Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Diljit Dosanjh tops global Asian celebrity list for 2024

Punjabi singing sensation dethrones 2023 winner Shah Rukh Khan and beats off tough global competition to be named number one South Asian star of the year.

The Punjabi superstar ranked ahead of international talents from global cinema, television, the music industry, arts, literature, and social media.

The Punjabi superstar ranked ahead of international talents from global cinema, television, the music industry, arts, literature, and social media.

DILJIT DOSANJH rounded off the greatest ever year for a Punjabi celebrity by topping the Top 50 Asian Celebrities In The World list for 2024. The singer and actor dethroned last year’s winner Shah Rukh Khan, along with strong celebrity competition from around the world, in this year’s edition of the popular list, published annually by UK-based Eastern Eye newspaper.

The Punjabi superstar ranked ahead of international talents from global cinema, television, the music industry, arts, literature, and social media. His dream year included the biggest ever global live tour undertaken by an Indian, stunning acting success, cool collaborations, and path-breaking moments.


Eastern Eye entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who puts together the list, explained why the 40-year-old phenomenon made such a big impact in 2024. “The singing superstar delivered the most successful world tour undertaken by any South Asian celebrity in history with his blockbuster Dil-Luminati show. His history-making performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon broke new ground for Indian music. He delivered hit songs, which included solo singles, top tracks for films and international collaborations. In between all the musical magic, the multi-talented star showed off his impressive acting ability in films and proudly promoted his Punjabi culture. Everybody was talking about him in what turned out to be a dream year.”

Diljit found success with next to no media interviews and remained humble throughout his game-changing year. He kept with that by not commenting on topping this year’s list. Sentiments he has expressed at the beginning of each concert, with "Panjabi aagaye hai” (the Punjabis have arrived), sum up his rise. He has also previously stated, “I was born in Punjab, it'll always be a part of me until I die. Someone said that I don't stay there anymore, but I take Punjab with me wherever I go.

The Top 50 list celebrating Asian stars who shone the brightest in 2024 is based on brilliant work, positive impact, breaking boundaries, shattering glass ceilings, fan attention, and being inspiring in some way. There was also a big public input, with readers and social media users nominating their favourites.

Half-Indian pop superstar Charli XCX came in second, narrowly missing out on the top spot, for an incredible year that included sold-out live performances, seven Grammy nominations, and her now iconic Brat album, which spawned a huge global movement.

Charli XCXCharli XCXCharli XCX

Third-placed Allu Arjun smashed box office records with the year’s most successful Indian film Pushpa 2: The Rule and significantly changed the cinema landscape in his country. Fourth-placed Dev Patel confirmed himself as a Hollywood power player by remarkably writing, directing, producing, and starring in the hit movie Monkey Man, along with signing more major projects.

Allu Arjun Allu Arjun Allu Arjun

Fifth-placed Priyanka Chopra Jonas remained the most famous Indian celebrity in the world, as she balanced high-profile projects that ranged from movies to starting work on season two of the mega-budget series Citadel.

Sixth place Vijay starred in the year’s most successful Tamil movie and started a political party with the sole aim of making a positive difference.

Seventh-placed Arijit Singh had a stunning year that included overtaking international pop icon Taylor Swift as the most followed artist on Spotify.

Arijit SinghArijit SinghArijit Singh

Australian actress Geraldine Viswanathan, in eighth place, has established herself as arguably the number one actress of South Asian origin in Hollywood and signed major projects like the upcoming Marvel superhero movie Thunderbolts.

The highest-placed Pakistani is actress Hania Aamir (9), who delivered a strong performance in the globally successful drama serial Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, raised awareness about mental health, and signed more major projects.

Hania AamirHania AamirHania Aamir

British actress Simone Ashley, at number 10, continued making a global impact with projects that ranged from the hit serial Bridgerton to landing big movies.

The oldest star in the list is once again 82-year-old Amitabh Bachchan (26). The youngest is 17-year-old actress Nitanshi Goel (42), who played the lead role in India’s official Oscar entry Laapataa Ladies and said: “Being the youngest on this prestigious list is truly humbling. 2024 has been a transformative year for me, especially with the love and appreciation my character Phool and Laapataa Ladies has received. Phool’s story of resilience and self-discovery touched my heart, and it’s amazing to see how it resonated with audiences across the globe. I’m incredibly grateful for the love and hope to continue inspiring young dreamers like myself.”

The highest-placed Indian television star is Rupali Ganguly (16). The highest-placed comedian is in-demand star Romesh Ranganathan (19), and the only author to make the list is British writer Onjali Q. Rauf (49). The only artist in the list is Jasleen Kaur (40), who won the prestigious Turner Prize.

The only social media star in the list is Viraj Ghelani (44), who headlined the year’s biggest Gujarati movie Jhamkudi and did path-breaking stand-up comedy internationally in the language.

