Shining bright: Top 30 under 30 global Asian stars
By Asjad NazirJan 20, 2022
OUTSTANDING YOUNG TALENTS FROM VARIOUS FIELDS WHO ARE ACCOMPLISHING GREAT THINGS AND INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION WITH THEIR IMPRESSIVE WORK
A NEW wave of young south Asian talent is lighting up different areas of popular culture globally and showing us all how bright the future looks.
They are at different stages of their journey but are connected by incredible potential and a natural talent that make them ones to watch. With that in mind, Eastern Eye scoured the globe to compile the top 30 under 30s list for 2022.
Debattama Saha
Debattama Saha: The 24-year-old had a terrific 2021 after the rip-roaring success of her drama serial Shaurya Aur Anokhi Ki Kahani and her stunning song release Jo Tera Howega. The multi-talented television star has multiple options open to her, from headlining as an actress to using her world-class singing ability. The accomplished dancer also has one of the fastest growing fanbases.
Avantika Vandanapu:
Avantika Vandanapu: The 17-year-old has carved out a career in Indian cinema and broken through to the Hollywood big time with a lead role in 2021 Disney film Spin. The trained actress, fluent in English, Tamil, Spanish, Hindi, and Telugu, will next be seen in the film Senior Year and is already looking to produce her own projects.
Ahan Shetty
Ahan Shetty: The latest star kid on the Bollywood block showed incredible star quality and great acting ability with his recently released debut film Tadap. The 25-year-old son of acclaimed actor Suniel Shetty has a bright future and production houses lining up to sign him, so expect big things in major movies.
Sajal Ali
Sajal Ali: With many massively successful acting projects under her belt, it is astonishing that the experienced actress is just 27. The in-demand star will sign more projects in 2022, but what makes this year particularly special is her international debut in British film What’s Love Got To Do With It, which will introduce the world to a young Pakistani icon.
Iman Vellani
Iman Vellani: The 19-year-old came to global prominence after signing up to play Marvel’s first Muslim superhero in Ms Marvel. Her path-breaking series is set to premiere globally this summer and she will follow that up with playing the same role in a big budget movie. There will be nothing to stop her from becoming a big Hollywood star and inspiring a generation.
Adarsh Gourav
Adarsh Gourav: The 27-year-old Indian actor received global attention for his winning performance in 2021 film The White Tiger and set himself up for a big international career. He will next play a key role in Apple Plus series Extrapolations, which is an anthology series that has an impressive star-cast, including Meryl Streep, Sienna Miller and David Schwimmer.
Azaan Sami Khan
Azaan Sami Khan: The 28-year-old has inherited the best bits from his famous parents Zeba Bakhtiar and Adnan Sami. In 2021, the musician and singer released a stunning debut album. He then showed off his acting ability with a lead role in drama serial Ishq e Laa. He has a movie lined up as a lead and will carry on using his magnificent music skills.
Shehnaaz Gill
Shehnaaz Gill: The multi-talented beauty turns 28 in January. She has blossomed into a genuine superstar in the past two years and ended 2021 with a winning turn in super hit Punjabi film Honsla Rakh. With a huge fan base, the hot-right-now singer and actress has the world at her feet. Expect her to forge an impressive film career, but also balance it out with music and TV projects.
Yohani
Yohani: The Sri Lankan singer came to prominence in 2021 after her stunning song Manike Mage Hithe became one of the year’s biggest sleeper hits. The terrific track, which has clocked up more than 180 million YouTube views, led to her touring and a debut album. She has now set herself up to become a big Sri Lankan music star globally.
Zoe Harveen Kaur
Zoe Harveen Kaur: The 23-year-old has shown off her impressive creativity in diverse mediums. One of Canada’s bestkept secrets has made an impressive mark as a digital artist, jewellery designer and a social media star. The fearless disruptor, who is also a radio host, has multiple paths open to her and will continue to add a colourful new dimension with her creativity.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan: The 20-yearold has become a big star after the success of Netflix series Never Have I Ever and it was no surprise when it was renewed for a third season. She was named as a Breakout Actor in Time 100’s Most Influential people in 2021 and signed up to star in The Netherfield Girls, which is a contemporary film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.
Sumbul Touqeer Khan
Sumbul Touqeer Khan: Perhaps the biggest breakout Indian star of 2021 was the incredibly gifted 18-year-old actress. A stunning turn playing the title role in hit serial Imlie has turned her into seriously hot property. The successful series, combined with a natural acting ability and growing fan base, has set her up for a very big future.
