Abe Lincoln once rightly said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” The man that comes out stronger and wiser, under the garb of power, is the only kind of man who is worth looking up to. He is the only man who matters. Fortunately, out of about a population of 7 billion people in the world, we found 50 such men who mattered in the year that has been 2016. For better, or for worse, these men have made a difference, or a dent, unlike any other this year and have, in some significant way, changed the way the world works.
1. Barack Obama
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Who: President of America
Where: United States
Why: The 44th President of the USA, Obama was not only the first African-American to have been elected to the Oval office; he was a frontrunner and pioneer of healthcare reform, as well as Iranian nuclear accord. With his term at its end, what lies ahead for the American people is quite bleak, given that the successor to the seat poses a threat to most of Obama’s principles. It’s like, suddenly, people see what they’re losing.
2. Vladimir Putin
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Who: President of Russia
Where: Russia
Why: Forbes named Putin the world’s most powerful man for four years in a row, primarily, for having expressed control over almost every aspect, across the world. He can very well be called, The Man Who Gets What He Wants—be it Syria, or the U.S Presidential Election. And, as time goes by, his influence and control only grows; not that he cares about any of this. He just does as he pleases.
3. Xi Jinping
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Who: General Secretary of the Communist Party, China
Where: China
Why: This year, Xinping was promoted as a core leader of the Communist Party, making him one of the most influential men in China. And if you’re influential in China, you’re bloody well influential in the world, because… China. On a more serious note, though, it’s his forward thinking ideology, along with an assertive public profile that lets the media follow and talk about him on a daily basis that has gotten Xinping so much of the limelight. The good thing is, he uses this limelight and his power to reform parts of the Chinese society.
4. Narendra Modi
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Who: Prime Minister of India
Where: India
Why: He took the country by storm after having been elected as Prime Minister of the country. And, aside from the fact that he’s as camera-friendly as he is publicity-hungry, Modi has never failed to have the citizens of his country sitting at the edge of their seats. Under his rule, we’ve had demonetization been implemented under a span of 4 hours, following which the nation has been under mayhem and madness—for better or for worse. And no matter what may be the outcome of this non-democratic, totally-dictatorial decision, the one thing we can agree on is the fact that no other ruling politician could ever pull off such a stunt.
5. Donald Trump
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Who: President Elect of America
Where: United States
Why: The soon to be 45th President of America has literally put one big question mark over the glorious map of the United States of America. From having been a business tycoon, a womanizer and to being one of the key faces on an American reality TV show, like ‘The Apprentice’ to having the Oval Office to himself, Trump has literally got them (whoever they may be) by the p*ssy and he’s made no apologies about it. God help us all.
6. Mark Zuckerberg
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Who: Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO, Facebook
Where: United States
Why: Towards the latter half of this year, Zuckerberg and his wife decided to give away 99% of Facebook stock in order to increase human potential by ending all disease. After the decision was made, Facebook’s increased to 15% September and December, causing the potential payout in the world to rise. And while the decision was made towards the greater good of the people of the world, Zuckerberg’s share price has increased and earned him billions more. And you’re just sitting there wasting your life away.
7. Tom Hiddleston
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Who: Hollywood Actor
Where: United Kingdom
Why: He made headlines for almost all the reasons—from speculations of Hiddleston being the next Bond to his short-lived but much-talked-about romance with a certain Hollywood singer who goes by the name of Taylor Swift—he was literally all over the internet… Not to mention that scene of his butt that got him eyeballs of all kinds. Looks like our favourite Loki knows just the mischief he needs to create.
8. Zayn Malik
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Who: Hollywood Singer
Where: United Kingdom
Why: He was in the news for splitting from his former boy band, One Direction; then, for dating top model Gigi Hadid; later, for their steamy music video, Pillow Talk, a certain Vogue cover they did together and soon, Zayn became the sexiest man of the year. We’re not surprised, really. With a voice like that and lyrics that spur all the right feels in all the right places, he has the whole world—women, mostly—at his feet.
9. Prince Harry
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Who: Prince of Wales
Where: United Kingdom
Why: From being the typical bad boy born with a silver spoon, who went around the world, dating hot women, having all the fun and being caught at all the wrong places, doing the wrong things, this was possibly the year that Prince Harry officially arrived. I honestly feel though that the man never got due credit; especially over his goodie brother who always got the nicer reviews from the people. Prince Harry has done more good and charity in the world this year than you would save for your retirement in all your life. Yes, he has the money; but, so do many others who don’t. This year he actually went around fulfilling his Princely duties—from raising money for charity at a stock exchange to opening up about his mother’s death and from being taken seriously as just an honest young lad who’s also a do-gooder to dating (and probably settling down with) Meghan Markle. Yes, the Prince has finally been realized.
