Bollywood actors Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter have been featured in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list for 2025 under the Entertainment and Sports category, joining the ranks of young achievers who are redefining creativity and influence in Asia. Their inclusion in this prestigious list marks a significant milestone in their respective careers and underscores their growing international recognition.
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The list celebrates entrepreneurs, leaders, and entertainers under the age of 30 who are inspiring change and innovation. Ananya and Ishaan, both in their mid-20s, have carved a niche for themselves in the Indian film industry with unique choices, consistent performances, and a growing global appeal.
Ananya Panday: A Star on the Rise
Ananya Panday has often been described as one of the most promising young talents in Hindi cinema. Since her debut in 2019 with Student of the Year 2, she has worked on a variety of films, establishing herself as an actress capable of handling both light-hearted commercial roles and emotionally complex characters.
She gained further popularity through films like Pati Patni Aur Woh, Liger, Gehraiyaan, and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. Her performance in Gehraiyaan in particular received appreciation for its maturity and emotional depth. Most recently, Ananya was seen in Call Me Bae, a streaming series that received praise for her comic timing and screen presence.
Beyond films, Ananya is a youth icon and fashion trendsetter. She recently became the first Indian global brand ambassador for Chanel, a major milestone in her career. Her appearance at international fashion weeks and red carpets has been widely covered by both Indian and global media outlets.
Her initiative “So Positive,” launched in 2019, also earned her recognition for addressing online bullying and promoting mental health awareness among young internet users.
Ishaan Khatter: Crafting a Unique Cinematic Journey
Ishaan Khatter, half-brother of actor Shahid Kapoor, began his film career with Majid Majidi’s internationally acclaimed Beyond the Clouds in 2017. The film, which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival, introduced audiences to Ishaan’s raw talent and natural acting skills.
His mainstream breakthrough came in 2018 with Dharma Productions’ Dhadak, opposite Janhvi Kapoor. Since then, he has chosen roles that span genres and platforms—ranging from the Netflix series A Suitable Boy to Mira Nair’s international projects and the recently released The Perfect Couple on Amazon Prime Video, where he starred alongside Nicole Kidman and Liev Schreiber.
In 2025, Ishaan played the lead in Netflix’s The Royals, a political-romantic drama in which he portrayed a reluctant royal drawn into the world of palace politics. Although the series received mixed reviews, Ishaan’s performance was noted for its sincerity and depth.
Known for his disciplined approach to acting and dance, Ishaan has continually impressed critics and audiences with his versatility, making him a standout among the newer generation of actors.
From On-screen Pair to Separate Paths
Ananya and Ishaan’s paths first crossed professionally in the 2020 action-romance film Khaali Peeli. The film, while modestly received, ignited rumors of a budding romance between the two. Although the duo never publicly confirmed their relationship, they were frequently spotted together, fueling speculation.
Their romance, reportedly, ended in 2022, but there remains mutual respect between the two. Their joint appearance on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2025 has drawn attention not just for their individual achievements but also for how their careers have continued to flourish independently since parting ways.
Walker Blanco Reacts: A Personal Milestone?
Amidst the celebrations of her Forbes inclusion, Ananya Panday’s rumored relationship with Walker Blanco, a former model and influencer, has once again become a topic of discussion. Blanco, who has remained largely low-key in the media, recently shared Ananya’s Forbes recognition on his Instagram stories with a clapping emoji, signaling subtle but public support.
Though the two have not officially confirmed their relationship, they have been spotted together on multiple occasions in recent months, both in Mumbai and during international travel.
Other Indian Talents Featured
Apart from Ananya and Ishaan, the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list also includes other Indian talents from the creative field. Sulagna Chatterjee, a writer and filmmaker known for Netflix’s anthology series Feels Like Ishq, and singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, whose emotionally resonant songs have struck a chord with millions, are among the other Indian honorees this year.
The diversity of representation this year—from actors and musicians to creators—reflects India’s growing cultural influence in Asia and beyond.
A New Generation Shaping Indian Entertainment
The inclusion of Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter in Forbes’ prestigious list is symbolic of a changing Bollywood—one where young actors are taking risks, venturing into global platforms, and actively shaping narratives both on and off screen.
Their achievements not only mark personal success but also represent the rise of a new, socially aware, internationally recognized generation of Indian entertainers. As their careers continue to evolve, the global spotlight on young Indian talent is set to grow even brighter.
By – Sonali