New Year Watchlist: Young Bollywood actors expected to rise higher after their 2025 breakout roles

2025 proved to be a breakout year for a new generation of Bollywood talent. With fearless choices, emotionally rich performances, and a clear hunger to push boundaries, these young actors didn’t just arrive - they announced themselves. From intense indie dramas to mainstream crowd-pullers, they left a lasting impression and set the stage for exciting futures ahead. As they move forward, one thing is certain - the future of Hindi cinema is in confident, capable hands.

Here are the young Bollywood actors we’re most excited to see more of after their standout run in 2025:

Ahaan Panday - 'Saiyaara'

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Ahaan Panday emerged as one of the most talked-about newcomers of the year with Saiyaara. His effortless screen presence and emotional sincerity made his performance feel refreshingly real. Ahaan showed promise not just as a leading man but as an actor willing to embrace vulnerability, making his debut one that audiences and filmmakers alike took notice of.

Vishal Jethwa - 'Homebound'

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In Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s contender in the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars, Vishal Jethwa gives a performance that speaks softly yet leaves a deep impact. As Chandan Kumar Valmiki, a young man grappling with the harsh realities of caste discrimination, brings a quiet intensity to the role. Without relying on heavy dialogue or dramatic flourishes, Vishal lets his eyes, controlled body language, and subtle shifts in emotion convey the depth of his character’s pain and resilience.

Aneet Pada - 'Saiyaara'

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Aneet Pada impressed with her nuanced and emotionally grounded performance in 'Saiyaara.' She brought warmth, restraint, and authenticity to her role, proving that subtlety can be just as impactful as high drama. With her natural screen presence and quiet confidence, Aneet is clearly an actor to watch.

Junaid Khan - 'Loveyapa'

With 'Loveyapa', Junaid Khan showed a refreshing ease and honesty that set him apart. His performance felt organic and relatable, reflecting a strong grasp of character and emotional timing. 2025 marked a significant step forward for Junaid, positioning him as a performer with depth and long-term potential.

Babil Khan - 'Logout'

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Babil Khan continued to carve his own path with Logout, delivering a performance filled with sensitivity and emotional intelligence. His ability to convey inner conflict and vulnerability without theatrics made his work deeply resonant. Babil’s choices reflect a clear artistic voice, and his growth as an actor is exciting to witness.

Aaishvary Thackeray - 'Nishaanchi 1 & 2'

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Aaishvary Thackeray had a breakout year with Nishaanchi 1 & 2 in a double role, establishing himself as a strong new force. With commanding screen presence, action credibility, and surprising emotional depth, he anchored the franchise with confidence. His performances signalled the arrival of an actor built for scale, substance, and longevity.

Agastya Nanda - 'Ikkis'

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Agastya Nanda made a steady and confident impression in Ikkis as India's youngest Param Vir Chakra awardee - Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. His performance reflected growth, discipline, and an increasing comfort with layered storytelling. Avoiding flashy choices, Agastya focused on honesty and control, hinting at a promising evolution as a performer in the years to come.

Zahan Kapoor - 'Black Warrant'

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Zahan Kapoor stood out in Black Warrant with his intense, controlled performance of a rookie jailer Sunil Gupta. Bringing depth and complexity to a gritty narrative, he showcased an old-school seriousness paired with modern sensibility. Zahan’s work in 2025 firmly established him as a thinking actor drawn to challenging material.

Anya Singh - 'Bads of Bollywood'

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Anya Singh brought charm, confidence, and a fresh spark to Bads of Bollywood as talent manager Sanya in Aryan Khan's directorial debut. Her screen presence was lively yet grounded, making her performance both entertaining and relatable. With her infectious energy and growing range, Anya proved she has the makings of a versatile mainstream performer.

Tanya Maniktala - 'Loot Kaand'

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Tanya Maniktala delivered a strong, composed performance in 'Loot Kaand', showcasing emotional maturity and narrative control. She continues to impress with her ability to anchor complex stories with grace and restraint. Tanya’s consistency and thoughtful role choices make her one of the most dependable young actors today.

Monika Panwar - ' Khauf ' & 'Nishaanch 1 & 2'

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Monika Panwar had a standout year across genres with 'Khauf' and 'Nishaanchi 1 & 2.' Whether portraying fear, resilience, or strength, she brought authenticity and emotional conviction to each role. Her versatility and fearless performances firmly place her among the most exciting talents of her generation.