Creative talent from diverse fields and different languages crossing new frontiers with impactful work showed that 2024 was very much defined by breaking boundaries. “The exciting global South Asian talent from four different continents were shattering glass ceilings, breaking records, and constantly creating something new, from taking music, movies, and even comedy into new arenas, to creating movements that inspired others to follow. These rule-breakers are inspiring a new generation to do things differently and show that anything really is possible,” said Asjad Nazir.

Others in the 2024 list include Fahadh Faasil (12), Rajkummar Rao (15), Vijay Sethupathi (17), Shreya Ghoshal (18), Zayn Malik (21), Shazad Latif (24), Karan Aujla (29), Arooj Aftab (33), Kani Kusruti (35), Himesh Patel (38), Sumbul Touqeer (43), and Vir Das (45).
The full list is published in Eastern Eye newspaper on 13 December.

More For You

UK Asian Film Festival 2025 Explores Themes of Longing & Belonging

The UK Asian Film Festival 2025 explores themes of love, identity, and belonging through South Asian cinema

gatty image

UK Asian Film Festival celebrates stories of longing and belonging in 27th edition

From May 1st to 11th, the UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) returns for its 27th edition, bringing an interesting line-up of films and events to London, Leicester, and Coventry. This year’s theme, “Longing and Belonging,” explores the universal human search for connection, identity, and purpose through South Asian cinema.

As the longest-running South Asian film festival in the world, UKAFF has always championed female voices and challenged patriarchal norms. This year’s selection continues that mission, presenting stories of displacement, love, tradition, and resilience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Thudarum Review Round-Up: Mohanlal Delivers a Comeback Masterclass

A scene from Thudarum showcasing Mohanlal and Shobana’s mature on-screen chemistry in this slow-burn family thriller

Instagram/thudarummovie

'Thudarum' review round-up: Mohanlal returns to form in a dark, emotional ride that’s winning hearts

Director Tharun Moorthy’s Thudarum has drawn attention not just for its gripping storyline, but for bringing back the Mohanlal audiences have longed to see: an actor rooted in emotion rather than spectacle. With critics praising both the writing and performances, Thudarum has emerged as a memorable addition to Mohanlal’s long filmography, with reviewers calling it a return to form.

Across the board, reviewers highlight how the film presents Mohanlal as Shanmugham (nicknamed Benz), a humble taxi driver and former stuntman who now lives a quiet life in a Kerala village with his wife, played by Shobana, and two children. His prized possession is his old black Ambassador car, a gift from a mentor which becomes central to the plot when it’s unknowingly used, setting off a chain of devastating events.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sreeleela

Sreeleela’s rise from South cinema to Bollywood stardom has captivated audiences across India

Instagram/sreeleela14

Can Sreeleela fill the big Bollywood void?

It is no secret that Bollywood is facing a talent drought. While established stars continue to dominate screens, there is a clear gap when it comes to younger actors making a strong mark.

In the past, each generation delivered a crop of newcomers who injected fresh energy into the industry. That pattern has stalled in recent years, with fewer young actors making a lasting impression. Into this space steps Sreeleela, a fast-rising actor from the South who has begun to attract serious attention in Hindi cinema.

Keep ReadingShow less
Florence Pugh

Florence Pugh stuns on the red carpet at the London premiere of Thunderbolts, hours before a robbery unfolded outside the after-party venue

Getty Images

Masked robbers target Florence Pugh's van after 'Thunderbolts' premiere in London

In a shocking turn of events after the London premiere of her latest film Thunderbolts, actress Florence Pugh found herself at the centre of a robbery. The 29-year-old was attending an after-party at 180 Strand, accompanied by family and friends, when thieves targeted one of the five Mercedes minivans used to transport her and her entourage.

Pugh, joined by her grandmother Pat and actor boyfriend Finn Cole, had just arrived at the venue following the screening of the Marvel blockbuster at Leicester Square. As they went inside, two masked men on a motorbike approached one of the parked vehicles, smashing its windows in the process. The thieves swiftly stole a laptop and a mobile phone from the van's middle seats before fleeing the scene.

Keep ReadingShow less
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber

Justin Bieber breaks his silence on marriage rumours and health concerns following viral Coachella video

Getty Images

Justin Bieber clears the air on Hailey Bieber relationship rumours and addresses health struggles

Justin Bieber has been forced to address ongoing rumours about his marriage to Hailey Bieber and his personal health after weeks of speculation. Recently, a video of him smoking at the 2025 Coachella Festival went viral, causing concern among fans and reigniting gossip about his relationship.

In response, Justin took to Instagram to set the record straight, writing a candid note about his feelings. He spoke out against the harsh judgement he's faced, acknowledging his flaws and how they shape his perspective. "They treat me like a** out here, but I remember that I am flawed too and God forgave me," he shared. The 31-year-old singer explained that while he doesn’t always handle negativity perfectly, remembering his own imperfections helps him rise above the criticism.

Keep ReadingShow less