As the year 2024 draws to a close, Google has unveiled its annual report outlining the most searched topics in India. These findings provide an intriguing glimpse into the interests of the Indian populace this year, covering a range of topics from sports and movies to travel.
Among the top searches, several prominent figures caught the attention of Indians, reflecting a blend of sports achievements, political maneuvering, and social controversies. Here’s a detailed look at the top ten most searched Indians in 2024.
1. Vinesh Phogat
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat emerged as the most searched person in India this year. Her remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the finals with a stunning 5-0 victory, captivated the nation.
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However, her disqualification from the 50 kg women’s freestyle event due to being 100 grams overweight was a significant setback. Following these events, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling and made a successful foray into politics, winning a seat as an MLA in Haryana’s Julana constituency.
2. Nitish Kumar
Nitish Kumar, a veteran politician known for his shifting alliances, ranked second in the search trends. His rejoining of the BJP-led NDA coalition in January 2024, just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, drew considerable attention. Speculations about his potential political maneuverings, especially in light of the slogan “Abki Baar 400 Paar,” led to widespread memes on social media.
3. Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan, representing the Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, made headlines by securing a ministerial position in Prime Minister Modi’s 3.0 cabinet, taking charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. This political advancement followed his initial aspirations for a career in film, highlighting his versatility and commitment to public service.
4. Hardik Pandya
Cricketer Hardik Pandya’s year was marked by ups and downs, landing him fourth in the search trends. His challenging IPL 2024 season contrasted sharply with his resurgence during the T20 World Cup. Furthermore, his personal life made headlines after his divorce from actress Natasa Stankovic, making him a figure of both sports and entertainment.
5. Pawan Kalyan
Pawan Kalyan, affectionately known as “Power Star,” occupies the fifth spot. The beloved actor and political leader has been influential since founding the Jana Sena Party in 2014. As the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Kalyan remains a significant figure in both the film industry and politics.
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6. Shashank Singh
Cricketer Shashank Singh garnered attention after an unexpected purchase by Preity Zinta’s team during the IPL Mini Auction in December 2023. His stellar performance in the IPL 2024 season earned him a spot for the next season, making him one to watch in Indian cricket.
7. Poonam Pandey
Poonam Pandey stirred controversy after faking her death as part of a cervical cancer awareness campaign. This stunt elicited widespread backlash from netizens and celebrities alike, propelling her into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
8. Radhika Merchant
The eighth spot goes to Radhika Merchant, the daughter-in-law of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. Her lavish wedding to Anant Ambani, featuring elaborate pre-wedding festivities, captured substantial media coverage and public interest throughout the year.
9. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma of Sunrisers Hyderabad made headlines for his phenomenal performance in the IPL 2024 season, notably scoring the fastest 50 for the franchise. His achievement in the domestic circuit further solidified his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket.
10. Lakshya Sen
Rounding out the list is Indian badminton sensation Lakshya Sen, who made history by reaching the semi-finals of the men’s singles event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Although he narrowly missed an Olympic medal, his innovative play, including an impressive behind-the-back shot, earned accolades from sports legends.
This diverse array of personalities showcases the dynamic landscape of India in 2024, blending sports, politics, and entertainment, all of which resonate deeply with Indians across the nation.