Social Media Influencers Challenge Icons in Bharat Dialogues' 2024

The Bharat Dialogues 100 Most Influential People 2024 list presents a remarkable shift in the balance of power. While traditional bastions of influence—politicians, business ty-coons, and Bollywood stars—continue to dominate, a significant 16 social media influenc-ers and digital creators have made their mark, showcasing the rapid evolution of India’s influence ecosystem. This democratisation, driven by the creator economy and changing content consumption habits, is reshaping the narrative of power in India.

This year’s list, curated from 300 trailblazers across diverse fields, draws from insights of 30,790 respondents and deliberations by a distinguished jury of senior journalists, aca-demics, and industry experts. It highlights leaders making waves across politics, startups, business, entertainment, activism, and beyond.
The Bharat Dialogues 100 Most Influential People 2024 is an annual recognition of individ-uals shaping India’s socio-economic and cultural evolution. Curated through a rigorous process, the list celebrates leaders across domains, reflecting the pulse of a nation in transition. This year’s list reaffirms the role of startups and young disruptors in defining the narrative of India’s growth story, inspiring future generations to dream, innovate, and lead.

Bharat Dialogues, co-founded by Pooja Priyamvada & Vivek Satya Mitram is an initiative of like-minded individuals with a vision to create a vibrant, dynamic and safe space for in-tellectual churning of ideas that connects all stakeholders from intersectional spaces on a common platform for introspection, co-learning, business and peer appreciation and ac-claim.

Creators vs. Politicians, Tycoons, and Bollywood Icons

Historically, political leaders, industrialists, and Bollywood celebrities have defined India’s power landscape. This year’s list continues to reflect their dominance, with:

• 24 politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, holding significant sway over India’s governance and public policy.

• 18 business leaders and industrialists, like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, driving economic growth.

• 12 from entertainment & Bollywood, including Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, continuing their cultural stronghold.

However, 16 creators and influencers, such as Ankur Warikoo, Dolly Chaiwala, Acharya Dhirendra Shastri, Ranvir Allahbadia, and Raj Shamani, now stand alongside these pow-erhouses. This signals a tectonic shift: influence is no longer limited to legacy power struc-tures but increasingly accessible to individuals leveraging digital platforms.

The Power of Digital: Creators Redefine Influence

Digital creators have disrupted traditional notions of influence with relatability, grassroots connection, and platform-driven reach. They are not just entertainers or educators but en-trepreneurs, opinion leaders, and culture shapers.

• Dolly Chaiwala: Known for his satirical commentary on societal norms, his 10-million-strong fol-lowing showcases the power of wit and relatability.

• Ankur Warikoo: A financial advisor and entrepreneur, Warikoo uses his digital presence to mentor millions, redefining financial literacy in India.

• Acharya Dhirendra Shastri: Fusing spirituality with modern communication tools, he commands a vast, loyal following across generations.

• Ranvir Allahbadia: The fitness influencer-turned-entrepreneur has built a strong per-sonal brand, inspiring millions of youth to pursue health and self-improvement.

• Raj Shamani: Through compelling narratives about entrepreneurship, Shamani has be-come the voice of young, aspiring Indians.

These creators are rewriting the rules of influence,” said Vivek Satya Mitram, co-founder of Bharat Dialogues. “Their power lies not in traditional authority or wealth but in their abil-ity to connect deeply with audiences, democratising the very idea of what it means to hold influence.”

The Comparison: Politicians, Tycoons, and Creators

The juxtaposition of these groups on the list is striking:

1. Politicians maintain their dominance due to their role in shaping the nation’s govern-ance and policies. However, the rise of creators signals a demand for alternative voic-es that resonate more directly with grassroots audiences.

2. Business leaders such as Gautam Adani (ranked higher than Mukesh Ambani despite having a lower net worth) and Falguni Nayar highlight how entrepreneurship continues to define India’s economic landscape. Yet, creators like Ashneer Grover and Ritesh Malik bridge the gap, leveraging their entrepreneurial success and digital presence to cultivate influence.

3. Bollywood’s long-standing dominance is now challenged by influencers like Ranvir Al-lahbadia and Raj Shamani, who engage audiences with authenticity rather than scripted stardom.

“Social media has democratised influence,” added Pooja Priyamvada, co-founder of Bha-rat Dialogues. “Digital creators can build authentic connections and leverage relatability in ways that traditional power structures often struggle to achieve.”

The Numbers Behind the Revolution

The rise of creators is bolstered by India’s exploding creator economy:

- India’s creator economy is now valued at over ₹12,000 crore, with 25% year-on-year growth.

- Social media advertising accounts for 35% of India’s total ad spend, a reflection of brands' growing reliance on influencers.

- Influencers drive 60% higher engagement than traditional celebrity endorsements, mak-ing them critical players in shaping consumer behaviour.

The Changing Dynamics of Power

The growing influence of digital creators reflects broader societal trends:

- A shift from wealth-based to relatability-based influence: Politicians and business leaders are often seen as distant, while creators build direct connections with audienc-es.

- Democratisation of opportunity: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn al-low creators to reach millions without gatekeepers, challenging legacy power dynamics.

- Cultural and generational shifts: As younger audiences dominate content consump-tion, creators like Ankur Warikoo and Ranvir Allahbadia become more relevant, often sur-passing traditional figures in engagement and relatability.

Highlighting the New Icons of Influence

While stalwarts like Modi, Adani, and Shah Rukh Khan remain pivotal, the rise of creators underscores a significant shift: influence is no longer about legacy—it’s about connection and innovation.

- Ashneer Grover: The BharatPe co-founder blends business acumen with bold digital commentary to engage millions.

- Ritesh Malik: An entrepreneur whose educational content resonates with aspiring pro-fessionals.

- Vir Das: With his Emmy-nominated stand-up, Das straddles global acclaim and local relatability.

- Urfi Javed: Defying societal norms, she has become a symbol of individualism and courage.

The Future of Influence in India

As India’s digital consumption continues to surge, the creator economy will only grow stronger.

“This list is a snapshot of evolving power dynamics,” said Pooja Priyamvada, Co-founder, Bharat Dialogues. “Creators are not just shaping digital trends—they’re reshaping the cul-tural and economic fabric of our society.”

From politicians to Bollywood legends, industrialists to digital creators, Bharat Dialogues’ 2024 list reflects a diverse tapestry of influence. In this landscape, digital creators have carved their own space, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with India’s most powerful names.

As Vivek aptly concluded, “The future of influence isn’t confined to boardrooms or red car-pets—it’s being crafted in the digital spaces where millions come to connect, consume, and create.”

You can check out the entire list of 100 Most Influential People in 2024 here —
https://shorturl.at/phAKT