New Delhi: Bollywood actresses Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra have been named as global changemakers alongside Harrison Ford and Idris Elba by National Geographic.
The National Geographic 33 – 2026 list, unveiled on March 17, features problem solvers from across the globe who believe that our world needs ‘imaginative solutions and urgent action.’
A statement released by National Geographic read as, “These are bold thinkers and problem solvers from across the globe who believe that our world needs imaginative solutions and urgent action—and are leading the charge for change.”
Alia has been recognised for using her platform to promote climate awareness, supporting environmental sustainability and encouraging the younger generation to engage with pressing ecological issues.
“There’s her production company, Eternal Sunshine, which helped produce a miniseries based on an elephant poaching investigation and continues to support environmental filmmaking through a partnership with an Indian eco-film festival. Her children’s book, Ed Finds a Home, encourages kids to recognise the importance of animal adoption. And Mi Wardrobe Is Su Wardrobe, her fashion resale initiative, channels funds to eco-friendly charities while reducing landfill waste. The actress’s social media platform, Coexist, also amplifies the work of other organisations supporting animal rights. Bhatt’s approach to changemaking is intentionally varied, powered by her compassion and curiosity, undiluted since childhood,” read the official statement.
Priyanka, on the other hand, has been recognised for her ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access, using her global platform to highlight issues like diabetes and raise meaningful awareness.
“It wasn’t until she met her husband, Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed at age 13, that she learned Type 1 need not be a limitation. “You can handle and live with this condition—and actually thrive with it,” Chopra Jonas says. For the past five years, she has spread that message in India as a board member of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit her husband co-founded. In the world’s most populous country, Chopra Jonas has become a visible force for change, helping to put out viral educational videos that promote early detection and to recruit diabetes ambassadors to reduce misapprehensions about the disease,” read the official statement.
The other prominent names in the list include Harrison Ford, Russell Westbrook, Shailene Woodley, Ewan McGregor, and Idris Elba, each contributing to change in their own way.
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