Armaan Malik
Armaan Malik: The crown prince of Indian music has built up a remarkable body of work in a short time and become a singing icon. The 26-year-old has conquered hearts by singing in diverse Indian languages and taken impressive international steps with English tracks. The boundary-breaking singer remains the future of Indian music.
Conrad Khan
Conrad Khan: The British BAFTA nominee is continuing to land big projects and reached a remarkable level of success at a young age. The 20-year-old has interesting projects on the way, which include a starring role in the hotly anticipated sixth season of hit drama series Peaky Blinders. The in-demand actor has been vocal about giving young people opportunities.
Ashi Singh
Ashi Singh: The talented 24-year-old actress has shown incredible versatility with characters that she has taken on in the drama serials Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai, Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga and Meet: Badlegi Duniya Ki Reet. With a natural talent and great momentum, the rising television star will keep climbing to great heights.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt: A forgettable couple of years won’t be able to halt the all-conquering crown princess of Bollywood. The 28-year-old has an incredible number of high-profile movies on the way in diverse genres, and it will be difficult to stop her from becoming the queen of Hindi cinema. The power player will also start producing her own films.
Helly Shah
Helly Shah: She may have just turned 26, but the young actress has an impressive body of work behind her and is one of India’s best television talents. She has shown stunning versatility with challenging roles and it will only be a matter of time before the hard-working small screen star makes that inevitable leap to films.
Bilal Abbas Khan
Bilal Abbas Khan: The Pakistani pin-up is perfectly balancing film, TV, and web projects. The 28-year-old actor is growing with each character that he takes on and is setting new benchmarks in his country. With more high-profile projects on the way, the unstoppable force of nature will carry on making noise.
Charli XCX
Charli XCX: Whether it is albums, solo singles, cool collaborations, being a featured artist or writing songs for others, the prolific pop princess has blazed a trail of fire. All eyes will be on the 29-year-old as she continues her impressive momentum this year with a new album, a big live tour and plenty more surprises.
Nusraat Faria
Nusraat Faria: Her name may not immediately be familiar to you, but the Bangladeshi actress has over 3.5 million Instagram followers and has acted in a whole host of successful films. The 28-year-old star has also starred in popular music videos and high-profile \’commercials. She remains a huge icon in her country and has a rapidly growing fan base internationally.
Shivangi Joshi
Shivangi Joshi: The sensational young actress left hit serial of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai after five and half years in 2021. The 26-year-old has shown quite comprehensively that she is a fine actress, but also has incredible star presence. Whether it is films, web serials or more huge TV projects, there will be little to stop her from becoming an all-time great.
Geraldine Viswanathan
Geraldine Viswanathan: The 26-year old Australian actress has great momentum behind her in Hollywood and is getting diverse projects that are showing off her remarkable range as a performer. She has strong film and television projects on the way that will consolidate her standing on the international stage. These include the films Cat Person and The Beanie Bubble.
Asim Riaz
Asim Riaz: The 28-year-old has built up his incredibly large fan base in the past two years, along with honing his craft. After winning turns in music videos and releasing his own songs, the rapidly rising star has set himself up for an interesting adventure ahead. Whether it is music, acting, TV or modelling, he has multiple paths open to him.
Naomi Scott
Naomi Scott: The 28-year-old singer and actress has established herself in Hollywood. The brilliantly talented British star has some big movies on the on way, including science fiction comedy drama Distant and will likely sign big blockbusters this year. The young British trailblazer will be lighting up the international stage for years to come.
Ahad Raza Mir
Ahad Raza Mir: The multi-talented Pakistani superstar is an actor, singer and musician. The 28-year-old pin-up is heavily in demand across diverse mediums, ranging from acting in major projects to big brand endorsements. With a long list of people wanting to sign him, he remains hotly in demand and concentrates on quality over quantity.
Dhvani Bhanushali
Dhvani Bhanushali: The 23-year-old singer’s songs have collectively been viewed on YouTube over two billion times. Generating huge interesting with her hit songs has become second nature to the young singing sensation, who has carved out an impressively brilliant career at a young age. Things will get more exciting because she is open to acting.
Anya Chalotra
Anya Chalotra: The 25-year-old British actress has come to global prominence with a lead role in hit Netflix series The Witcher and delivered another winning turn in the recently released second season. The show has already been renewed for a third season and she has also signed other big projects, including voice-over roles.
Ayesha Singh
Ayesha Singh: The 25-year-old actress has delivered a star-making turn in hit drama serial Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin and in the process become a fabulous feminist icon. She has shown off an incredible range with a character that has connected with cross-generational audiences and set herself up for major things ahead. Don’t be surprised if she makes the leap to cinema.