10. Kanye West
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Who: Hollywood Rapper and Musician
Where: United States
Why: Mr West has ruffled more than a few feathers this year. Some of them, good; others, not so good. From his first ever fashion show to his scandalous music video showing top notch personalities, including his own wife, naked—Kanye went there, did that, came back and rapped about it. And then, he went on to win awards for his music. That’s how you don’t give a damn, show people the invisible finger and get the world to look at you like you’re royalty.
11. Brad Pitt
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Who: Hollywood Actor
Where: United States
Why: He did it again. No, not a shirtless stunt, or a great Benjamin Button-esque movie, no. He got yet another divorce. But, it was much more than that. This year, all anyone talked about was the infamous Brangelina split—a split no one ever thought would happen; given that theirs was a quintessential drama-filled romance that ended with kids, a family, a marriage and a white picket fence. Only, it didn’t really end like that. It got murky and real.
12. Calvin Harris
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Who: Scottish Music Producer and DJ
Where: United States
Why: Harris started 2016 with a bunch of Grammy Award nominations, a superstar girlfriend, named Taylor Swift. He went on to give us yet another hit with Rihanna, This Is What You Came For; a holiday with his girlfriend and then, a very sudden and heart breaking split from her. But that’s not all. He also came in the news when his recent ex started dating yet another famous Hollywood star just days after their split. Then things got ugly; but the world sided with Harris. He even wrote a song about it—My Way. And everyone went crazy.
13. Raghuram Rajan
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Who: Governor of Reserve Bank of India
Where: India
Why: The 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India was one of the most talked about men in the country this year—for his strict, forward thinking and wise financial decision making and then, soon after, for his shocking resignation from the same post. Aside from his witty repartee and a wry sense of humour, Raghuram Rajan’s exit was one of the most talked about events in the country for the prime reason that many saw his exit from his role at the RBI as a bad sign for the Indian economy.
14. Kit Harrington
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Who: Hollywood Actor
Where: England
Why: Ever since his being cast as Jon Snow on the incredibly popular English TV show, ‘Game of Thrones’, Kit Harrington has remained one of the most trending topics. But this year, Harington made headlines for the amazing turn of events in the same series and the plotlines that reveal his role to be a key character in the eventual end of the show. That, and the fact that he’s in love with his onscreen love interest—Ygritte—that is, Rose Leslie.
15. Dwayne Johnson
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Who: Hollywood Actor and Professional Wrestler
Where: United States
Why: Aside from having made headlines with the ‘Baywatch’ movie trailer and being cast in the same movie as our very own Priyanka Chopra, Dwayne The Rock Johnson has been talked about for becoming the Sexiest Man Alive, this year. It doesn’t really beat that, honestly. But, he’s also now set to be playing the role of Black Adam in the movie, ‘Superman Vs Black Adam’.
16. Milind Soman
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Who: Fitness Promoter and Bollywood Actor
Where: India
Why: He has earned the tag of being India’s own Ironman for a level of dedication to fitness like none other. He’s become a source of inspiration when it comes to health and fitness; not just for the men; but, even for women. Soman even embarked on a barefoot 570km marathon, from Amdavad to Mumbai; finished a 42.2km marathon in roughly 4 and a half hours and has spoken up regarding the importance of fitness for women. He has proved that fitness is not about looking up to supermodels, or bodybuilders; but about regular and ordinary people.
17. Justin Trudeau
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Who: Prime Minister of Canada
Where: Canada
Why: This was the year of Justin Trudeau—the Canadian Prime Minister who won the hearts of people around the world and for all the right reasons. From opening their borders for refugees, partaking in the Canadian Pride Parade to talking about decriminalizing Marijuana, the second-youngest Prime Minister has opened the minds and the horizons of the people in his country, as well as the world. He’s easily one of the youngest and most forward thinking leaders the world currently has.
