The Most Famous Malayali in the World, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Malayali you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 8, 2024 07:11

Globally, individuals from Kerala, known as Malayalis, have made significant contributions across various fields such as arts, sciences, and politics, impacting both their homeland and the world at large. The stories of these influential figures inspire pride and a sense of connection among Malayalis everywhere. Recognizing them helps celebrate their achievements and maintain cultural heritage. By participating in this dynamic voting system, you contribute to acknowledging those who have made immense contributions and shaped the global perception of Kerala. Your votes help highlight noteworthy Malayalis, giving recognition where it's due and possibly influencing new generations of achievers. Study the list, share your opinions, and see how others have voted!

Who Is the Most Famous Malayali in the World?

1

67
votes
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

He was the 11th President of India and is widely regarded as the "People's President". He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, but his father had roots in Kerala. He was a scientist and played a key role in India's missile development program. He was also a great advocate for education and youth empowerment.
Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous doctor in India
2

48
votes
Bollywood Hungama · CC BY 3.0

M. Night Shyamalan

He is a renowned Hollywood filmmaker known for his suspenseful and twist-filled movies. He was born in Mahé, Puducherry, but his parents are Malayalis. His notable works include "The Sixth Sense", "Split" and "Unbreakable".
M. Night Shyamalan in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Malayali in the world
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular MJ
3

14
votes
Thejas Panarkandy from India · CC BY-SA 2.0

Resul Pookutty

He is an Academy Award-winning sound designer and mixer. He won the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing for the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". He has worked on many Indian and Hollywood movies, including "Ghajini", "Ra.One" and "The Bourne Ultimatum".
Resul Pookutty in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular Malayali in the world
4

13
votes
Bollywood Hungama · CC BY 3.0

Vidya Balan

She is a popular Bollywood actress known for her versatile acting skills. She has won several awards, including the National Film Award and the Filmfare Award. She has acted in many critically acclaimed movies, such as "Kahaani", "The Dirty Picture" and "Tumhari Sulu".
Vidya Balan in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Malayali in the world
5

17
votes

Sashi Tharoor

He is a politician, author, and former international civil servant. He is currently a Member of Parliament in India and has held various positions in the United Nations. He is a prolific writer and has written several books, including "The Great Indian Novel" and "Why I Am A Hindu".
6

11
votes
Markgoff2972 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ravi Shankar

He was an Indian sitar player and composer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. He was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, but his mother was a Bengali Brahmo and his father was a Bengali Brahmin from Kerala. He collaborated with many Western musicians, including George Harrison and Philip Glass.
Ravi Shankar in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Sitar player
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Karnataka
- Position 9 of 10 in Most talented person in India
7

10
votes

Julien Morvan · CC BY-SA 4.0

Sanjay Subrahmanyam

He is a historian and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is known for his work on the history of South Asia and the Indian Ocean world. He has won several awards, including the Dan David Prize and the Infosys Prize.
8

8
votes

Ten Sports · CC BY 3.0

P. V. Sindhu

She is a badminton player who has won many accolades for India, including a silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She is the first Indian woman to win an Olympic silver medal and has also won several other major tournaments, including the BWF World Championships.
9

10
votes
Joseph JoyC · CC BY 2.0

Rahul Dravid

He is a former cricketer who is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of the sport. He has scored over 10,000 runs in both Test and One Day International cricket and has also captained the Indian cricket team. He is currently the Director of Cricket Operations at the National Cricket Academy in India.
Rahul Dravid in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person in Karnataka
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous cricket player in India
10

3
votes
Bollywood Hungama · CC BY 3.0

Shashi Kapoor

He was a legendary Bollywood actor who appeared in over 150 movies. He was born in Calcutta, but his father was a Prithviraj Kapoor, a famous actor and director from Peshawar, now in Pakistan. He won several awards, including the National Film Award and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shashi Kapoor in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Kapoor

Missing your favorite Malayali?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous Malayali

1) Achievements

Look at the individual's accomplishments and achievements in their field of work, whether it be in sports, entertainment, business, literature, politics, or any other area.
2) Popularity

Consider the individual's popularity among the masses. This can be measured by factors such as social media following, fan base, public events attendance, and media coverage.
3) Contribution

Analyze the individual's contribution to society through their work, philanthropic activities, and social initiatives.
4) Global recognition

Consider the individual's recognition and representation on a global scale through their international achievements, honors, and awards.
5) Impact

Look at the individual's impact and influence on the Malayali community and the world at large. This can be measured by how their work inspires and affects others positively.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Malayali in the world. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Malayalee is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1908 views
204 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Malayalee once every 24 hours. The rank of each Malayalee is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous malayali in the world

Kerala, a state located in the southwestern region of India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush green forests, and beautiful backwaters. Malayalis, people hailing from Kerala, are known for their intellect, creativity, and hardworking nature. Over the years, Malayalis have made a significant impact on various fields such as literature, sports, entertainment, and politics. In this article, we will delve into the world of Malayalis and explore who is the most famous Malayali in the world. From Nobel laureates to popular actors, there are many notable Malayalis who have made a mark in the world. So, let's take a look at some of the most famous Malayalis who have earned global recognition for their exceptional contributions.