A R Rahman, Entertainer

A. R. Rahman (1967) born as Dilip Kumar ( in Chennai, India, is a globally acclaimed music composer, singer, and songwriter known for his innovative and soulful compositions. His work spans across Indian cinema, international films, and various other musical collaborations, earning him the title "Mozart of Madras."

Rahman began his musical journey at a young age, influenced by his father, R.K. Shekhar, who was a composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films. After his father's untimely death, Rahman took up various musical jobs to support his family, eventually securing a scholarship at the prestigious Trinity College of Music in London, where he earned a degree in Western classical music.

In 1992, Rahman made a sensational debut with the soundtrack for the Tamil film "Roja," directed by Mani Ratnam. The success of "Roja" catapulted Rahman to national fame, and he quickly became a sought-after composer in the Indian film industry. His unique blend of traditional Indian music with electronic music, world music, and orchestral arrangements set him apart from his contemporaries.

Some of Rahman's most iconic works in Indian cinema include soundtracks for films such as "Bombay" (1995), "Dil Se" (1998), "Taal" (1999), "Lagaan" (2001), "Swades" (2004), "Rang De Basanti" (2006), and "Slumdog Millionaire" (2008). The latter brought him international acclaim, earning him two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, as well as a Golden Globe and a BAFTA.

Beyond film music, Rahman has also made significant contributions to theatre and international projects. He composed the music for the stage adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings" and collaborated with global artists such as Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In addition to his musical achievements, Rahman is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and poverty alleviation. He founded the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai to nurture and develop musical talent in India.

A. R. Rahman's innovative spirit, combined with his deep-rooted musical heritage, has made him a transformative figure in both Indian and global music, earning him numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Bhushan in 2010, one of India's highest civilian honors.

Amir Khan: Entertainer

Amir Khan (1965) born as Mohammed Aamir Hussain Khan in Mumbai, India, is a renowned actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema. Known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, Aamir Khan has earned the moniker "Mr. Perfectionist" in Bollywood.

Khan's career began as a child actor in the 1973 film "Yaadon Ki Baaraat," directed by his uncle Nasir Hussain. His first major role came in 1988 with the film "Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak," which was a significant box-office success and earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Over the years, Khan has starred in a wide range of films, showcasing his ability to adapt to diverse roles. Some of his most notable works include "Lagaan" (2001), "Dil Chahta Hai" (2001), "Rang De Basanti" (2006), "Taare Zameen Par" (2007), "Ghajini" (2008), "3 Idiots" (2009), "PK" (2014), and "Dangal" (2016).

In addition to his acting prowess, Khan is also a successful filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with "Taare Zameen Par," a critically acclaimed film that addresses the issue of dyslexia in children. His production company, Aamir Khan Productions, has been responsible for producing several successful films.

Aamir Khan's influence extends beyond cinema. He is known for his social activism and commitment to various causes. His television show, "Satyamev Jayate," which aired from 2012 to 2014, highlighted pressing social issues in India, such as female foeticide, child sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and received widespread acclaim for its impactful storytelling and awareness-raising efforts.

Khan has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including multiple Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri in 2003 and the Padma Bhushan in 2010, two of India's highest civilian honors. His contributions to Indian cinema and society have cemented his legacy as a transformative figure in both the entertainment industry and the realm of social change.

Mammootty: Iconic Actor and Film Producer of Indian Cinema

Muhammad Kutty Panaparambil Ismail (born 7 September 1951), professionally known as Mammootty, is a legendary Indian actor and film producer who primarily works in Malayalam cinema. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in more than 400 films, including lead roles across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, and English languages. His contributions to cinema have earned him numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards, eleven Kerala State Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards South, and eleven Kerala Film Critics Awards. In recognition of his impact on Indian cinema, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 1998, and the Government of Kerala honoured him with the Kerala Prabha Award in 2022. CNN has described him as one of “the men who changed the face of Indian cinema.”

Mammootty made his screen debut as a junior artist in Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971) and had his first credited role in Vilkkanundu Swapnangal (1980). He transitioned from supporting to lead roles with Thrishna (1981), and by the mid-1980s, he became a bankable star with films such as Athirathram (1984), Nirakkoottu (1985), and Yathra (1985). While predominantly active in Malayalam cinema, he has delivered notable performances in other languages, including Thalapathi (Tamil, 1991), Swathi Kiranam (Telugu, 1992), Kandukondain Kandukondain (Tamil, 2000), and the bilingual biopic Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar (Hindi-English, 2000).

Beyond acting, Mammootty is a media entrepreneur, serving as chairman of Malayalam Communications, which operates Kairali TV, Kairali News, and Kairali We. He owns production ventures such as Playhouse and Mammootty Kampany, and in 2007, he published his first book, Kazhchapadu, a collection of essays. His life and career are studied in the History of Malayalam Cinema course at Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, reflecting his enduring influence on the industry.

