2025 was a banner year for pop culture. Between the rise (and quick disappearance?) of the Labubus, KPop Demon Hunters, a host of celebrity engagements and weddings, controversial political moments, and Coldplay cheating scandals, a lot has happened.
But what we as members of the South Asian diaspora can take the most pride in is seeing so many of our own herald change and step into their power over the past year. South Asians have ruled much of pop culture for centuries, that is true, but 2025 was a banner year for them too.
Join SEEMA as we look at five of the South Asian origin figures who defined what culture looked like this year…
Technology and innovation: Bela Bajaria
Our July 2022 SEEMA Magazine cover star, Bela Bajaria, as the chief content officer for Netflix, has helped herald the streamer into a new age. Not only is she defining the content that has captivated audiences worldwide all year long (hello once again, KPop Demon Hunters), but she and the streamer have been at the forefront of the revolution of the world of mass media, especially with their massive acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in December.
Arts and entertainment: Lara Raj
As one of the most popular members of global girl group phenomenon Katseye, at just 20 years old, Lara Raj put it all on the line. On the one hand, in an increasingly hostile political climate, she has dealt with increasing death threats and attacks on her safety as an immigrant. On the other hand, she is one of the most beloved leaders of the new era of the “girl group,” and this year even stood proudly as a member of the South Asian queer community.
Politics: Zohran Mamdani
The face of New York City, Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani brought renewed attention and, more importantly, intrigue to politics. The freshest entrant into the political echelon in decades made history with his election as the Mayor of New York City, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide with his humor, his megawatt smile, his idealistic platform, and, let’s face it, his past as the rapper Mr. Cardamom definitely helps.
Entrepreneurship: Payal Kadakia
Our February 2022 SEEMA Magazine cover star Payal Kadakia is similarly flying on her journey with ClassPass. Over the past year alone, she has solidified her place as the leader of a billion-dollar property. Not only that, she has continued building on her love of art as well, cementing her legacy as a “dance entrepreneur” as well.
Activism: Malala Yousafzai
In the mid 2010s, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai was the name on everyone’s lips. This past year, with the release of her second memoir, Finding My Way, she reminded the world of why. At just 28, she commanded every interview and every public appearance with the same grace and power that she held as a teenager fighting for her right to an education, this time enhancing her message with stories from her life, her experiences, and her deepest emotions.
