Farhan Akhtar, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- New Delhi
- Last updated on
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- Buzz January 12, 2026
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According to a credible source, Farhan Akhtar is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the director's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 12/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Akhtar for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 52-year-old director, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Akhtar so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the director have already been named ‘Indian Of The Year’ by some major Indian newspapers and even ‘Mumbai Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Mumbai (Farhan Akhtar's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the director was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Farhan Akhtar Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 11 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Farhan has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 11 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Farhan Akhtar?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 11 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Farhan Akhtar?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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