Most Powerful Indians : Aamir, SRK, Bhai, Kangana, PC,

The Most Powerful Indians in 2017, 51 to 100: Aamir Khan moves up to 61, Chidambaram at 53

Take a look at The Indian Express power list of 2016-17 not just to see who are the most powerful 100 in this country of a billion plus. Look at it, also, to get a sense of how, over the past year, power has changed hands " and how power itself has changed. To take the second change first, which is also the context in which the first " the movement of the powerful " is to be tracked: More than any other in recent times, the past year has framed and sharpened an absence in India's liberal democratic imagination.

Liberal democracy in India has always seemed ill-trained in the art of separation that produces a check and balance on power, and is also a way of fragmenting it. Democracy in India doesn't ask itself the question, at least not often enough, and not with enough sophistication: What are the bases of different institutions? What are the different kinds of power?

It is in this space of unasked questions that the steep climb and precipitous fall of individuals in the IE power list tells a story, of course.

Large meanings can also be prised from the small shifts.

All those who are on the list are there because of the individuals that they are and because of the institutions and offices that they represent. But the rise in the list of Chief Justice Khehar, from 41 to 4, and the entry of Dipak Misra at 15 and Justice Lodha at 78, owes more to their institution " the judiciary " at a time when other checks and balances on concentrated executive power are waning. How these individuals act on their institutions, steer their course, will determine their ranking in next year's list.

And what about the non-political powerful of 2016-17? Except for the feisty Kangana Ranaut gatecrashing this list of 90 men and 10 women, as she has done Bollywood, in the most powerful and empowering way possible, well, what about them?

The list continues here.

61. Aamir Khan, 52
Actor (Rank 2016: 72)

Why
The 52-year-old actor delivered 2016's biggest hit " Dangal. This wrestling drama, based on a true story, grossed close to Rs 730 crore. The actor also expanded his humanitarian work by forming Paani Foundation, a not-for-profit company, last year to mitigate water crisis in drought-hit areas of Maharashtra.

Power Punch
With the record-breaking earning of Dangal, Khan apparently took home Rs 175 crore as he reportedly takes 33 per cent of his film's profit as remuneration.

What Next
Has a guest appearance in Secret Superstar, which features Dangal girl Zaira Wasim in the lead.

By the way
He is learning Marathi for a new film.

t loves colourful turbans.

84. Shah Rukh Khan, 51
Actor
(Rank 2016: 97)

Why
He has ruled the box office for decades but is under pressure after his ambitious Fan tanked last year and Raees left critics cold. Still, the actor remains a Bollywood powerhouse and a huge crowd-puller.

Power Punch
Netflix signed a long-term agreement with his company, Red Chillies, to showcase his previous as well as upcoming movies.

What Next
He will try to break the mould by playing a tourist guide in Imtiaz Ali's The Ring later this year and a dwarf in Anand Rai's next film.

By the way
Khan does not eat anything between lunch and dinner. He bathes several times in a day.

85. Kangana Ranaut, 30
Actor (New entry)

Why
This three-time National Award winner has remained in the news for her witty retorts and
indomitable spirit, taking on Bollywood's powerful camps. In her very public spat with Hrithik Roshan, she rarely flinched.

Power Punch
Her sharp take on Karan Johar's show about the "movie mafia". Her stand on pay parity ensured she received the same remuneration as her male co-stars in Rangoon.

What Next
Hansal Mehta's Simran and the Ketan Mehta-directed biopic of Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi.

By the way
The irrepressible actor wants to own orchards.

87. Karan Johar, 44
Filmmaker
(Rank 2016: 76)

Why
Labelled anti-national' for casting Pakistan actor Fawad Khan in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, Johar managed to weather all controversies and remains Bollywood's top filmmaker and producer.

Power Punch
His biography, An Unsuitable Boy', helped Johar take control of a media narrative that has frequently speculated about his sexuality.

What Next
A father to twins, born via surrogacy, the filmmaker has said parental duties would be his priority for a while.

By the way
Only takes photos of his left profile. He once described his right profile as his "biggest fear."

89. Salman Khan, 51
Actor
(Rank 2016: 83)

Why
His movies are consistently in the Rs 100-crore club. Sultan, Khan's 2016 release, made over Rs 500 crore worldwide " one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time. He wields influence not only as a star but also as producer and mentor to younger actors such as Arjun Kapoor and Varun Dhawan.

Power Punch
His acquittal in two key cases, the hit-and-run case and then the black buck case.

What Next
Khan will be back in 2017 with the highly anticipated Tubelight, a war drama written and directed by Kabir Khan.

By the way
Khan loves collecting soaps and always keeps a stock of herbal soaps at home.

90. Priyanka Chopra, 34
Actor
(Rank 2016: 98)

Why
She is now India's most international actor. After her 2015 debut in Quantico, she has been unstoppable. The Padma Shri awardee is also promoting regional Indian movies.

Power Punch
Won two consecutive People's Choice Awards for Quantico, defeating names such as Kerry Washington and Oscar-winner Viola Davis.

What Next
The much-talked about Baywatch reboot, scheduled for May, takes her to the beaches of Malibu as its main antagonist.

By the way
If she is stressing over a red carpet appearance, she goes for a burger.