This year, Google’s most-searched personalities in India showcased the nation’s passion for politics, sports, and the enduring allure of celebrities. With June’s elections shaping the political narrative, the Paris Olympics bringing moments of both pride and heartbreak, and high-profile events like Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani’s lavish wedding, 2024 was packed with defining moments.
Among those who dominated search trends were Olympic athlete Vinesh Phogat, political leader Pawan Kalyan, controversial celebrity Poonam Pandey, and style icon Radhika Merchant—each contributing to the year’s most talked-about stories.
1. Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat was close to bagging gold at the Paris Olympics. She later joined the Congress and contested in the Haryana assembly polls. (Photo source: NDTV)
Vinesh Phogat was close to bagging gold at the Paris Olympics. She later joined the Congress and contested in the Haryana assembly polls. (Photo source: NDTV)
Vinesh Phogat's rollercoaster career took a dramatic turn at the Paris Olympics when she fell short of the weight requirement, shattering India's dream of a historic gold medal in women’s wrestling. Her disqualification and subsequent retirement marked the end of her wrestling career. Days later, Vinesh joined the Congress party, transitioning into politics and leveraging her popularity among Haryana's farming communities. She registered a victory in her first electoral contest, becoming a member of the Haryana assembly.
2. Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United won 12 Lok Sabha seats in the crucial electoral battle in Bihar. (Photo source: PTI)
Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal United won 12 Lok Sabha seats in the crucial electoral battle in Bihar. (Photo source: PTI)
The Bihar chief minister reaffirmed his significance in Indian politics with a sweeping electoral victory in Bihar during the Lok Sabha polls, thereby cementing his position as a key player in the National Democratic Alliance. Kumar emerged as one of India’s most searched personalities in 2024 after his political acumen once again underscored his importance in the intricate political landscape of the state.
3. Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan, who heads a faction of the Lok Janshakti Party, is currently the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries. (Photo source: @iChiragPaswan via X)
Chirag Paswan, who heads a faction of the Lok Janshakti Party, is currently the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries. (Photo source: @iChiragPaswan via X)
Chirag Paswan, a politician and former actor, grabbed headlines in 2024 as the Minister of Food Processing Industries. His viral interactions with actress Kangana Ranaut outside Parliament rekindled public interest in their collaboration on a 2014 film. Paswan’s leadership in his ministry, coupled with his charm and enduring friendship with Ranaut, made him a topic of discussion.
4. Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya's divorce with actress Natasa Stankovic kept him in the news off the field. (Photo source: @hardikpandya7 via X)
Hardik Pandya's divorce with actress Natasa Stankovic kept him in the news off the field. (Photo source: @hardikpandya7 via X)
Hardik Pandya’s exploits on and off the cricket field kept him in the spotlight throughout 2024. Known for his dynamic all-round performances, Pandya continued to be a key player for India. Off the field, his personal life drew attention after he announced his divorce from actress Natasa Stankovic, with whom he shares a son. The announcement followed months of speculation, making it a major talking point among fans. Despite the turmoil, his performances in the Indian Premier League and international cricket solidified his status as a modern-day cricket icon.
5. Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan, the chief of Janasena, became Andhra Pradesh's deputy chief minister this year. (Photo source: X profile)
Pawan Kalyan, the chief of Janasena, became Andhra Pradesh's deputy chief minister this year. (Photo source: X profile)
Pawan Kalyan’s rise to the position of deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh in June 2024 marked a significant milestone in his career. The actor-turned-politician, who also heads the Janasena Party, is a martial arts enthusiast with a black belt in karate. Kalyan has consistently leveraged his star power to influence social and political causes. His larger-than-life persona, both as a film star and a politician, has earned him immense popularity.
6. Shashank Singh
Shashank Singh has earned fame for his IPL performances (Photo source: BCCI)
Shashank Singh has earned fame for his IPL performances (Photo source: BCCI)
Shashank Singh's perseverance in cricket was evident in his IPL journey, where he has represented teams like Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings. Known for his clean hitting and reliable fielding, Shashank is a rising talent in Indian white-ball cricket.
7. Poonam Pandey
Poonam Pandey raised awareness on cervical cancer in February in a contentious manner. (Image source: @iPoonampandey via X)
Poonam Pandey raised awareness on cervical cancer in February in a contentious manner. (Image source: @iPoonampandey via X)
The actress and model caused a stir with a controversial death hoax aimed at raising awareness about cervical cancer. While criticised for her approach, the campaign highlighted an important issue, sparking widespread conversations.
8. Radhika Merchant
Radhika Merchant and husband Anant Ambani, photographed with singer Justin Bieber who was a guest at their wedding. (Photo source: @justinbieber via X)
Radhika Merchant and husband Anant Ambani, photographed with singer Justin Bieber who was a guest at their wedding. (Photo source: @justinbieber via X)
Radhika Merchant became a global sensation in 2024 due to her grand wedding with Anant Ambani—a spectacle that showcased the immense wealth of the Ambani conglomerate and placed India in the global spotlight. The wedding, held in Mumbai, was a display of unparalleled grandeur, with its opulent décor, stunning outfits, exquisite jewellery, and a guest list that included world leaders, celebrities, and industry stalwarts. The celebrations began with two lavish pre-wedding festivities, featuring live performances by international stars Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Justin Bieber. Their wedding was not only a cultural milestone but also a style statement, earning Radhika and Anant a spot on The New York Times’ 'Most Stylish People of 2024' list.
9. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma's growth signals a promising future in Indian cricket. (Photo source: Associated Press)
Abhishek Sharma's growth signals a promising future in Indian cricket. (Photo source: Associated Press)
The left-handed batter continued to shine in domestic and IPL cricket, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and deliver crucial breakthroughs with his left-arm spin. His growth signals a promising future in Indian cricket.
10. Lakshya Sen
Lakshya Sen reached semifinals at the Paris Olympics. (Photo source: @lakshya_sen via X)
Lakshya Sen reached semifinals at the Paris Olympics. (Photo source: @lakshya_sen via X)
Lakshya Sen made history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian man to reach the singles semi-finals in badminton. Although he missed out on a medal, his spirited performance and the subsequent Syed Modi International title solidified his place among India’s badminton greats.
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