Kerala, which is called “God’s Own Country,” has a tradition of culture, knowledge, and leadership. In 2025, the state is generating leaders in several areas, including politics, cinema, business, technology, sports, and social services. Their influence is both within the state and also extends to India and several places overseas. Here is our list of the Top 10 Most Influential People of 2025 in Kerala.
1. Pinarayi Vijayan’s Political leadership.
Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan is still the most influential leader in the state. In health, infrastructure, and education, his policies have transformed present-day Kerala. In 2025, his leadership style, welfare programs, which include health care, and his role in the Left Democratic Front (LDF) will see him at the core of Kerala’s political stage.
2. Shashi Tharoor, Kerala’s voice on the global stage.
MP for Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, remains the international spokesperson for Kerala, whose influence crosses the boundaries of Kerala into the world through his speeches, literature, and sustained engagement in political and diplomatic debate. His moderate style of advancing progressive reforms will carry him forward as a strong voice in 2025.
3. Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat) Man of the people.
Sooraj Cherukat, what people know as Hanumankind, has put Kerala’s youth culture on the map. He has mixed hip-hop with elements of Kerala’s own culture, which brought him national and international success. In 2025, he is still at it; his music, which is a hit with the youth, is what is putting a new identity of Kerala out there in the global music scene.
4. Parvathy Thiruvothu, the Voice of Cinema and Change.
Actress Parvathy Thiruvothu is more than an artist; she’s a significant advocate for equality and women’s rights, humanity, and inclusion, which she fulfills when she acts in films and uses tricks in her activism to her advantage, and she more often than not is heard speaking out regarding issues. In 2025, she continues to be a figure of progressive cinema and social change.
5. Saji Cherian, Cultural Ambassador.
As a Minister for Culture and Fisheries in Kerala, Saji Cherian has been a key player in the promotion of art, literature, and cinema in the state. Also in 2025, his initiatives, which included putting on cultural festivals and bringing forward Kerala’s heritage, placed him among the influential figures who form the state’s cultural identity.
6. Riyan Parag Sports for Youth Inspiration.
Though born in Assam, young cricketer Riyan Parag has a connection to Kerala and is very popular among the state’s cricket fans. He is a symbol of the increasing identification of talent from young Indian players.
7. Dr. Devi Shetty, Health Care Visionary.
Though based out of Bengaluru, Dr. Devi Shetty has had a great impact on Kerala’s health care sector. With advanced hospitals and affordable health care initiatives that have a presence in Kerala, he is still the most trusted health care voice in 2025. His vision, which is that of accessible health care, is very much a part of the state’s medical structure.
8. Aishwarya Lekshmi Talent in Malayalam Cinema.
Actress Aishwarya Lekshmi is a mainstay in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. By 2025, she had also secured her place with great roles and powerful performances. She is an inspiration to many up-and-coming artists in the field, which we also see through her on-screen work on social issues, which in turn increases her reach.
9. Lulu Group’s Yusuf Ali- Business Tycoon.
In 2025, Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group International, will put up as an example of Kerala’s entrepreneurial energy. In that year, he is also to be noted for the development of retail and infrastructure projects at home in Kerala, which in turn create jobs and growth. Also, he is to be looked up to for his philanthropy, which in turn is to solidify his place as the preeminent Malayali businessman in the world.
10. Dr. Tessy Thomas, The Indian Missile Queen.
Dr. Tessy Thomas, from the state of Kerala, is a source of pride for her accomplishments as one of India’s leading scientists in missile technology. Her accomplishments at both the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) have brought pride to the collective brain trust of her state.
Conclusion
In 2025, the “who’s who” of Kerala is a “who’s who” of diverse talent, leadership, and vision. Political heavyweights like Pinarayi Vijayan will be in good company with cultural greats like Parvathy Thiruvothu and musical innovators like Hanumankind. Each of these individuals brings a unique skill set to the table in terms of impacting society in a positive way. What is also remarkable is that their influence is not contained within borders. Kerala is a light house of progress, creativity, and leadership in India and beyond.
