Ananya Panday’s Meteoric Rise from Bollywood Debutante to Global Fashion and Cinema Icon
Ananya Panday, the daughter of veteran actor Chunky Panday, made her Bollywood debut in 2019 with Student of the Year 2. While the film received mixed reviews, it launched her into the limelight and helped her build a loyal fan base. Over the past few years, Ananya has continuously chosen diverse roles that showcase her evolving talent.
From romantic comedies to thrillers like CTRL, a Netflix feature, Ananya has proven she is more than a debut star kid. Her selection in the Ananya Panday Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list acknowledges her creative depth and mainstream appeal.
What sets Ananya apart is her ability to cross industries seamlessly. In April 2025, she became Chanel’s first Indian brand ambassador, marking a huge moment in South Asian representation in global luxury fashion. This historic partnership led her to attend the Chanel Cruise 2025/26 show in Lake Como, where she stunned in custom couture.
She also holds partnerships with brands like Jimmy Choo and Maybelline, elevating her to global fashion influencer status. With over 26 million Instagram followers, she is one of the most influential young personalities in India.
Ananya was most recently seen in Kesari 2, a biographical drama alongside Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan. She continues to expand her acting portfolio, with upcoming appearances in Call Me Bae Season 2 and the romantic film Chand Mera Dil.
Her place on the Ananya Panday Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list affirms her as a powerhouse talent and style icon shaping global trends.
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Ishaan Khatter’s Cross-Continental Career Trajectory Establishes Him as a Global Star in the Making
Ishaan Khatter’s selection in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list is a reflection of his cinematic brilliance and international expansion. He first caught the industry’s attention with Majid Majidi’s critically acclaimed Beyond the Clouds (2017). His emotionally powerful performance earned him Best Male Debut awards at both the Filmfare and IIFA ceremonies.
He followed this with Dhadak in 2018, a mainstream Bollywood success, and later showcased his versatility in Mira Nair’s BBC-Netflix mini-series A Suitable Boy (2020). His recent breakout role in Netflix’s The Royals further cemented his place as a rising global actor.
In 2025, Ishaan starred in The Perfect Couple, an international project alongside Nicole Kidman, introducing him to Hollywood audiences. His next big moment comes with Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, which will premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. The film’s Cannes selection speaks volumes about Ishaan’s credibility as a global cinema artist.
His diverse choices, from indie dramas to international collaborations, demonstrate his wide acting range. Ishaan’s growing influence and cross-border appeal have been key factors behind his inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list.
Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter’s Past Collaboration Reflects Their Shared Journey Toward Stardom
Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter worked together in the 2020 Bollywood action-romance film Khaali Peeli. Though the film received moderate reviews, their on-screen chemistry was widely appreciated. This early collaboration showcased their youthful energy and commitment to performance-driven roles.
Over time, both stars have carved individual paths across different genres, languages, and even industries. From Ananya’s luxury fashion deals to Ishaan’s international acting ventures, they have shown how Bollywood’s young talent is evolving in real-time.
Their appearance together on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list is more than a coincidence—it’s a reflection of the new wave of Indian cinema professionals making their mark globally.
What Forbes Asia’s Recognition Means for the Future of Indian Entertainment Talent
Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list recognizes innovators across various industries, from finance to entertainment. For Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter, being selected for this prestigious list isn’t just a personal achievement—it’s a nod to India’s growing influence in global entertainment.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 mention reflects not just their celebrity status, but their role as cultural ambassadors. They represent a generation that is tech-savvy, globally connected, and deeply invested in storytelling.
Their growing influence in streaming platforms like Netflix and global fashion houses also marks a new chapter for Indian celebrities. They’re not limited to the domestic market anymore. Instead, they are bridging East and West, redefining what Indian stardom looks like in the 21st century.
Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter Redefine Success with Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 Honor
The inclusion of both stars in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list is a remarkable feat. It signifies how young Indian actors are expanding their influence well beyond Bollywood.
Ananya Panday’s blend of acting and fashion excellence and Ishaan Khatter’s strategic international career choices show that they are not just actors—they are global icons in the making. As they continue to evolve in their respective careers, their achievements set a benchmark for aspiring artists everywhere.
This moment in their journey highlights the global potential of Indian youth talent—and proves that hard work, smart choices, and innovation are a powerful combination.
