Javed Akhtar, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • New Delhi
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Javed Akhtar among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a reliable source, Javed Akhtar is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the poet's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 05/02/2026 : 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 81-year-old poet, 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 poet have already been named ‘Indian Of The Year’ by some major Indian newspapers and even ‘Gwalior Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Gwalior (Javed Akhtar's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the poet was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Javed Akhtar Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 4 Feb 2026
“Congrats! Javed has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 4 Feb 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Javed Akhtar?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 4 Feb 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Javed 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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