18. Larry Page
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Who: CEO of Alphabet
Where: United States
Why: Last year, Page became CEO of Alphabet—a newly created parent of Google and its sister companies—after having served as CEO of Google. Then, early this year, and for the first time ever, the man went on to release information on financial details of the other sister companies, like smart-thermostat firm Nest, broadband Internet provider Google Fiber and life-sciences firm Verily. Then, after having passed on the reins of CEO to Sundar Pichai, Page announced that he would be funding two flying-car startups: Kitty Hawk and Zee.Aero.
19. Pope Francis
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Who: Bishop of Rome, Roman Catholic Church
Where: The Vatican City, Rome
Why: As spiritual leader to about one-sixth of the world’s total population, he is one of the first at the position who has taken it upon himself to transform the image of the church as conservatory and rigid. Just last month, he ruled that priests would now have power to forgive women who underwent abortion. He continues to push for reforms to counter climate change, works for the betterment of the refugee crisis across the world. In a world of conservationists, he’s one of the first balanced religious leaders who strive for a modern embracement of Catholicism.
20. Warren Buffet
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Who: CEO Berkshire Hathaway
Where: United States
Why: He’s known as the Oracle of Omaha and, aside from having one of the best business brains in the world, he’s openly lashed out at Donald Trump this year and has been one of the most heard voices on the American Presidential election this time around. In his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders, he affirmed, “For 240 years it's been a terrible mistake to bet against America, and now is no time to start.”
21. Rohit Khandelwal
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Who: Mr World 2016
Where: India
Why: After years… no, ages, we have an Indian Mr World in the face of Rohit Khandelwal who has put our country on the map when it comes to the stigmas and assumptions that follow the persona of Indian men around the world. Rohit broke the stereotypes and proved to the world, at an international level, that Indian men should be reckoned with on an overall scale—not just for the intelligence, politics or business sense; but also for their looks.
22. Leonardo DiCaprio
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Who: Hollywood Actor
Where: United States
Why: Leo finally received his first Oscar this year for the movie ‘The Revenant’. Of course, the internet broke into a riot. That wasn’t all. He won over the audience with his speech about global warming being a real crisis to be talked about and announced the documentary ‘Before The Flood’—a film about climate change—that went viral and broke world records.
23. Cristiano Ronaldo
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Who: International Footballer
Where: Portugal
Why: Apart from the fact that he was named Best Player of the year, Ronaldo was, in fact, one of the best players this year. He confirmed this, himself when he said that this was by far the best year, in football, for him. He’s scored approximately 270 goals and has been recorded as one of the highest paid players this year. Plus, the fact that his country won the world cup this year just cinches the deal.
24. LeBron James
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Who: International Basketball Player
Where: United States
Why: He’s been named the AP Male Athlete of the year, James gave us one of the most magnificent comebacks in the history of sports’ comebacks. Aside from the fact that he was a no-show at one of his recent games, it was his victory dance routine that had people talking about him this year.
25. Karun Nair
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Who: Indian Cricketer
Where: India
Why: The young Indian cricketer shot to fame after his debut in Test Cricket in November, this year, when he scored his maiden Test century, in the final match against England. The match ended with Karun at 303, not out. It took him three innings to hit the triple century; thus, becoming the quickest batsman to hit a maiden triple century in test cricket in the history of cricket. He also became the second Indian batsman to hit a triple-hundred in Tests after Virender Sehwag and the third player – after Bob Simpson and Sir Garfield Sobers.
26. Virat Kohli
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Who: Indian Cricketer
Where: India
Why: The young Indian Cricket Team Captain is on a roll this year. He’s been on one for a while now, actually; but this year, seems to be his in every way possible. He was recently even named Australia’s ODI Captain of The Year, trumping Smith to the title. He’s been one of the youngest and most successful Indian cricket team captains and the media is calling it his breakaways year. To add to that, he’s back with his former girlfriend and actress Anushka Sharma and they seem to be going as strong as ever. It is his time, indeed.
27. Usain Bolt
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Who: Olympic Athlete
Where: Jamaica
Why: He won the medal and the world with his Olympic Sprint at Rio this year which had him trending on the internet, for days to come. Bolt has also been named one of the greatest athletes on Earth this year and the Caribbean Sports Personality of the year. He’s broken records and ribbons, alike.
28. Tim Cook
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Who: CEO, Apple
Where: United States
Why: It’s not every day that the CEO of Apple decides to do away with eth ear phone jack on one of the most sought-after phones in the world. Yes, Tim Cook is the man behind the phone that from here on shall not have an ear phone jack. You could call it the silliest decision in the history of technological decisions; or you could call it the birth of a revolution. Whichever it might be, he got people to sit up and take note that it’s not ‘just’ an iPhone; it’s an iPhone!
