Celebrating the vibrancy and impact of India’s young torchbearers, ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ (IOTY) has unveiled its prestigious ‘Youth Icon’ category nominees for 2023.

This distinguished awards platform, renowned for honoring excellence, spotlights individuals who have emerged as influential voices resonating with the nation’s youth.

As per a press release, across seven categories spanning Entertainment, Business, Sports, Social Change, Climate Warriors, Rising Sports Star, and the coveted Youth Icon, the 13th edition of ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year promises a celebration of India’s global achievers.

The lineup of nominees in the Youth Icon category reflects a diverse tapestry of exceptional talent and cultural impact-makers deeply entrenched in India’s pop culture fabric.

AP Dhillon, a luminary in the global music scene, melds Punjabi folk with contemporary hip-hop, captivating millions with his unique storytelling. His recent track ‘With You’ stormed YouTube, amassing a staggering 37 million views within a month, underscoring his resonating artistry.

Kusha Kapila, a versatile artist and social media influencer, has garnered acclaim for her roles in various projects, including appearances in popular shows and productions, showcasing her multifaceted talents.

Anirudh Ravichander, the celebrated composer-singer from Chennai, renowned for chart-topping tracks like ‘Why This Kolaveri Di,’ continues to dominate the Indian music landscape with recent hits, solidifying his stature as the anthem creator of the year.

Ranveer Allahbadia, a pioneer in Indian podcasting through ‘The Ranveer Show’ on YouTube’s ‘BeerBiceps’ channel, engages millions with insightful conversations featuring India’s most successful individuals.

Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, Karnataka’s pioneering trans-woman doctor, and a trailblazing content creator, has fostered a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. Her acting debut in Made in Heaven Season 2 and acknowledgment in “The Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List 2022” underscore her multifaceted impact.

The grand finale of the ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023′ will unveil the winner in the Youth Icon Category amid a star-studded celebration of Indian entertainment luminaries.

With a legacy of honoring exceptional talent, past winners in this category include notable figures such as Allu Arjun, Neeraj Chopra, Yogi Adityanath, and Marimuthu Yoganathan, further elevating the prestige of this recognition.

This year’s selection process integrates both expert judgment and public voting, distributing decision-making power equally between the audience and the jury. To participate in casting your vote for your favored nominee or more details about the awards, visit www.indianoftheyear.com.

The ‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ continues its tradition of spotlighting remarkable talent, lauding those reshaping India’s cultural landscape and inspiring the nation’s youth.