IMDb has unveiled its list of the most popular Indian stars of 2025, and in a major shake-up, two newcomers have surpassed some of the country’s biggest names. The global popularity chart, based on search trends and page visits through the year, places debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda at the very top, ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rajinikanth, and Ranbir Kapoor.
The reason behind the upset is the runaway success of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, which turned its young lead pair into overnight sensations.
Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda take top spots
The IMDb list ranks Ahaan Panday as the most popular Indian star of 2025, with his co-star Aneet Padda taking the second spot. Aamir Khan, who returned with the well-received Sitaare Zameen Par, follows them.
Several fresh names also feature in the top 10. Lakshya finds a place after his breakthrough in the web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, while Kalyani Priyadarshan enters the chart following the Malayalam hit Lokah Chapter One.
The list also includes Ishaan Khatter, Rashmika Mandanna, Triptii Dimri, and Kantara Chapter One duo Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth.
Actors' reaction to the honour
The rankings are based on page views from more than 250 million IMDb visitors worldwide.
Reacting to the recognition, Ahaan Panday said, “This is deeply humbling for me. 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. But truly, if anything, 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 Padda expressed similar gratitude. “Being recognised by IMDb as one of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 still feels a little unreal. Saiyaara changed my life in ways I am only beginning to understand, and to know that people across countries and languages connected with my work means more to me than I can explain. I am deeply grateful to everyone who found something to love in Vaani. Your warmth has made this moment possible for me.”
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The Saiyaara wave
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara has emerged as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, earning over ₹580 crore worldwide. It now holds the record for the highest-grossing Bollywood romantic film and the highest-grossing Indian film led by newcomers.
The film’s success has propelled both actors into the limelight. Ahaan has signed an action film with Ali Abbas Zafar, while Aneet is set to appear in Maddock Films’ horror comedy Shakti Shalini. The two now command large and rapidly growing fan bases.
