Candere Hurun spotlights India’s fastest growing women on Instagram

MUMBAI: Followers may come with a tap, but influence is earned one story, one venture and one milestone at a time. India’s newest social leaderboard is proving that the biggest growth isn’t just in numbers, it’s in impact.

The 2026 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List has recognised women who recorded the highest year-on-year growth in Instagram followers, spotlighting entrepreneurs, athletes, creators and business leaders who continue to expand their influence far beyond their core professions.

The list brings together personalities from diverse fields, reflecting how social media has become a powerful extension of business, sport, entertainment and personal branding.

Among the most prominent names is Ananya Birla, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter and director at the Aditya Birla Group. Besides founding the mental health platform Mpower and investing in ventures across financial services and consumer technology, Birla has built an international music career with English-language pop releases while earning recognition in global rankings of young entrepreneurs.

Boxing legend Mary Kom also features on the list. Widely regarded as one of India’s greatest sporting icons, the six-time World Champion and 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist has continued to command a strong digital following years after inspiring a generation of athletes. Her achievements also formed the basis of the 2014 biographical film Mary Kom.

Entrepreneur and global digital creator Diipa Büller-Khosla secured a place on the list through her growing online presence. Founder of skincare brand indē wild, she has built a business blending Ayurvedic ingredients with modern skincare while also leading the social impact initiative Post for Change, launched during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Business leader Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, also made the rankings. Her visibility has expanded significantly through her role as an investor on Shark Tank India, where she has become one of the country’s most recognisable advocates for entrepreneurship, healthcare awareness and women in leadership.

Nutritionist and bestselling author Rujuta Diwekar continues to strengthen her digital footprint through content centred on traditional Indian diets, preventive healthcare and sustainable fitness. Known for working with celebrities, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Diwekar remains one of India’s most influential voices in wellness.

Actor-entrepreneur Parul Gulati also features on the list. Alongside her acting career across Hindi and Punjabi productions, she has built Nish Hair into a successful direct-to-consumer beauty brand, further raising its profile through her appearance on Shark Tank India.

Completing the featured names is digital creator, actor and entrepreneur Kusha Kapila, whose satirical social media characters helped establish her as one of India’s leading creator-economy personalities. Since then, she has expanded into films, OTT series and high-profile brand partnerships.

The latest Candere Hurun rankings underscore a broader shift in influence, where entrepreneurs, athletes and creators are increasingly building communities that extend well beyond their primary careers. In today’s digital economy, Instagram follower growth is emerging as more than a popularity metric, it has become a reflection of personal branding, audience engagement and commercial relevance across industries.