Bidya Sinha Saha Mim
Bidya Sinha Saha Mim: The Bangladeshi actress with over three million Instagram followers started her rise to stardom as a teenager and since built a strong body of work. The 28-year-old actress, who has excelled across film, television, and the web space, does things her own way. She turned down a Bollywood film because the script didn’t represent Bangladesh properly.
Iqra Aziz
Iqra Aziz: It is no surprise that the 23-year-old Pakistani actress has nearly seven million followers on Instagram. The multiple award-winning star has stacked up a huge body of impressive work since making her debut as a teenager in 2014 and has since played some of the most memorable characters seen on Pakistani television.
BTS star Jungkook has issued a public apology after sparking backlash for wearing a cap with the phrase “Make Tokyo Great Again” during a rehearsal for J-Hope’s concert. The phrase, seen as politically loaded, upset many fans in South Korea, with some calling it offensive and thoughtless.
The singer, who recently completed his mandatory military service, said he was unaware of the slogan’s sensitive background and admitted that he should have been more cautious.
Jungkook of K-pop supergroup BTS at an outdoor sporting facility in Yeoncheon Getty Images
Slogan draws backlash over political and cultural sensitivity
Jungkook was seen in an all-black outfit and the now-controversial cap during rehearsals for the Hope on the Stage concert on Friday in Goyang. The slogan on the cap, “Make Tokyo Great Again,” echoed political phrases linked to Japanese nationalism and was previously used by Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Some South Korean fans were quick to point out that the phrase has been associated with anti-Korean sentiments and accused the singer of being “careless.”
The similarity to Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” also added fuel to the fire, as netizens debated the political undertones and the potential implications of a global star wearing such a phrase publicly. Social media lit up with disappointment, with many questioning how Jungkook could overlook such a sensitive issue, especially given the historical tensions between South Korea and Japan.
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Jungkook responds: “No excuse for my carelessness”
The 27-year-old singer responded quickly to the criticism through a heartfelt message on Weverse. “I sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused by the hat I wore during rehearsals. I didn’t realise the historical and political context behind the phrase,” he wrote. “There’s no excuse. I was careless. I’ll make sure to be more thoughtful from now on.”
He also confirmed that the cap was discarded immediately and acknowledged that he had hurt many of his fans unintentionally. The apology was met with mixed reactions. While some appreciated his honesty, others felt the damage had already been done.
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This incident comes just days after Jungkook completed his 18-month military service alongside Jimin. The Hope on the Stage concert marked his return to the spotlight, with all seven BTS members reuniting on stage, drawing cheers from fans. Jungkook had recently released Never Let Go, a song dedicated to fans during BTS’s 11th anniversary.
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With a voice that echoes both the glamour and grit of a bygone era, British singer Aisha Khan is set to take centre stage at London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on June 29.
Performing with her acclaimed band The Rajahs, Khan will present a rich cocktail of 1940s and 1950s American roots music, jazz and rhythm and blues – blending timeless classics with her own original songs. Known for her evocative vocals, magnetic stage presence and deep reverence for the great female vocalists of the past, Khan promises a night filled with toe-tapping rhythm and heartfelt emotion.
Ahead of the show, she spoke to Eastern Eye about her lifelong love affair with vintage sounds, the power of live performance, and her inspirations and musical heroes.
What first connected you to music?
There was not just one thing. As a little girl, I was always singing and had no idea why – I just could not help it. I did not come from a musical family. My mum had a couple of Bollywood LPs with Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar, and my dad listened to Andy Williams and The Carpenters in the car. Apart from that, there was not much music at home. I watched Top of the Pops as a teenager, but I fell in love with Elvis Presley when I was 13 – that is where my passion for vintage music began.
How would you describe your brand of music? Mostly, I perform authentic 1940s and 1950s American music – blues, rhythm and blues, and rock and roll. I sing cover versions, but I also write a lot of original songs in the same style. I have also been developing a new Americana/country project, so the music keeps coming.
What does live performance mean to you? At its best, it means pure connection with the audience – almost a transcendental experience. It does not always happen like that, but subconsciously, I think that is what I am always striving for. I go on stage with songs I love and musicians who are great and always have my back. With that secure foundation, I try to see where the music can take me, and I bring the audience along with me. I love being close to the audience and drawing them into the live experience. It can bring so much energy and joy.
How much are you looking forward to performing at the iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club? We performed our first sell-out show upstairs there last year, but this is our first gig in the main room downstairs. I cannot express what an honour and privilege it is to appear at such a legendary venue. To think we will be on the same stage as so many iconic performers – from Ella Fitzgerald to Miles Davis – is mind-blowing.
