As 2025 unfolds, we find ourselves in the midst of a creative renaissance, led by a generation of artists, storytellers, and entrepreneurs reshaping culture in bold and exciting ways. From Sahil Arora redefining contemporary art at Method and Rithika Merchant creating backdrops for Dior to Maroof Culmen’s stories beautifully weaving India’s rich heritage into modern narratives, and chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju making history with his groundbreaking wins, there's something electric about this moment.
On screen, Adarsh Gourav is delivering performances that feel strikingly authentic, while we can't wait to see what rising powerhouses Ishaan Khatter and Zahan Kapoor do next. From Jonita Gandhi's connecting with audiences with music that effortlessly crosses borders to DJ Nida pushing the boundaries of electronic music, even as filmmaker Payal Kapadia singlehandedly put Indian cinema in the global spotlight last year. They're stories that challenge, move, and inspire the norm. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs Raj Shamani and Sharan Hegde are redefining innovation and influence in the digital age.
These 25 names are more than just rising stars—they are not just shaping the zeitgeist, they are creating it. Their work sparks conversations, challenges norms, and sets the tone for an incredibly promising rest of the year.
Bazaar India presents the future faces of culture today. To have this list be truly representative of the brightest talent shaping our culture, it has been thoughtfully reviewed by industry leaders: acclaimed filmmaker Hansal Mehta (The Buckingham Murders, Aligarh, Scam 1992), Mirzapur director Gurmmeet Singh, and visionary filmmaker Ashima Chibber (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway).
Join us as we spotlight the creatives, innovators, and trailblazers shaping what’s next.[Source Link]
