Time magazine’s first-ever Time100 Creators List has spotlighted five creators of Indian origin for their cultural influence and digital innovation. The 2025 list, which features creators across five categories — Titans, Leaders, Entertainers, Phenoms, and Catalysts — recognizes digital storytellers who shape conversations and communities globally.
Among those honored is Indian YouTuber and actor Prajakta Koli, who is the sole creator based in India to appear on the list. The others include Dhar Mann, Michelle Khare, Jay Shetty, and Samir Chaudry, all of whom
have roots in India and massive followings across digital platforms.
Dhar Mann, 41, was named under the Titans category for his impactful short-form narratives. His YouTube channel, which boasts over 25 million subscribers, is known for scripted moral tales that explore social issues like bullying and resilience. A two-time Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards nominee, Mann studied Economics and Political Science at the University of California.
Michelle Khare, listed under the Leaders category, rose to fame with her YouTube series Challenge Accepted, which tests her in extreme roles — from escaping underwater boxes to joining elite cheer squads. Born in Louisiana in 1992 and a Dartmouth alum, Khare now has over 5 million subscribers and a growing digital fanbase.
Also honored under the Leaders category, Jay Shetty is a British-Indian former monk turned motivational speaker. His podcast, On Purpose, often ranks high on Spotify and features guests like Oprah and Tom Holland. With over 30 million followers across platforms, Shetty’s brand of wisdom blends spiritual insight with relatable life advice.
Samir Chaudry, another Leader, appears on the list alongside collaborator Colin Rosenblum. The duo’s YouTube channel Colin and Samir is a cornerstone of the creator economy, known for its behind-the-scenes interviews with influencers like MrBeast. With a background in film from UC Santa Cruz, Chaudry has also launched Publish Press, a newsletter tracking creator industry trends.
The inclusion of these five creators underscores the global rise of Indian talent in the digital media landscape. From YouTube to podcasts, they’ve redefined what influence looks like in the age of algorithms — one story, challenge, and conversation at a time.