What can we expect from the show? We will perform some of our most loved original songs, as well as several from our latest album Seven Shades of Blue, released this spring. We also have the honour of introducing Haylen, an incredible artist from Paris, as our special guest. There will be a lot of toe-tapping and happy vibes.
What do you hope people will take away from your performance – musically or emotionally? I hope they leave with a range of emotions. I want them to feel moved, but also to walk out feeling joyous and uplifted.
What do you most love about the jazz and rhythm and blues of the 1940s and 1950s? There are so many things I love about the music of that era. The musicianship, the danceability – how you just cannot help but move to it. I love the lyrics, the humour and the storytelling. When I was younger, I learned a lot of jazz standards and loved them. But it was only after living life – experiencing love, loss and heartbreak, having children, going through disappointment and great happiness – that I truly connected with those songs. Many of them now bring tears to my eyes, or even ecstasy when I sing or hear them. These are songs that truly stand the test of time.
Do you remember the first time you heard a song from that era that truly moved you? It was when I began listening to jazz in my teens. I idolised Sarah Vaughan and her craft. Then, as I discovered more popular music from the 1940s and 1950s and started dancing, I began to feel it not only emotionally but physically too.
Aisha Khan
Who is your own music hero from that bygone era? Sarah Vaughan, definitely. I also loved Billie Holiday.
If you could duet with any artist from the 1940s or 1950s, who would it be? It would have to be one of the great rhythm and blues vocalists – Wynonie Harris, Louis Jordan or Joe Turner. That would be so much fun.
Which classic songs do you most enjoy performing live? I love rhythm and blues by the many powerful female vocalists of that era – songs like Voodoo Voodoo by LaVern Baker, They Call Me Big Mama by Big Mama Thornton, or Pretty Good Love by Big Maybelle.
What inspires you as an artist? A life lived. Everything I have experienced – from having children to feminism. People, places, books – you never know where inspiration will come from. I also love collaborating with other musicians and singers; you never know what kind of magic might be created.
Why do you love music? The same reason I breathe. It is part of all of us – from the rhythms in nature to the cadence of the languages we learn as children. It can tell great stories and express deep emotions. It has the power to change lives – to comfort those in pain and bring joy to those open to it. I believe it is one of the purest art forms and forms of self-expression. I feel incredibly fortunate to have done this for so many years, and I hope to continue for the rest of my life.
Aisha Khan and The Rajahs at Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT on Sunday, June 29. www.ronniescotts.co.uk
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Lewis Hamilton served as co-producer and advisor for F1, guiding everything from story to technical racing details
Brad Pitt’s upcoming Formula One film, titled F1, owes much of its realism and racing soul to none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. According to director Joseph Kosinski, the film wouldn’t exist in its current form without Hamilton’s hands-on involvement, from the first pitch to the final details.
Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, shared that Hamilton was the first person he contacted when the project was just an idea. An email led to a partnership, and Hamilton came on board not only as an executive producer but as a consultant whose lived experience shaped everything from the screenplay to on-track movements.
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Every detail came from someone who’s lived it
Set for global release on 25 June (27 June in North America), F1 was filmed across real Grand Prix weekends with full support from Formula One’s organisers. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a seasoned driver making a surprise return to the circuit, while Damson Idris stars as his rookie teammate.
Hamilton’s role, however, extended far beyond a name on the credits. He worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure the racing looked and felt accurate, including giving track-specific advice. For instance, he told Kosinski that if Pitt’s character were to pull aside under a blue flag, turn six in Hungary would be the most realistic spot to do so. That level of detail could only come from someone who knows the sport inside out.
Brad Pitt stars as a veteran driver, with scenes shot during actual race weekends for authenticityGetty Images
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer added that Hamilton even corrected gear shifts in the audio during a Silverstone scene, pointing out the sound didn’t match the gear a driver would realistically use in that corner. His obsession with accuracy gave the film its edge.
Beyond the racetrack, Hamilton’s spirit fuels the story
The racing scenes are just one part of the film’s core. Hamilton’s insights also inspired character development. One pivotal moment, where Pitt’s character reflects on the deeper meaning behind his love for racing, was drawn from a real-life conversation with Hamilton about the emotional and spiritual connection drivers have with the sport.
Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon and Producer Jeremy Kleiner at the fan event for "F1: The Movie" Getty Images
As Formula One looks to expand its global fanbase, especially in the US, F1 aims to build on the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive. But unlike the docuseries, this film brings together Hollywood storytelling with Hamilton-approved authenticity. And without him, the filmmakers say, this story simply couldn’t be told.
