30 UNDER 30: AND THE NOMINEES ARE...
From the hard turf of sports to soft strokes of brush on canvas of paper and screen, these young achievers have made a mark in their fields!
Sanket R Jadia VISUAL ARTIST
With a masters in Visual Arts, this cat lover has consistently explored the subject of ‘identity’. Dealing with historical images, his works have given an unusual artistic interpretation to incidents of conflict and violence such as hate crimes and communal riots across India.
Ayush Kalra ARTIST/ILLUSTRATOR
His illustration ‘Fair? My Jutti!’ propelled the debate on colourism and went viral on social media with almost 10 lakh shares. A dropout of design college, he is redefining art for the young with his venture, Ayush Kalra Designs, and has done projects such as album cover for rapper Raja Kumari’s song Shanti.
Biraaj Dodiya VISUAL ARTIST
Even a pandemic couldn’t hold back Dodiya, who works primarily in painting and sculpture, and is influenced by forms and language around impermanence. In March 2020, she presented a solo show in Kolkata, and since then has exhibited at group shows in Delhi, New York, Dubai, London, and Hong Kong.
Manu Bhaker SHOOTER, OLYMPIAN
This pistol shooter was just 16 when she won the Youth Olympics gold medal in Buenos Aires (2018). A Commonwealth Games gold medallist, she broke the junior world record by winning gold at ISSF World Cup (2019), and is now one of India’s strongest contenders at Tokyo Olympics.
Hima Das ATHLETE, U-20 CHAMPION
An Arjuna Awardee, sprinter Hima Das followed her passion despite financial struggles and became the first Indian athlete to clinch a gold medal for the nation in any format of a global track event at IAAF World U20 Championships. She was recently appointed as a deputy superintendent in Assam Police.
Aditi Ashok GOLFER
She has been shattering barriers ever since she took up golf at the age of five. Ashok emerged as the first Indian woman to play golf at the Rio Olympics (2016), won Ladies European Tour titles and is a regular on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour.
Adarsh Gourav ACTOR
He shot to instant fame after his latest project, The White Tiger, got Oscar and Bafta nominations. His portrayal of Balram Halwai fetched him a Bafta nomination for Best Lead Actor. He’s also in running for the Best Lead Male at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Mithila Palkar ACTOR
Among the first crop of OTT stars, Mithila Palkar has effortlessly dabbled with films and web content. Girl In The City was her first lead role, followed by Little Things. Films like Karwaan (2018) with late actor Irrfan followed, and she recently starred in the web film Tribhanga, alongside Kajol.
Tripti Dimri ACTOR
Her debut film, Laila Majnu (2018), didn’t work wonders but Dimri emerged as a popular name on OTT after headlining Bulbbul (2020). Her portrayal of a wronged woman fetched her praise from audience and critics alike. She is now all set to be seen in the film Animal, alongside Ranbir Kapoor.