In a milestone for Indian cinema, Ranbir Kapoor has been featured on TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 Most Influential People of 2026. Kapoor stands as the only Indian actor on this year’s list, joined by other prominent Indian figures including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Michelin-star chef Vikas Khanna.
The 2026 list highlights global leaders and icons who are “changing culture in unprecedented ways,” featuring names like US President Donald Trump, Pope Leo XIV, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Ayushmann Khurrana’s Tribute: “The India That Is Learning to Listen”
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, himself a TIME 100 alumnus (2020), penned a moving biographical note for Kapoor. In the tribute, Khurrana looked beyond box-office numbers to highlight Kapoor’s unique contribution to the “emotional vocabulary” of the audience.
“Ranbir isn’t just a movie star—he’s a storyteller talking to a global audience and telling them stories of a fabled, mythical country where epics like The Ramayana have inspired other civilizations and cultures. He represents the India that is finally learning how to listen to itself and leaves a mark through simple authenticity.” — Ayushmann Khurrana
Khurrana praised Kapoor’s ability to “internalize” performances with quiet restraint, describing him as a cultural bridge who embodies an India evolving in both scale and sensitivity.
The Ramayana Connection: A ₹4,000 Crore Milestone
The recognition comes at a time when Kapoor is headlining one of the most ambitious projects in cinematic history—Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation of the Ramayana.
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The Staggering Budget: The film is reportedly being mounted on a budget of ₹4,000 crore (approximately $500 million), positioning it among the most expensive films ever made globally.
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A Sonic Revolution: For the first time, musical legends A.R. Rahman and Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer have collaborated to create a soundtrack that blends Zimmer’s global soundscapes with Rahman’s cultural authenticity.
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The Global Vision: The first look of Kapoor as Lord Rama was unveiled recently, aiming to present the epic on a scale that resonates with international audiences.
Key Release Dates
The film is designed as a two-part cinematic universe to ensure the story is told with appropriate depth.
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Part 1: Worldwide release scheduled for October 2026, ahead of Diwali.
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Part 2: Slated for a Diwali 2027 release.
Kapoor is joined in the cast by a star-studded ensemble, including Sai Pallavi (Sita), Yash (Ravana), Sunny Deol (Hanuman), and Ravi Dubey (Lakshman). This honor from TIME cements Kapoor’s position not just as a Bollywood superstar, but as a significant cultural ambassador on the world stage.