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SRH’s Kavya Maran and Anirudh Ravichander spark fresh buzz
A new rumour is doing the rounds in celebrity and cricket circles. Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO Kavya Maran is reportedly set to marry top music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander. Though there’s been no official word from either camp, talk of the duo planning a wedding has picked up serious steam online.
Anirudh Ravichander performing live Getty Images
A Reddit rumour, a Las Vegas spotting, and a Rajinikanth connection
Whispers of a romance between Kavya and Anirudh first surfaced in early 2024, with a Reddit post claiming the two were dating. The same post claimed that superstar Rajinikanth, who is Anirudh’s uncle by marriage, had spoken to Kavya’s father, media tycoon Kalanithi Maran, about the match. A few netizens also claimed to have seen the two holidaying together in Las Vegas. Despite public denials from Anirudh’s team back then, the buzz never quite died down.
Now, fresh reports claim the couple may have been quietly preparing for a wedding. Online users have once again begun speculating, especially after noticing the two being spotted together more frequently. With Anirudh’s packed music schedule and Kavya’s strong presence during this year’s IPL season, the timing seems curious and perfect for a soft launch into public acceptance.
Who they are: power, legacy, and a lot of fan following
Anirudh Ravichander shot to fame with Why This Kolaveri Di in 2012 and has since become one of Indian cinema’s most bankable composers. From Jawan to Vikram, his music dominates charts across languages. He comes from a family with strong roots in the arts. His father is actor Ravi Raghavendra, his mother a classical dancer, and his aunt is married to Rajinikanth. His great-grandfather was filmmaker K. Subramanyam.
Kavya Maran is the CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad and daughter of Kalanithi Maran, the powerful head of Sun Group. Over the last few years, she has become a fan favourite for her viral expressions during SRH matches. She also handles key parts of Sun Network’s broadcast and music divisions.
Kavya Maran caught on camera smiling in the SRH standsNortheast News
Whether the wedding actually happens remains to be seen. But if true, this high-profile alliance would bring together cricket, cinema, and a whole lot of corporate power, and fans seem more than ready to celebrate.
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Jungkook, RM, and V return from military service as BTS shifts focus from solo journeys to full-group comeback
It’s a moment fans around the world have been waiting for! BTS, the global K-pop sensation, is almost whole again. Six out of seven members of the South Korean boy band have now completed their mandatory military service, setting the stage for what could be the biggest music comeback in recent years.
Thousands of fans from across the globe have already descended on Seoul this week, many attending BTS Festa, an annual celebration marking the group’s anniversary. This year is extra special, as it coincides with the near-completion of the band’s military duties. The final member, SUGA, is set to be discharged on 21 June.
K-pop band BTS's members salute after being discharged from a mandatory military service Getty Images
Fans gather with hope as BTS nears full return
The group hasn’t performed together since their last concert in Busan in 2022. Since then, each member has embarked on solo projects while also fulfilling national duties. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their service last year. This week, Jungkook and Jimin exited their base in Yeoncheon to cheering crowds. RM and V followed shortly after, with RM even serenading fans on a saxophone and V promising that the reunion was just around the corner.
HYBE’s headquarters in Seoul is now wrapped in a massive banner reading “WE ARE BACK”, reflecting the excitement around the group’s 12th anniversary and the anticipation of their long-awaited comeback. Fans, like Karla Linan from Mexico and Ayla O’Ryan from Scotland, have travelled far just to be part of the celebration, hoping to catch even a glimpse of the stars.
Fans from around the world gather in Seoul for BTS Festa celebrationsGetty Images
India’s BTS ARMY ready for a concert of a lifetime
Back in India, the ARMY is equally thrilled. The country was originally included in BTS' 2020 tour plans, which were shelved due to the pandemic. But fans haven’t stopped streaming, supporting, and waiting. With India now ranked among BTS’ top international markets, the buzz around a possible tour date is growing louder.
The success of Coldplay’s India tour in 2025 proved the massive scale and impact a global act can have. Coldplay’s Ahmedabad leg alone brought in over £37 million (₹392 crore) to the local economy. Industry insiders believe that BTS, arguably an even bigger draw, could surpass those figures if they announce an Indian date.
J-Hope, Jin, and other BTS members gear up for reunion, as solo eras give way to group plansGetty Images
With new music and a world tour expected in 2026, the stage is being set. For fans across the world and especially in India, BTS isn’t just returning. They’re about to make history again.