The digital film bible, IMDb, has officially released its highly anticipated list of the Most Popular Indian Stars for the year 2025. The ranking, published on December 4, 2025, showcases a dynamic mix of breakthrough newcomers and celebrated veterans who captivated audiences nationwide with their powerful performances.
New Faces Claim the Throne
Topping the prestigious list is young actor Ahaan Panday, who achieved a massive breakthrough with the romantic blockbuster Saiyaara. The film, which earned a staggering approximately Rs 570 crore, propelled him to the number one spot. His co-star from the same film, Aneet Padda, followed closely behind, securing the second position and cementing their status as one of the most talked-about duos of the year.
Proving that star power is timeless, the third place was claimed by the legendary Aamir Khan. His impactful performance in Sitaare Zameen Par contributed to the film's global box office success of around Rs 266 crore. The fourth rank went to Ishaan Thakker, who garnered critical acclaim for his role in Homebound, India's official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards.
Established Stars and Breakthrough Performances
Securing the fifth spot was actor Lakshya, who received widespread praise and awards for his portrayal of Aasman in The Ba***rds of Bollywood. Actress Rashmika Mandanna ranked sixth, maintaining a high profile through a busy slate of films like Chhaava, Thamma, and Girlfriend, alongside public interest in her engagement to fellow star Vijay Deverakonda.
At number seven, Kalyani Priyadarshan held her ground with a prominent role as the female superhero Chandra in the film Lokah. The eighth position was taken by Tripti Dimri, whose visibility soared due to her leading role in Dhadak 2 opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi and the headlines she made by replacing Deepika Padukone in the project Spirit.
The Kantara Phenomenon Enters the Top 10
The most notable story within the list is the entry of the powerhouse duo from the cinematic sensation Kantara. Making her mark at number nine is Rukmini Vasanth, who impressed critics and audiences alike with her versatile performance as Princess Kanakavathi in Kantara Chapter 1.
Rounding out the elite Top 10 is the visionary behind the franchise, Rishab Shetty. Shetty, who not only starred in but also directed the epic, is recognized for elevating the cinematic experience with his grand vision in Kantara Chapter 1. Their inclusion highlights the lasting impact and popularity of the Kantara universe.
The IMDb list for 2025 ultimately reflects a year where compelling storytelling and standout acting forged deep connections with viewers, making these ten artists the most popular Indian stars as decided by the platform's users.
