Sher Vancouver has released what it called “a curated list of trailblazing individuals who embody excellence, courage, and social impact across the globe”. And all of these role models trace their roots back to countries in South Asia or diasporic communities. It’s a fitting tribute, given that Sher Vancouver is a Canadian registered charity that supports these communities through arts, cultural, and social service programs that focus on LGBTQ+ and other marginalized members.
“Our Top 15 list is a mirror reflecting the diverse brilliance of South Asians globally,” says Alex Sangha, founder of Sher Vancouver and co-founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival. “These are people breaking barriers, transforming their fields, and lifting up their communities. I’m incredibly proud that Sher Vancouver is uplifting voices that are bold, authentic, and profoundly impactful.”
Sher Vancouver releases the list every five years, highlighting people from all walks of life. This year, the jury of five community leaders selected high-achieving artists, activists, athletes, astronauts, and changemakers who are advancing equity and justice while inspiring global audiences. Sangha and Sundar Prize Film Festival executive director and senior programmer Sidartha Murjani reviewd the final choices.
“There was no shortage of options when choosing influential South Asian role models for this year’s list, ranging from global pop icons to social justice activistsm,” says jury member Rami Kahlon, an actor, director, and writer. “Researching these individuals was like looking in a mirror of possibility—one that reflects back everything that we South Asians can be.”
Another juror, physician and author Ahmad Abdullah, maintains that the process of choosing the list was “an exercise in pride and unity”.
“I was so pleasantly surprised by the strength and diversity of South Asian changemakers, both within South Asia and the diaspora,” he says. “My only wish was to have room for more.”
Top 15 South Asian Role Models for 2025
(Listed alphabetically by first name)
Ali Sethi – Singer, Writer – Pakistani (Punjabi) – USA (New York)
Revived South Asian classical music for modern audiences; “Pasoori” became a global cultural sensation.
Arshad Nadeem – Olympic Athlete – Pakistani (Punjabi) – Pakistan (Mian Channu)
Pakistan’s first World Athletics medalist. Promotes unity, resilience, and sports excellence.
Bilal Baig – Writer, Actor, Showrunner – Pakistani – Canada (Toronto)
Creator of Sort Of, one of the first shows centering a non-binary South Asian character.
Diljit Dosanjh – Singer, Actor – Indian (Punjabi) – India & USA
First Indian to perform at Coachella. Global icon and vocal supporter of farmers’ rights
Karan Soni – Actor – Indian (Gujarati) – USA (Los Angeles)
Hollywood star known for Deadpool and Strange World. Elevates queer South Asian representation.
Laxmi Agarwal – Activist – North Indian (Hindu) – India (Delhi)
Acid attack survivor and leading campaigner against gender-based violence. Inspired Chhapaak.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan – Actor – Tamil (Sri Lankan-Canadian) – Canada (Mississauga)
Star of Never Have I Ever, redefining South Asian teen identity globally.
Payal Kapadia – Filmmaker – Indian (Maharashtrian) – India (Mumbai)
First Indian to win Grand Prix at Cannes (2024). Elevates female voices in cinema.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas – Actor, Producer, Philanthropist – Indian (Bihari & Punjabi) – USA (Los Angeles)
Global superstar and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Amplifies child rights and education.
Rani Ko-HE-Nur (Sushant Divgikar) – Drag Performer, Singer, Activist – Indian (Konkani Hindu) – India (Mumbai)
Queer icon using drag, music, and media to champion LGBTQ+ pride and visibility.
Sabaa Tahir – Author – Pakistani-American – USA (California)
NYT-bestselling author bringing Muslim and South Asian narratives into fantasy literature.
Simone Ashley – Actor – Tamil (Sri Lankan-Indian) – UK (London)
Star of Bridgerton, breaking barriers for Tamil and dark-skinned South Asian women.
Sudheer Rajbhar – Artist, Social Entrepreneur – Indian (Dalit) – India (Mumbai)
Founder of Chamar Studio, reclaiming caste identity through sustainable art and fashion.
Sunita Williams – NASA Astronaut – Indian-American (Gujarati) – USA (Texas)
Trailblazing astronaut and former record-holder for the longest spaceflight by a woman.
Zakia Khudadadi – Paralympian – Afghan (Pashtun) – Resettled in France
Afghanistan’s first female Paralympian; symbol of courage under Taliban rule.
Sher Vancouver is a registered charity based in Metro Vancouver, BC. Founded in 2008, the organization offers arts, culture, and social services programming with a focus on LGBTQ+ South Asians and other marginalized communities. From peer support groups to the Sundar Prize Film Festival, Sher Vancouver aims to build inclusive, supportive spaces where everyone can thrive.
Learn more about the communities that make up Canada on the Toronto Spark website. The Toronto Spark is on Bluesky @torontospark.bsky.social.
