Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter Featured in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 List

Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter have been included in Forbes Asia's prestigious 30 Under 30 list for 2025. This annual list recognizes 300 young leaders and innovators under the age of 30 across various sectors from the Asia-Pacific region, including entertainment, arts, finance, and technology. Their inclusion highlights their growing influence and achievements in the entertainment industry.

Ananya Panday: A Multi-Faceted Talent

Ananya Panday, who is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday, made her acting debut in 2019 with the film Student of the Year 2. Since then, she has appeared in 11 films and steadily built a strong presence in Bollywood. One of her recent works includes CTRL, a Hindi-language thriller released on Netflix. In April 2025, she marked a major milestone by becoming the first Indian brand ambassador for the global luxury brand Chanel, a move that further elevated her profile in both cinema and fashion.

With a strong social media following of over 26 million on Instagram, Ananya is widely regarded as a youth icon. Beyond her acting and fashion endeavors, she has also worked to create positive change online. In 2019, she launched an initiative called “So Positive” aimed at addressing online bullying and creating a safer digital space for young people. This initiative received recognition and was named “Initiative of the Year” by a leading business awards platform.

Ishaan Khatter: A Bridge Between Indian and International Cinema

Ishaan Khatter, the son of actors Rajesh Khattar and Neelima Azeem, began his film career with Iranian director Majid Majidi’s film Beyond the Clouds in 2017. The film earned him critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. He followed this success with the romantic drama Dhadak in 2018, which gained commercial success.

Khatter has since broadened his scope by taking on international projects. In 2020, he starred in the British miniseries A Suitable Boy, and in 2024, he appeared in the American miniseries The Perfect Couple, alongside Hollywood star Nicole Kidman. His upcoming film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, further solidifying his position as an actor with global reach.

Shared Journey and Future Potential

Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter have previously worked together in the 2020 film Khaali Peeli. Their on-screen pairing received attention and appreciation from fans. Their joint recognition on the Forbes Asia list symbolizes the rising impact of young Indian actors on a global scale. Both artists continue to push boundaries in their careers and are likely to remain influential figures in the years to come.

Their journey so far reflects a new wave of Indian talent making its mark not just in Bollywood, but across international platforms as well.