2 Newcomers Beat Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth To Become IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Stars Of 2025
IMDb has unveiled its list of the most popular Indian stars of 2025. Two newcomers have claimed the top spots.
In a stunning upset that signalled a changing of the guard in Bollywood, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has unveiled its list of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025. Defeating industry titans like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth, and Ranbir Kapoor, debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have claimed the top two spots. The primary reason for this shift is the colossal success of Mohit Suri’s romantic drama ‘Saiyaara’. The film, which was released in July 2025, catapulted its lead pair to overnight stardom.
According to the list, which is determined by the page visits of over 250 million unique visitors to IMDb globally, Ahaan Panday clinched the top spot, followed by Aneet Padda in the second rank. Then came Aamir Khan, who enjoyed a successful year with ‘Sitaare Zameen Par’.
The 2025 list is heavily influenced by breakout performances. Following the top three are:
Lakshya: Gained popularity for the web series ‘The Ba***ds Of Bollywood’.
Kalyani Priyadarshan: Recognized for the Malayalam blockbuster ‘Lokah Chapter One’.
Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth: Both featured for their roles in ‘Kantara Chapter One’.
Rounding out the list are Ishaan Khatter, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri.
Reacting to the honour, Ahaan Panday expressed deep gratitude. “To be ranked No. 1 on the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 list with my first film is nothing short of a dream come true and a full circle Paulo Coelho moment,” he said. He added that the recognition makes him more aware of his responsibility towards his craft.
His co-star Aneet Padda shared similar sentiments, calling the moment “unreal.” She said, “Saiyaara changed my life in ways I am only beginning to understand... I am deeply grateful to everyone who found something to love in Vaani (her character).”
‘Saiyaara’ has not only won hearts but also shattered records. With a worldwide gross of over Rs 580 crore, it has become the highest-grossing Bollywood romantic film and the highest-grossing Indian film starring newcomers.
Capitalizing on this success, both actors have lined up major projects: Ahaan Panday has signed an action film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Aneet Padda will next be seen in Maddock Films’ horror-comedy ‘Shakti Shalini’.
