P. V. Sindhu is an Indian badminton player. In 2016, she won the Olympic silver medal in Rio de Janeiro, becoming the first Indian woman to receive an Olympic silver. Sindhu became a national icon following her performance in the 2016 Olympics. In January 2020, she was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award.
Tabu is an Indian actress best known for her work in the Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu film industries. One of the most celebrated actresses of her generation, Tabu is renowned for playing unconventional roles. In 2011, she was honored with the Padma Shri by the Indian Government. She has also received other prestigious awards, such as National Film Awards.
Satya Nadella is an Indian-American business executive, currently serving as the chief executive officer of Microsoft. Since he became CEO, the company has seen a 27% annual growth rate. Born in India to a Telugu-speaking family, Nadella serves as an inspiration to millions of Indians who nurse 'The American Dream'.
Sarojini Naidu was an Indian poet and political activist. An important figure in the Indian Independence Movement, she was a proponent of anti-imperialistic ideas, women's rights, and civil rights. Her illustrious career as a poet earned her the nickname Nightingale of India. After India became independent, she became the first woman to hold the office of Governor in the Dominion of India.
Nicknamed the Young Tiger and Jr. NTR, N. T. Rama Rao Jr. is the grandson of legendary Telugu actor-politian N.T. Rama Rao. A talented Kuchipudi dancer in his youth, he was a child actor, too. Now known for films such as Nannaku Prematho and Yamadonga, he also won two Filmfare Awards.
Shabana Azmi is an Indian actress best known for playing eccentric and unconventional characters. One of the most acclaimed and celebrated actresses, Azmi has won several prestigious awards, including a record five National Film Awards under the Best Actress category. In 2012, Shabana Azmi was honored with India's third-highest civilian honor, the Padma Bhushan.
Widely known as the voice of Indian cricket, Harsha Bhogle has revolutionized Indian cricket commentary and been associated with ESPN since its early days in India. The IIM-A graduate also owns a sports-consultancy firm with his wife and has penned several books such as The Winning Way.
Dr. Zakir Husain was the third President of India and was the first President to die in office . During his lifetime, he helped found the National Muslim University which was later renamed Jamia Millia Islamia. He was honored with India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna in 1963.
A former world number 6, Indian badminton player Parupalli Kashyap is not just a Commonwealth gold medalist but has also been awarded the Arjuna Award. In 2012, he became the first Indian to enter the men’s singles quarterfinals at the Olympics. He is also badminton ace Saina Nehwal’s husband.
B. Sai Praneeth scripted history as the first Indian badminton player in 36 years, after Prakash Padukone, to win a BWF World Championships medal. The Arjuna Award winner is also a former South Asian Games champion and a former world number 10 in men’s singles.
Poet and lyricist Goreti Venkanna is best known for penning the song Palle Kanneeru Pedutundo from the film Kubusam. A cultural icon of Telangana, he was also part of the separatist activities that led to the formation of the Indian state. He was later nominated to the Telangana Legislative Council.
Born to a courtesan mother in Aurangabad, as Chanda Bibi, Mah Laqa Bai mastered Deccani Kathak. She grew up to be a refined woman, skilled in everything from martial arts to poetry. Remembered for her fine ghazals and Urdu poetry, she was also the courtesan of the Nizam of Hyderabad.