reshaped how society perceives power. Today, influence transcends institutions and belongs increasingly to those who can weave relatable and impactful stories. This evolution marks both a democratization and a challenge: in an age where stories hold the power to shape public consciousness, the ability to craft and control one’s narrative has become the ultimate currency in the social domain of modern India.

As we reflect on this list, a larger question emerges: Are we shaping influence, or is influence shaping us?