29. Novak Djokovic
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Who: International Tennis Player
Where: Serbia
Why: Apart from the fact that Djokovic has won almost every match he’s ever played, this year, Djokovic came majorly under the news for having let go of his former coach and ex-superstar tennis player, Boris Becker. A lot of experts and media have both criticized his move; while others have foretold that this could be just the change that Djokovic requires in his career. Which will it be, we are yet to see. But, that’s enough to be talked about across the world.
30. Anonymous (The Hacker)
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Who: IT Hacker
Where: God Knows
Why: The one who created havoc across the micro blogging site Twitter; the one who brought down the TRAI website, as well as the ISIS website. In a world where the internet rules, an internet spy world obviously cause all the stir you need to trend and get people and diplomats to listen to you.
31. Elon Musk
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Who: Founder and CEO, Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
Where: United States
Why: He’s the man behind the redefinition of transportation between Earth and Space. Amidst launching satellites at SpaceX and working with Tesla to bring fully-electric vehicles to the masses, Musk is on a mission to make space travel a legitimate thing; not just for astronauts and spaceships; but, for people like you and me. His dream is to facilitate inter-planetary travel. One of the rockets caught fire in September this year, at launch; causing a lot of people to question the ideas and execution. But, there is no stopping Elon Musk at the rate he’s going.
32. Karan Johar
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Who: Indian Filmmaker and Producer
Where: India
Why: Johar has been in the news almost throughout this year, for some reason or another. He’ s come under criticism for his sexual orientation, for his movies and for his choice of cast (remember, Fawad Khan?). But the director and producer has handled each and every comment and criticism with grace. He’s even made a comeback to the small screen with his hugely popular talk show, ‘Koffee With Karan’.
33. Tanmay Bhat
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Who: Stand-Up Comedian
Where: India
Why: Tanmay Bhat is one of India’s prominent faces when it comes to stand-up comedy—giving it the credibility it deserves as a profession. But, that’s not why he came under the spotlight this year. It was more about his Snapchat fiasco that brought his to the fore on the internet this year; with people across the country being divided into two sides—pro Bhat and anti-Bhat. The issue also raised an important question as to how lighthearted and accepting we as a nation are to humour.
34. Ranveer Singh
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Who: Bollywood Actor
Where: India
Why: If it wasn’t for his movie, it was for his underwear; if it wasn’t for his underwear, it was for his kinky comments. Whatever it was for, Ranveer Singh was easily one of the most talked about men in the country this year—from the girls gushing over his body to the boys wanting to be like him. Aside from the fact that he is (or isn’t he?) dating Deepika Padukone, his movies, his interviews, his Instagram and his ad campaigns all garnered him huge followings and news bytes that got him on the list of one of the most desired men in the country.
35. Rupert Murdoch
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Who: Chairman and CEO, NewsCorp
Where: United States
Why: The media mogul returned to Fox News as the Chairman in July this year and married his fourth wife—who also happens to be Mick Jagger’s ex—Jerry Hall, in March this year. Clearly, someone got to say, “I’m back” in the best possible way this year.
36. Fawad Khan
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Who: Pakistani Actor
Where: Pakistan
Why: Fawad Khan can be called an era in Bollywood; however brief it might have been. He came, everyone saw, he conquered hearts and a few projects and went back to where he came from. But while he was here, women swooned over him and men tried to be him; even the Pakistani TV show ratings increased because of him. Then, came the ban on Pakistani artists working in India which saw Fawad Khan move back to his own soil, with his last stint being in Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’.
37. Anurag Kashyap
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Who: Bollywood Filmmaker
Where: India
Why: He gave us a film like ‘Udta Punjab’ and helped the nation talk about drug abuse and availability at a more surface level. He brought an issue that is still one of the most taboo topics in the country to the fore so a generation could be made aware of the real scenario.
38. Arnab Goswami
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Who: Indian media professional
Where: India
Why: He’s probably one of the few Indian media professionals who manage to make their own headlines. And so, he did just that when Goswami recently announced a split from the Times Now group. He stepped down from his position as Editor-In-Chief of the Times Now Network and is set to start his own venture, based on independent journalism—a first for India. Something we’re already looking forward to.
