GQ magazine has recently revealed its 2023 youth power list which comprises a remarkable group of individuals who embody the vibrancy and determination of India, the world's fifth-largest economy. India's demographic is majorly young, with a whopping 900 million people below the age of 35, making it the country with the largest youth population worldwide. The individuals on this list are the trailblazers and front runners of this energetic and dynamic demographic. They are either leading influential micro-communities or are mega-celebrities with an enormous following across the nation. These individuals are transforming the business landscape, shaping culture, and challenging the existing norms.

The 2023 list also recognised some of India’s leading digital content creators who have made their mark in their respective niches, and have left an everlasting imprint on the hearts of their followers from across the nation.

Siddharth Batra

There are certain personalities that do not require any special occasion to be talked about and social media star Siddharth Batra is one of them. His unique fashion sense and experimental approach to fashion have made him stand out as the CEO of male fashion influencers. Through his #GuyBeauty series on Instagram, he is promoting gender-neutral beauty by encouraging men to embrace makeup, skincare, and body hair.

Siddharth has been breaking stereotypes by proving that clothes do not define gender, and he regularly wears leather jackets, crop tops, necklaces, earrings, and nail polish. His offbeat makeup style expresses his masculinity and encourages his followers to embrace their true personalities without fear of judgment. Siddharth and his girlfriend, Komal Pandey, who also made it to the list, are a power couple who strongly express their creativity together.

Prajakta Koli

Koli had a remarkable year, achieving milestones in her career with a Bollywood debut in Jugjugg Jeeyo and a successful second season of Mismatched on Netflix. Alongside her acting, she is also serving as the first "Youth Climate Champion" for UNDP India, using her significant platform on YouTube and Instagram to simplify climate change-related topics for her younger audience.

Her commitment to breaking down complex issues for her followers is evident in her involvement in "Creators for Change," a Daytime Emmy-winning YouTube documentary featuring Koli, Michelle Obama, and other influential figures. The year ahead seems promising for Koli, with several projects in the pipeline, including the second season of Marvel's Wastelanders podcast series, Desi Down Under on Audible, Anu Menon's Neeyat, and an undisclosed upcoming series.

Komal Pandey

After graduating with a commerce degree, Pandey was uncertain about her next move. It was only after experimenting with outfit interpretations, styling them in various ways, and creating short videos behind her college's canteen, that she discovered her passion. Her videos gained immense popularity, and her social media following grew to nearly 2 million. Pandey's fashion is inclusive and relatable, as her videos demonstrate that one does not need to wear couture to make a statement.

One of her viral videos featured her styling a simple white shirt in six different ways, illustrating how clothing can be worn beyond traditional conventions. Pandey's content highlights fashion's endless possibilities, encouraging viewers to creatively express themselves with even the most basic wardrobe.

Abhi and Niyu

Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha, who grew tired of the monotony and boredom of his advertising job, embarked on a journey with his wife Niyati to explore stories that have been relegated to the margins of society. Their aim was to bridge the gap in the way we consume and comprehend stories since the ones about people driving change tend to get lost along the way amidst news of various problems that we face. The couple uncovered stories that we never hear of, such as that of Tulu Nadu queen Abbakka Chowta, who stood up against Portuguese colonizers but has been forgotten in history books. They also highlighted the selflessness of a truck driver on a deserted road in Tripura.

These stories have the power to rekindle our love for life. The Instagram reels and YouTube shorts documenting their journey have garnered millions of views. Nowadays, the duo share videos covering various subjects such as deciphering the union budget documents, climate change intricacies, and exposing the unethical practices of the paan industry. Their videos cater to a broad audience ranging from civil service aspirants, doctors, and engineers, who are the building blocks of the nation.

Digital Creators Who Made It To GQ India’s Most Influential Young Indians 2023