Presenting the year’s Top 50 Influentials, DNA’s annual list of movers and shakers. It was an eventful year, and while some people have dropped off the list since July 2011, others continue to be on it as their influence is pervasive. There are people who made news silently, and others who were more vocal. The best example of the former is the man who tops the list this year, standing by his principles and steering the country through a period of financial turmoil.

Bhai Jaan
They call him the ‘real hero’ of Bollywood. And every time Salman Khan appears bare-chested on screen to bash up the baddies or woo his lady love, the crowds go berserk. Though he is as mainstream as they come, the actor’s appeal cuts across class distinctions. Almost every film the brawny actor stars in is known to do record-breaking business. Khan is also known for his various philanthropic activities and has changed a few lives for the better through his Being Human Foundation.

Jury verdict
Through Wanted and Dabangg he revived the mass entertainer almost single-handedly. He does a lot for charity and is a strong symbol of secularism, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaratri.

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