1. Hrithik Roshan – Kaho Na…Pyaar Hai (2000)
Hrithik Roshan’s debut was something that the audience had never seen before. In Kaho Na…Pyaar Hai, his trailblazing performance as Rohit in a double role was a spectacle to say the least. The Greek God physique as the audiences call it, sharp voice and moves that have no competition till date, left the audience spellbound. Hrithik instantly became the nation’s favourite with his unmatched charisma. The crowd back in the 2000s went wild seeing this magically fresh face with dreamy eyes on the big screen.
2. Deepika Padukone – Om Shanti Om (2007)
Deepika Padukone’s Shanti Priya remains a stalwart of performance. Dressed in a shimmering pink saree, her iconic wave at the red carpet with Om Kapoor (Shah Rukh Khan) being captivated by her beauty and the world around them running in slow motion while Ajab Si plays in the background is a scene that will always remain undisputable in the history of Bollywood. It was the highest grossing film of the year that not only launched Deepika into stardom but marked a promising beginning of what it means to be a leading lady in cinema today. Shanti Priya remains a timeless reminder of how legends often begin with a single, unforgettable wave.
3. Imran Khan – Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008)
Abbas Tyrewala’s Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na soon became a cult classic and is celebrated even today for its simplicity and timeless relevance. Imran Khan’s Jai stood out as a gentle and soft-spoken protagonist and defied the hyper masculine and alpha romantic hero trope. Jai isn’t the kind to throw punches to prove his worth, instead he is the one to offer patient understanding and a shoulder to lean on even in the times when he feels humiliated. Imran Khan is remembered for his nuanced portrayal of Jai in the film to date. The iconic soundtrack from the movie acts as the perfect icing. Imran Khan defined what a leading man meant to be – someone who makes love feel healthy, solemn, and safe and in doing so won millions of hearts.
4. Anushka Sharma – Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008)
Anushka Sharma’s Taani is a character dealing with love, loss and self-discovery. Sharing a space with none other than the maestro Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka surely surprised the audience by holding her own with grace and confidence. Hers was a complex character with a fresh face who resonated with many women navigating emotions.
5. Ranveer Singh – Band Baaja Baaraat (2010)
If there’s one thing that Ranveer Singh is remembered by is the unmatched and energetic vibe he brings into any room he walks in. And this very energy and confidence didn’t go unnoticed when he was featured on the silver screen as a Delhi boy in Maneesh Sharma’s Band Baaja Baraat back in 2010. The film, with spectacular camaraderie with Anushka Sharma, iconic hook steps like Ainvayi Ainvayi and witty one liners like Bread pakode ki kasam, established Ranveer as a complete package and his cinematic flair is evident in the performances that followed.
6. Arjun Kapoor – Ishaqzaade (2012)
In his rugged, flawed and eventual vulnerable role as Parma, Arjun Kapoor kickstarted his career in Bollywood on a rather stellar note. The film itself being set amidst hot political family feuds, Arjun embodied the temper and arrogance of Parma very convincingly that won him many praises. Although Arjun’s cinematic journey has seen its share of ups and downs, his performance in Ishaqzaade deserved every bit of applause.
7. Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra – Student Of The Year (2012)
Karan Johar’s students – Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra debuted together, marking a fresh generation of talent in Bollywood back in 2012. The film was more than just a classy college drama. Alia, with her chic and slightly spoilt Shanaya, hinted big at her magnanimous potential. Varun Dhawan’s flamboyant Rohan was a great treat to watch. And of course, Sidharth’s intense Abhimanyu impressed the audience with the maturity he brought in. The trio, despite performing in a shared space, highlighted their individuality only to become three big names in Hindi cinema today.
8. Ahaan Panday – Saiyaara (2025)
And last but definitely not the least – Ahaan Panday. It’s not even been a week since Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara hit the box office, and the film has already entered the 100-crore club in just four days. Ahaan Panday has been at the receiving end of immense love and praise for his intense and raw performance as Krish Kapoor from audiences and critics alike. If his debut is anything to go by, it sets the new star up for some really high expectations for what’s to come.
Also Read: Manish Malhotra Sparks Rumours Of Nysa Devgan’s Bollywood Debut While Kajol Says Otherwise
