The IMDb popularity of Bollywood newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has surged after their debut in the romantic drama Saiyaara. Both actors now hold the No. 1 and No. 2 positions on IMDb’s “Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025” list, reflecting growing audience recognition and international appeal. The film’s director, Mohit Suri, also leads the newly launched IMDb ranking for Most Popular Indian Directors, showcasing the combined impact of strong direction and breakout performances.
Breakout Performances and Digital Recognition
In Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda delivered performances praised for their chemistry, emotive depth, and engaging screen presence. The movie’s storytelling, music, and direction played pivotal roles in driving their popularity. Both actors had earlier received IMDb’s “Breakout Star” awards, which predicted their rapid rise in visibility and fan following.
The success of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda IMDb popularity rankings illustrates how digital metrics, streaming engagement, and social media buzz now complement traditional box office indicators in evaluating a star’s impact.
Significance for Bollywood and New Talent
The achievement of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is a historic moment for Bollywood newcomers. It proves that fresh faces can gain major acclaim and international recognition quickly, particularly when supported by strong films and global platforms like IMDb. Analysts note this may encourage production houses to invest in debut actors, recognizing the influence of global streaming and audience interaction in career trajectories.
Mohit Suri, topping the Most Popular Indian Directors list, underscores how effective direction can amplify the visibility and popularity of emerging stars.
Global Reach and Career Prospects
The rising IMDb popularity of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is opening doors to international opportunities. Both actors are expected to participate in high-profile projects in 2026, signaling a shift in Bollywood where new talent is rapidly propelled to prominence through audience-driven metrics and digital engagement.
Their ascent highlights a new era in Indian cinema, demonstrating that talent, social media presence, and platform visibility are key drivers of recognition beyond national borders.
Source: Variety
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