National Geographic has spotlighted two prominent Indian actresses, Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, in its prestigious “National Geographic 33: 2026” list, celebrating visionary leaders driving meaningful change across urgent global issues.
Released on March 17, the annual initiative—named after the organization’s 33 founders—recognizes 33 extraordinary individuals who are tackling critical challenges with innovative solutions and bold action.
This year’s honorees span fields like sustainability, health, conservation, technology, and adventure, and include Hollywood heavyweights such as Harrison Ford, Idris Elba, Shailene Woodley, Ewan McGregor, and Russell Westbrook.
Alia Bhatt, the 33-year-old Bollywood star and producer, is celebrated for her multifaceted commitment to conservation and animal welfare.
National Geographic highlights how she leverages her platform through diverse initiatives, including her production house backing investigative stories on issues like elephant poaching, her children’s book promoting animal adoption, and her fashion resale project aimed at reducing waste.
The magazine also praises her platform Coexist, which supports various animal rights organizations. Described as “intentionally varied, powered by her compassion and curiosity,” Bhatt’s efforts reflect a broad, creative approach to environmental advocacy.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, 43, is recognized for her work in healthcare accessibility, particularly raising awareness about Type 1 diabetes. As a board member of Beyond Type 1—the nonprofit co-founded by her husband, Nick Jonas—she has focused on combating stigma and misinformation in India, where the country has the highest number of children and teens living with the condition.
Over the past five years, she has helped launch educational campaigns, including viral videos in multiple Indian languages that promote early detection and share stories of people thriving with diabetes. One such video, shared on her social media, amassed hundreds of millions of views and spurred the recruitment of local ambassadors to spread accurate information and reduce myths surrounding the disease.
“You can handle and live with this condition, and actually thrive with it,” Chopra Jonas has said, drawing from personal insights gained through her husband’s experience with Type 1 diabetes since childhood.
The inclusion of Bhatt and Chopra Jonas underscores a shifting measure of influence in today’s world—not just by celebrity reach, but by how that platform is used to address real-world problems. National Geographic describes these changemakers as “bold thinkers and problem solvers” who are making tangible progress amid pressing global crises.
For the full list and in-depth profiles, visit National Geographic’s official site. The recognition serves as a powerful reminder that impact beyond the screen can inspire widespread change.
