A dynamic group of young talent is reshaping Indian entertainment. Bringing fresh energy to both cinemas and major streaming platforms, these self-made stars and legacy actors are quickly rising through the IMDb popularity charts. Here are ten Gen Z Indian actors and actresses who are capturing the attention of audiences and critics alike.
Abhay Verma
Abhay first turned heads as Kalyan in season two of The Family Man (2021), then got his real breakout as the terrified lead in the horror-comedy Munjya (2024), which did strong numbers. Before that he’d taken on tougher, smaller films like Safed (2023) and the biographical drama Ae Watan Mere Watan (2024).
Vedang Raina
Zoya Akhtar plucked Vedang out of modelling to play Reggie in The Archies (2023), and it won him a Filmfare debut award. He followed it with Vasan Bala’s action thriller Jigra (2024) opposite Alia Bhatt, and in 2026 he turned up in Imtiaz Ali’s Partition-era romance Main Vaapas Aaunga.
Suhana Khan
Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter made her debut as Veronica in The Archies (2023). Her bigger test is coming: King (2026), the action thriller where she plays protégé to her father’s assassin. It’s her first theatrical release, and the cast around her is stacked.
Ahaan Panday
After gaining a large digital following, Ahaan Panday made a massive impact with his lead role in the romantic drama Saiyaara. His performance earned him widespread praise for his emotional depth and natural acting style, winning him the Breakout Star title at the IMDb STARmeter Awards.
Shanaya Kapoor
Entering the industry through a massive pan-India project called Vrushabha, Shanaya Kapoor showed great confidence on a grand visual stage. Her poised performance helped her stand out in a complex narrative, positioning her as a versatile new face to watch.
Aneet Padda
Aneet Padda has quickly become a prominent name in Bollywood after starring alongside Ahaan Panday in Saiyaara. She further proved her acting range in the series Big Girls Don’t Cry, and her impressive screen presence secured her an IMDb Breakout Star award and a packed upcoming lineup.
Rasha Thadani
Daughter of actress Raveena Tandon, Rasha Thadani made a highly confident debut in the period drama Azaad. Audiences were instantly charmed by her expressive acting and graceful screen presence, while her dance performances from the film quickly went viral across social media.
Ibrahim Ali Khan
Ibrahim Ali Khan stepped into the spotlight with the lighthearted coming-of-age drama Nadaaniyan. Playing a relatable boy next door, his easy charm and screen freshness instantly made him a favorite among younger viewers, marking him as a highly promising commercial star.
Khushi Kapoor
Following her early work in streaming films, Khushi Kapoor has grown into a major pop culture icon. Known for her distinct style and relatable performances, she has stayed highly relevant on IMDb by balancing streaming projects with high-profile brand roles.
Agastya Nanda
Part of the prominent Bachchan and Nanda legacy, Agastya Nanda continues to build a steady acting career focused on intentional, character-driven work. His grounded screen presence has helped him connect well with modern streaming audiences looking for realistic storytelling.
Aaman Devgan
Aaman Devgan made his formal entry into cinema with a sincere performance in the period drama Azaad. His portrayal of a young character with a deep emotional bond to his horse brought notable warmth and grounded energy to the large-scale movie.
Veer Pahariya
Veer Pahariya chose a high-intensity path for his debut, starring in the patriotic action drama Sky Force. Playing a squadron leader, his mature performance and strong command over intense dramatic scenes earned him significant praise from action cinema fans.
Dev Agasteya
Dev Agasteya delivered a highly memorable breakout performance in the film Nadaaniyan. Sharing screen space with other prominent young actors, his composed dialogue delivery and steady screen presence allowed him to make a distinct impression on viewers.
About the Author