39. Riyaaz Amlani
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Who: CEO, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality Pvt Ltd
Where: India
Why: Amlani singlehandedly changed the way Indians dine out. With over 13 Social Offline outlets across the country and more than 5 chains of Smoke House Delis, Amlani has found the perfect balance between food and experience. He’s redefined the way restaurateurs view the F&B business and approach the sector. This year, itself, Amlani opened more Social, as well as Smoke House outlets pan India and took on frictions caused by various groups, attacking his ventures.
40. Mukesh Ambani
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Who: Industrialist/ Chairman, Managing Director, Reliance India Limited
Where: India
Why: It was this year that Mukesh Ambani gave the country Jio—a network that increased competition manifold in the telecommunications industry with its introduction of free internet and call services for customers. The venture did come under scrutiny, time and again for disrupted signals, as well as, being an aide in Modi’s demonetization scheme, as well.
41. Vijender Singh
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Who: Indian Boxing Champion
Where: India
Why: After eyeing the finals against international boxing champion, Francis Cheka, who remained one of the most terrifying and unbeaten boxers, Vijender refused to bow down to threats given to him by the opponent and earlier this month, actually defeated Cheka in a tremendous win.
42. Manohar Parrikar
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Who: Defence Minister of India
Where: India
Why: He successfully and single-handedly executed the surgical strike against Pakistan in a one-of-a-kind move against the enemy at the border. Yes, he drew flak and praise alike for his move; but caused enough of a stir for the enemies—both within and without—to sit up and take note.
43. Satya Nadella
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Who: CEO, Microsoft
Where: United States
Why: Nadella became a favourite for the international press ever since he took over as CEO at Microsoft; not just because of the fact that he was an Indian at the head of an international brand; but also—and mostly—because with his arrival, Microsoft began to see a steady rise in its development. This year, Nadella once again stole the show when he announced Microsoft’s takeover of the professional social network, LinkedIn for $26.2 billion, thereby increasing Microsoft’s stock to a whole new level.
44. Vijay Shekhar Sharma
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Who: Founder and Chief Executive, PayTM
Where: India
Why: After demonetisation has struck our country, PayTM has become one of the most used financial apps on our phones, overnight. This hasn’t only increased PayTM’s networth but has also caused the app to come under scrutiny in terms of investments, stakeholders and ownership authorities. That’s why Vijay Shekhar Sharma has been at the helm of it all—shutting down rumours of a Chinese ownership, technical glitches as well as an alleged lawsuit against the brand by international brand, PayPal.
45. Devendra Jhajaria
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Who: Paralympian Athlete
Where: India
Why: In the Rio Paralympics of 2016, Devendra created history by becoming the first Indian Paralympian to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. Having won his first gold medal in the 2004 Summer Paralympics, the Javelin thrower won his second gold medal this year.
46. Zorawar Kalra
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Who: Founder and Managing Director, Massive Restaurants Pvt Ltd.
Where: India
Why: The heir to a legacy created by Jiggs Kalra, Zorawar has brilliantly carried forward the empire on his shoulders and taken it to newer heights—from Farzi Café to Masala Library and beyond. This year, Zorawar has added yet another feather to his cap by becoming one of the judges on Master Chef India.
47. Nucleya
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Who: Indian Electronic Musician
Where: India
Why: He’s a pioneer in many aspects with his music. But, this time around, Udayan Singh has taken his musical prowess to other levels; what with his music becoming a part of ‘Kapoor & Sons’ and a stellar album launch done at such a grand scale this year. Indian electronic has become synonymous with Nucleya in 2016.
48. Bhuvan Bam
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Who: Indian YouTuber
Where: India
Why: He has been rated as one of the country’s top 10 YouTube stars. The man behind the famous and extremely popular YouTube channel, ‘BB Ki Vines’ has redefined video content on YouTube this year.
49. Anand Ahuja
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Who: CEO and Managing Director, Bhane
Where: India
Why: Aside from the fact that he’s dating Bollywood fashionista, Sonam Kapoor—a topic that came to light this year, Anand Ahuja is the man behind popular avant-garde fashion brand Bhane that is redefining the culture and crossover of fashion and lifestyle and how the two reflect each other. From hosting some of the most prominent fashion label launch parties to putting out quality garments that are understated and tasteful—Bhane, under Anand Ahuja, is carving a niche for itself.
50. Michael Phelps
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Who: Olympic Swimmer
Where: United States
Why: The man did it again, this year at the Rio Olympics; proving yet again, why Michael Phelps remains one of the most inspiring sportspersons and the best swimmers in the world.