Hold onto your popcorn, Bollywood fans! The year is 2025, and the reigning monarchs of Indian cinema have been dethroned! This year's most popular stars, according to IMDb, aren't the usual suspects like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, or even the legendary Rajinikanth. Instead, two fresh faces have stolen the spotlight.
IMDb, the go-to source for all things movies, released its list of the most popular Indian stars of 2025, and the results are nothing short of shocking. The rankings are based on the number of searches and the overall buzz generated throughout the year. The biggest surprise? Two newcomers have soared to the top, leaving established superstars in their wake.
The catalyst for this seismic shift? The phenomenal success of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. This film catapulted its leads, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, to instant stardom.
Here's the breakdown of the top 10:
- Ahaan Panday
- Aneet Padda
- Aamir Khan
- Lakshya
- Kalyani Priyadarshan
- Rishab Shetty
- Rukmini Vasanth
- Ishaan Khatter
- Rashmika Mandanna
- Triptii Dimri
The list is compiled based on the page visits of over 250 million visitors on the IMDb site globally this year.
What's the secret to their success?
Ahaan and Aneet, the stars of Saiyaara, are riding high on the film's massive success. The movie has grossed over ₹580 crore worldwide, breaking records for a Bollywood romantic film and an Indian film starring newcomers.
Ahaan, now the most popular actor in India according to IMDb, said, “This is deeply humbling for me... this recognition makes me a little more aware of the responsibility I have towards my craft, and at the same time, it excites me for what’s to come.”
Aneet added, “Being recognised by IMDb as one of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 still feels a little unreal... I am deeply grateful to everyone who found something to love in Vaani. Your warmth has made this moment possible for me.”
But here's where it gets controversial...
The film's success has not only launched Ahaan and Aneet into the stratosphere but also sparked a debate about the future of Bollywood. Are we witnessing a changing of the guard? Will established stars be able to maintain their dominance?
Ahaan has already signed an action film with Ali Abbas Zafar, while Aneet will star in Maddock’s horror comedy Shakti Shalini. Both actors have already cultivated a large and dedicated fan base.
What do you think?
Are you surprised by this list? Do you think the rise of these newcomers marks a significant shift in Bollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
