12. Mukesh Ambani, 52
Chairman, Reliance Industries
Why
He is the richest man in India. As promoter, chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, India’s largest private sector company in terms of revenue, net profit and market capitalisation, Mukesh Ambani holds immense influence. The group’s mega-refinery complex has started operations. Its oil block in the Krishna-Godavari basin is ready to produce gas for commercial use.
Power punch
He expanded the group vigorously and kept the lead after the split with his brother. He bought Mumbai Indians at the IPL last year.
What next
Some of his new projects in the gas and refining sectors are getting commissioned in 2009. His proposed special economic zone near Mumbai is also expected to take shape in the next two years.

13. Nitish Kumar, 58
Bihar Chief Minister
Why
He came into prominence during the JP movement in the 1970s. He put an end to Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 15-year rule in Bihar, directly and by proxy, in the Assembly elections of November 2005. He also rubbished Yadav’s claim that he would rule the state for at least 20 years.
Power punch
In the three years of his rule, Kumar has begun to turn around a state that has long languished at the bottom of the heap in key development indicators. And despite heading a coalition government with the BJP, Kumar remains a favourite with the “secular” camp.
What next
His first major challenge would be to substantially reduce the number of RJD MPs in the next Lok Sabha and to retain power when the state goes to polls in 2010. But his real challenge is to sustain the momentum of change.

... contd.