The Icon Formula: 3 of the World’s Most Influential South Asians

By: Summer Yasmin

What makes an international icon? There exists a tried and true formula; diversification, vision and inspiration. These three qualities merge to create the persona of an individual that the world will forever remember. 2013 has seen the emergence of such personalities from the often misunderstood region of South Asia. Although vastly different in background, age and experience they all meet upon one common ground; that to make the world a better place. To highlight their individual stories and merge their collective vision is to see a new South Asia. In this, all three have made the rank of 2013’s most influential and iconic personalities.

Amir Khan of Bollywood fame has proven over the past decade that he is much more than a run around trees entertainer for the masses. From his cinematic debut in 1988, to recent he has played every role imaginable and failed at none. On the surface this can be attributed to his skill as an actor but upon further contemplation, whilst listening to the man himself speak of his career, it becomes apparent that Khan’s knack for holding an audience comes from the fact that he has an incredible grasp of the human condition. Powerful, yet sensitive, entertaining yet enlightening, Amir Khan owns many hearts across the globe. In recent years the actor has taken it to the next level by becoming a humanitarian extraordinaire. His talk show Satyamev Jayte, Truth Alone Prevails (aired its first season in 2012) has gained positive reviews from social activiists and media personalities. Khan and his team have told hidden stories, given voice to taboo topics (dowry, sexual and child abuse, untouchability, mistreatment of the elderly, medical malpractice) and provided support and aid for thousands while maintaining the accuracy and credibility of the show. The Hindustan Times said about khan “He is stepping in to do what journalists should be doing – making a difference.” His Hajj trip with his elderly mother in 2012 became a highly publicized event that further reflected Khan’s compassionate and down to earth nature. Time Magazine has included India’s Amir Khan in its top 100 most influential people’s list. He appeared on the September 2012 cover of Time Magazine Asia Edition with the caption “Khan’s Quest – Breaking the Bollywood Mold by Tackling India’s Social Evils.” In short Amir Khan, actor turned humanitarian powerhouse has become the Oprah of South Asia.

Malala Yusafzai is a name that has recently broken through the veil of oppression, stereotypes and ignorance to emerge on Time Magazine’s top 100 Influential People list. She is also the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in history. 15 years young, Yusafzai is about to prove that she is more than just an anti-Taliban poster girl. Malala has bagged a book deal with publishers Weidenfeld and Nicolson in which she will tell her incredible story of surviving an attack by the Taliban where she was shot in the head and shoulder for the crime of going to school and being an out spoken supporter of girl’s education in her native Pakistan. “I hope the book will reach people around the world, so they realize how difficult it is for some children to get access to education. I want to tell my story, but it will also be the story of 61 million children who can’t get education.” To survive such an atrocity is remarkable in itself, but it has been done by others. What makes Yusafzai memorable is the grace, patience, confidence and hope with which she has faced her challenges; inspiring a country that is deep in the folds of a socio-political turmoil to thrive for a better future. Malala’s new found place in the hearts of Pakistani’s and others worldwide was not a pre-meditated effort; she was a victim whose transition into a survivor set an example that many in the world needed to see. What makes Malala important is that she represents many like her. Through her, marginalized girls who have limited access to education, safety and a healthy life have a voice that they otherwise would not get. In her upcoming literary debut, Malala is not only set to tell some hard truths, she also must prove herself as a skilled writer, orator and journalist; quite the feat for a 15 year old girl. Malala Yusafzai, victim turned literary entrepreneur is as inspiring as she is aspiring.

Imran Khan, legendary sportsman turned politician has made history, even though he did not win the 2013 elections in Pakistan. Pakistan’s affair with Imran Khan is decades old even before he led the county’s cricket team to its world cup championship in 1992. Cricket is to Pakistan what football is to the USA; a cumulative heart beat that keeps the nation upbeat. So it’s not surprising that many Pakistanis associate Imran Khan with victory, resilience, and good memories past. His philanthropic endeavors include being the founding chairman of the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Center. He also established the Namal College, Mianwali in 1998. The Asia Society voted Imran Khan as Asia’s person of the year in 2012, the same year in which he also graced the cover of Time Magazine. Khan has cunningly extrapolated this to become a powerful, political force. He has yet to establish himself as a seasoned political leader in Pakistan as seen by this year’s election results, yet Imran Khan’s running undoubtedly changed the climate of the 2013 presidential elections in Pakistan. For a first time candidate, Khan did remarkably well, winning a solid number of seats for his party in the government. It is also said that Imran Khan was the main reason for the large youth vote that was witnessed this year. “The educated class is awake, for the first time Pakistan has risen.”, said Khan pre-election. Political agendas aside, Imran Khan has a way of motivating and arising a dormant society; a residual affect from his cricket days when millions of Pakistanis shared his success. Oxford educated and Pakistan bred, Khan seems to have a unique persona, very different to that of other politicians and celebrities in South Asia. His appeal is mass and universal, setting the stage for long term change in Pakistan.

Amir Khan, Malala Yousafzai and Imran Khan are three South Asians that have touched and influenced the world in a dramatic way. On first glance they don’t seem to have much in common but these three are linked by the icon formula. All three started far from where they are today in very different professions and circumstances. The actor, the sportsman and the village school girl have all become major figures on the socio political map due to their ability to use their past and make it the future for many. They are multitalented, diverse and versatile. They also have the talent to develop their life lessons into a vision for their country and an inspiration for the world over. All three are “doers” as much as they are “talkers”. It is this combination of enduring qualities that has made these three South Asians international icons.