Mammootty’s prolific work, versatile performances, and sustained contributions have made him one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema, admired both nationally and internationally.

Munawar Faruqui: Stand-Up Comedian and Reality TV Star from Gujarat

Munawar Faruqui (born 28 January 1994) is an Indian comedian, rapper, and singer known for his sharp wit, social commentary, and reality television appearances. In 2022, he won the reality show Lock Upp (Season 1), and in 2023, he emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 17, cementing his popularity across India.

Born in Junagadh, Gujarat, into a Gujarati Muslim family, Faruqui faced severe financial hardships during his childhood. His father fell into debt, prompting Faruqui to leave school after the fifth grade and take up odd jobs, including working at a gift shop and helping his mother and grandmother sell snacks. His mother tragically passed away when he was 14, after which he relocated to Mumbai, where he continued to work and support his family. His father died in 2020 after a period of paralysis.

Faruqui began his comedy career by uploading stand-up videos on YouTube, with early works including “Dawood, Yamraaj & Aurat” (April 2020) and “Ghost Story” (February 2021). He also ventured into music, releasing his debut song “Jawab” in collaboration with Spectra in August 2020. He later participated in the Entertainers Cricket League (ECL), further broadening his public profile.

Despite his success, Faruqui has been involved in controversies. In January 2021, he was arrested in Indore during a stand-up show over alleged remarks on religious figures, leading to 37 days of imprisonment before being granted bail by the Supreme Court. In March 2024, he was briefly detained during a police raid in Mumbai, later released on bail.

In his personal life, Faruqui married Jasmine in 2017, with whom he has a son; they divorced in 2022. He later dated social media influencer Nazila Sitaishi, and in May 2024, he married makeup artist Mehzabeen Coatwala.

Munawar Faruqui’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of India’s most recognized comedians highlights his resilience, talent, and ability to connect with audiences across diverse platforms.

Shah Rukh Khan: Entertainer

Shah Rukh Khan (born1965) fondly known as SRK, is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema and a global icon. Born on November 2, 1965, in New Delhi, he rose from humble beginnings to become the undisputed "King of Bollywood," with a career spanning over three decades.

SRK's journey to stardom began with television serials like Fauji (1989) and Circus (1989). His Bollywood debut in Deewana (1992) marked the start of a meteoric rise. Known for his versatility, Shah Rukh has portrayed a wide range of characters, from the obsessive lover in Darr (1993) and Baazigar (1993) to the quintessential romantic hero in classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001).

Khan’s career is marked by critical acclaim and box office dominance, with iconic performances in films like Chak De! India (2007), My Name is Khan (2010), and Raees (2017). His ability to connect emotionally with audiences worldwide has earned him a massive fan following across continents.

Beyond acting, Shah Rukh is a successful entrepreneur, owning the production company Red Chillies Entertainment and the Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team. His philanthropic endeavors include extensive work in healthcare, child welfare, and education, for which he received the UNESCO Pyramide con Marni award.

A recipient of numerous accolades, including 14 Filmfare Awards and the Padma Shri, SRK has also been honored globally, such as with France's Legion of Honour.

Known for his wit, humility, and charisma, Shah Rukh Khan is more than an actor; he is a cultural phenomenon, symbolizing aspiration, resilience, and the magic of dreams realized.

Wasim Barelvi: A Luminous Voice of Contemporary Urdu Poetry

Zahid Hussain, popularly known by his pen name Wasim Barelvi, is one of the most distinguished and widely admired poets of contemporary Urdu literature. Born on 18 February 1940 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Wasim Barelvi has spent over six decades enriching Urdu poetry with his refined sensibility, emotional depth, and lyrical elegance. His work, deeply rooted in classical traditions yet responsive to modern concerns, has earned him an enduring place in the literary landscape of South Asia.

Wasim Barelvi is best known for his ghazals, many of which have been immortalized by legendary singer Jagjit Singh and other prominent voices of Indian music. His poetry, marked by simplicity of expression and profundity of thought, resonates equally with scholars and the general public, making him one of the rare poets to bridge literary sophistication and popular appeal.

Academically, Wasim Barelvi began his career as an Assistant Professor and later rose to become Associate Professor and Head of the Urdu Department at Bareilly College, Bareilly. His scholarly contribution to Urdu poetry and criticism is as significant as his creative output. His poems have been widely published in leading literary magazines across India, Pakistan, and several other countries.

A recipient of numerous national and international honors, he has been awarded the Firaq Gorakhpuri International Award, the Kalidas Gold Medal by the Government of Haryana, the Begum Akhtar Kala Dharmi Award, and the Naseem-e-Urdu Award, among others. He currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and has been a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council since 2016.

Wasim Barelvi has published more than six collections of poetry in Urdu and two in Hindi. Notable works include Tabassum-e-Gham, Mizaj, Aankh Aansu Hui, and Mausam Andar Bahar Ke. Through his poetry, Wasim Barelvi continues to inspire generations, affirming the timeless beauty and relevance of Urdu literature.