Aamir Khan listed in TIME's 100 Most Influential People in the World list.

Article by Sonal Bhadoria , IndiaTimes | April 18, 2013

US based news magazine -TIME's annual survey of the 100 most influential people in the world for the year 2013 is out and guess who landed an exclusive cover with the magazine. Billed as a film star and activist by the magazine, the Bollywood actor and host of the television show-Satyamev Jayate has been profiled by world celebrated music composer A.R Rahman. 2 other Indians have made it to the list ,namely our Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram who has been listed as a Titan and Delhi based human-rights lawyer Vrinda Grover who has been listed as a Pioneer.

Image Courtesy: Mark Seliger for TIME

What is more remarkable is that the magazine has selected just 7 people out of the 100 chosen, to each have their separate cover. And Aamir Khan is one of the select 7. The other 6 include teenage Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, Oscar winning actress Jennifer Lawrence, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, inventor and entrepreneur Elon Musk and Chinese tennis star Li Na. The covers vary internationally, but in the U.S. 4 different versions will hit the newsstands.

P. Chidambarm has been praised for his 'unsurpassed experience', strong work ethic, a no non-sense approach towards governance among other things. A noted human rights lawyer and more importantly an advocate for women's rights in India-Vrinda Grover has been lauded for her efforts post the tragic Delhi gang-rape case.The magazine notes that "her determination to force an often recalcitrant political and legal system to change was evident in these past few heated months, as a particularly tragic rape in Delhi brought women’s rights center stage." It also states, " In the conservative backlash that followed the waves of women’s protests, Grover’s voice — loud, uncompromising — was raised again and again in the rambunctious theater of Indian TV."

Another noteworthy point is that Aamir hasn't been listed under the 'Artists' category but under the section 'Pioneers'. Clearly his social activism has trumped his Bollywood credentials this time.The 100 influential people have been classified under the categories Titans, Leaders, Artists, Pioneers and Icons.

In a glowing profile of the actor, A.R Rahman writes much about Aamir's sense of social responsibility and lauds his effort to make blockbuster movies that tackle themes of poverty and education. Terming his TV show Satyamev Jayate- part journalism and part talk show, that confronts India’s deepest social ills, from sexual abuse to caste discrimination, Rahman praises Aamir for "showing the courage to ask hard questions". "Aamir has started a movement that will help change the world in which Indians live.", he adds.

This is Aamir's second TIME cover.He had earlier been the focus of a cover story 'Khan Quest' in the Asian edition of the magazine in 2012.