LONDON: Renowned Pakistani actress Hania Aamir has been crowned the leading Pakistani star of 2024, securing the ninth spot on the globally acclaimed Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World list. Published annually by a UK-based weekly newspaper, the list celebrates individuals of Asian heritage who have made a significant impact across various fields, including entertainment, music, literature, and social media.
Aamir, the only Pakistani to break into the top 20, ranked ahead of numerous international luminaries from Hollywood, Bollywood, and beyond. Her success was attributed to her exceptional performances in several hit television dramas that captivated millions of viewers worldwide.
Entertainment editor Asjad Nazir, who compiles the list, highlighted the 27-year-old star’s growing global recognition. “Hania Aamir generated major headlines in 2024, with her immense acting talent on full display in blockbuster dramas. Beyond her on-screen success, she is a positive role model, inspiring younger generations and addressing vital topics like mental health. As the most-followed Pakistani celebrity on Instagram, she continues to lead by example,” Nazir remarked.
Aamir has expressed her commitment to her craft, emphasizing her desire to take on challenging roles. “The love I receive from my audience truly inspires me. It drives me to push my boundaries and explore unique characters,” she said in a recent interview.
Other notable names of Pakistani origin featured in the list include Riz Ahmed (11), Zayn Malik (21), Fahad Mustafa (23), Shazad Latif (24), Arooj Aftab (33), Hiba Bukhari (37), Atif Aslam (41), and Sajal Aly (48).
Celebrating Excellence Across Asia
This year’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World list highlighted individuals based on their outstanding achievements, positive influence, and boundary-pushing endeavors. Public nominations and fan engagement also played a crucial role in determining the rankings.
Diljit Dosanjh Tops the 2024 List
Punjabi icon Diljit Dosanjh secured the top spot, capping off a historic year for the global superstar. Known for his blockbuster Dil-Luminati world tour—the most successful global tour ever undertaken by a South Asian artist—Dosanjh also achieved significant milestones in music and acting.
“Diljit’s impact in 2024 was unparalleled,” explained Nazir. “From hit solo tracks and high-profile collaborations to stellar performances on the big screen, his achievements resonated worldwide, making him the face of South Asian excellence this year.”
Other Notable Entries
Pop star Charli XCX claimed the second spot for her groundbreaking year, which included sold-out concerts, seven Grammy nominations, and her critically acclaimed Brat album.
Tollywood sensation Allu Arjun ranked third, following the record-breaking success of Pushpa 2: The Rule. Hollywood actor Dev Patel came fourth, showcasing his multifaceted talent by writing, directing, and starring in Monkey Man.
Rounding out the top five was Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who maintained her status as the world’s most prominent Indian celebrity with a mix of high-profile projects and her ongoing work on season two of the mega-budget series Citadel.
Other notable figures in the top 10 included Tamil superstar Vijay, musical maestro Arijit Singh, and South Asian-Australian actor Geraldine Viswanathan, who has firmly established herself as a leading Hollywood talent with her role in Marvel’s Thunderbolts.
This year’s list underscores the remarkable achievements of Asian talent across the globe, with Hania Aamir’s inclusion shining a spotlight on Pakistan’s growing influence in the international entertainment industry.
