iWorld
Social media influencers redefine power in Bharat Dialogues’ 2024 Top 100
MUMBAI: Who holds power in India today? Politicians, business tycoons, and cinema stars may still dominate the limelight, but the rise of digital creators is rewriting the playbook of influence.
The Bharat Dialogues’ 2024 List of the 100 Most Influential People has brought this shift into sharp focus, featuring 16 social media influencers alongside the likes of prime minister Narendra Modi, Indian cinema icon Shah Rukh Khan, and business mogul Gautam Adani.
This evolution, driven by the Rs 12,000 crore creator economy and India’s insatiable appetite for digital content, reflects a new era where relatability often trumps legacy. The list, compiled from insights of 30,790 respondents and deliberations by an esteemed jury, celebrates individuals across politics, entertainment, business, startups, and more, offering a vivid snapshot of India’s changing influence landscape.
The 2024 Bharat Dialogues List signals a seismic shift. Where once influence rested solely in the hands of politicians (24 on the list), industrialists (18), and cinema stars (12), creators like Ankur Warikoo, Raj Shamani, and Urfi Javed now share the spotlight.
“These creators don’t just entertain,” said Bharat Dialogues co-founder Vivek Satya Mitram, “they connect deeply with audiences, shattering traditional hierarchies of power.”
Take Ranvir Allahabadia, a fitness entrepreneur turned motivational force, or Dolly Chaiwala, whose satirical commentary draws a massive 10-million-strong following. They don’t merely inspire; they engage, offering something legacy figures often struggle to match: authenticity.
Creators vs Titans
The list paints an intriguing juxtaposition:
. Politicians: With Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath dominating governance, their influence stems from shaping policy and public narratives. But creators bring a fresh voice to grassroots issues, connecting directly with audiences often underserved by traditional media.
. Business leaders: Industrialists like Gautam Adani and Falguni Nayar continue to drive economic innovation. Yet influencers like Ashneer Grover blend entrepreneurial grit with digital savvy, reaching millions through bold, relatable content.
. Cinema celebrities: While Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone command cultural clout, influencers like Urfi Javed redefine stardom by shunning convention and celebrating individuality.
Digital creators thrive in a space where relatability trumps wealth or authority. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram have removed gatekeepers, empowering figures like Acharya Dhirendra Shastri to merge spirituality with digital innovation, or Ankur Warikoo to transform financial literacy into an engaging digital movement.
“Influence has shifted from boardrooms and red carpets to smartphones and social feeds,” observed Bharat Dialogues co-founder Pooja Priyamvada.
By the numbers:
. India’s creator economy grew by 25 per cent in 2024, reaching a staggering Rs 12,000 crore.
. Social media advertising now accounts for 35 per cent of India’s total ad spend, reflecting brands’ increasing reliance on influencers.
. Influencers generate 60 per cent higher engagement than traditional celebrity endorsements.
As digital consumption surges, this trend shows no signs of slowing. With younger generations driving content trends, creators like Raj Shamani-a voice for entrepreneurial aspirations—are not just reshaping influence; they’re redefining it entirely.
“Creators are more than disruptors,” said Vivek. “They’re the architects of a cultural shift that will continue to reshape India’s socio-economic fabric.”
As India stands on the cusp of this transformation, Bharat Dialogues’ 2024 list offers more than a snapshot—it captures a nation in transition, where influence is no longer inherited but earned in the hearts of millions.
Explore the full list here: Bharat Dialogues Top 100
Gaming
Nodwin Gaming partners with Runestone for esports data and integrity solutions
South Asian esports leader joins forces with Czech tech firm to enhance tournament operations.
MUMBAI: Nodwin Gaming has just levelled up its game by bringing in a specialist to keep the scoreboard honest and the fans fully engaged. The leading South Asian esports and gaming company has announced a strategic partnership with Runestone, a Prague-headquartered esports technology firm specialising in real-time data and engagement solutions for tournament organisers and publishers.
The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive integrity, improve operational oversight, and deliver more interactive viewing experiences across Nodwin’s properties. It will initially focus on the Nodwin Clutch Series for Counter-Strike 2, a Tier 2 tournament that provides emerging teams with consistent competitive opportunities and helps build the talent pipeline.
The latest edition of the series recently concluded with Big defeating ECSTATIC 2–1 in the grand final of the $50,000 online event.
Nodwin Gaming chief business officer at MENA and global head of data monetization Teemu Koski said, “Integrity and transparency are fundamental to sustainable esports ecosystems, especially in Tier 2 competition where the next generation of talent emerges. Runestone’s expertise complements our experience in building scalable esports IPs.”
Runestone head of partnerships Michael Schwartz added, “Nodwin Gaming has built one of the most dynamic esports ecosystems across emerging markets. We’re thrilled to collaborate on supporting tournaments with greater transparency, deeper fan interaction, and scalable tools.”
Both companies are exploring opportunities to extend the partnership across additional titles, including mobile-first competitive ecosystems, and to develop new products for publishers, tournament operators, and event promoters.
In the rapidly growing world of esports, where fair play and fan excitement are equally crucial, Nodwin Gaming and Runestone are teaming up to ensure every match is not only competitive but also transparent and engaging. This alliance could well become a game-changer for Tier 2 tournaments across South Asia and beyond.
