The digital entertainment landscape has a new set of rulers. In a stunning announcement that has set social media abuzz, IMDb has revealed its highly anticipated list of the most popular Indian actors for the year 2025. Topping the prestigious chart are the fresh faces from the recent cinematic hit, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, collectively known as the 'Saiyaara' duo.
The Reigning Champions of Popularity
IMDb, the world's most authoritative source for movie, TV, and celebrity content, bases its annual popularity rankings on the actual page views of its massive user base. This data-driven approach makes the list a genuine reflection of audience interest and star power. For 2025, the platform has crowned Ahaan Panday as the most popular Indian actor, with his co-star Aneet Padda securing the number two spot. Their meteoric rise is directly attributed to the phenomenal success and audience love garnered by their film, 'Saiyaara'.
The film, which marked a significant entry for both actors, clearly resonated deeply with viewers, translating into immense curiosity and fan following on the IMDb platform. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it showcases the power of a breakthrough performance in catapulting new talent to the forefront of national recognition, bypassing many established names in the industry.
A Look at the Top Ten Contenders
While the 'Saiyaara' pair dominated the top, the list featured a dynamic mix of established superstars and rising phenoms. Securing the third position on the list is the ever-charming Vicky Kaushal, whose consistent choice of powerful roles keeps him firmly in the public eye. He is followed closely by the versatile and critically acclaimed Alia Bhatt at number four, proving her enduring appeal.
The fifth spot is held by the powerhouse performer Vijay Sethupathi, whose pan-Indian appeal continues to grow. The list continues with the following stars, rounding out the top ten most popular Indian actors on IMDb for 2025:
- Ahaan Panday
- Aneet Padda
- Vicky Kaushal
- Alia Bhatt
- Vijay Sethupathi
- Kiara Advani
- Shah Rukh Khan
- Pankaj Tripathi
- Yami Gautam
- Rajkummar Rao
This ranking highlights a fascinating trend where exceptional talent and content-driven popularity can rival and even surpass traditional star power. The presence of actors like Pankaj Tripathi and Rajkummar Rao underscores the audience's growing appreciation for formidable acting skills over mere glamour.
What This Means for Bollywood's Future
The crowning of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda is more than just a personal milestone; it signals a shifting paradigm in Indian cinema. The IMDb list acts as a real-time pulse of audience sentiment. The fact that two relative newcomers can top a list featuring legends like Shah Rukh Khan indicates that the audience is eagerly embracing new narratives and fresh faces.
This list serves as a powerful validation for filmmakers and actors betting on strong scripts and authentic performances. It proves that in today's digital age, connectivity with the audience through compelling stories is the ultimate key to popularity. The success of 'Saiyaara' and its leads demonstrates that the pathway to stardom is now more accessible for those who can genuinely engage the viewer's heart and mind.
For the industry, this is a clear message: the future belongs to a blend of talent, strategic role selection, and the ability to create a direct impact on the digital-savvy audience. As fans celebrate their favourite stars, all eyes will now be on Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda to see how they leverage this incredible wave of popularity in their future projects.
