The year 2025 brought with it a noticeable shift in Hindi cinema, especially when it came to fresh talent. While some debutants arrived backed by famous surnames, others carried the weight of expectations built through television, regional cinema, or sheer hype. Box office results varied sharply, but one thing remained constant: these new faces kept the conversation alive all year. Here’s a closer look at the Hindi acting debuts that defined 2025, for better or worse.
Rasha Thadani
Rasha Thadani’s launch in Azaad, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, may not have translated into box office numbers, but it certainly made her visible. Daughter of Raveena Tandon, Rasha caught attention with her expressive dance moves in Uyi Amma, which went viral across platforms. Praise followed for her screen presence, and she wasted no time lining up her next projects, including Laikey Laikaa with Abhay Verma and a Telugu debut.
Amaan Devgan
Sharing screen space with Rasha in Azaad, Amaan Devgan—Ajay Devgn’s nephew—made his debut with minimal pre-release buzz. The film’s failure dulled early excitement, but industry chatter suggests that Amaan had already secured his second film, a horror-comedy titled Jhalak, even before his debut hit theatres.
Ibrahim Ali Khan
Ibrahim Ali Khan’s debut journey proved to be a bumpy one. Originally meant to debut with Sarzameen, he instead appeared first in Nadaaniyan, which received harsh criticism. Even Sarzameen failed to revive momentum. To his credit, Ibrahim publicly acknowledged his shortcomings and is now looking ahead to upcoming projects like Diler.
Sonam Bajwa
A massive star in Punjabi cinema, Sonam Bajwa finally made her proper Hindi film acting debut in 2025. With Housefull 5, Baaghi 4, and the surprise hit Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, she enjoyed one of the strongest debut years. With Border 2 lined up next, opposite Diljit Dosanjh, her Bollywood journey seems firmly on track.
Veer Pahariya
Veer Pahariya’s entry in Sky Force turned heads instantly. While his viral dance step from Rang dominated social media, the film’s commercial success gave his debut solid footing. Acting alongside Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan, Veer emerged as one of the more talked-about newcomers, with his off-screen life—especially his reported relationship with Tara Sutaria—keeping him in the news.
Ayesha Khan
Though Jaat marked Ayesha Khan’s Hindi film debut, it was her dance number Shararat in Dhurandhar that truly put her in the spotlight. Already familiar to TV audiences and Southern cinema, Ayesha followed up with Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2?, steadily building her Bollywood presence.
Shanaya Kapoor
After multiple stalled projects, Shanaya Kapoor finally debuted with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The film failed to make an impact, but Shanaya remains busy with upcoming titles like Tu Yaa Main and a romcom opposite Abhay Verma.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
The biggest debut story of the year belonged to Saiyaara. Ahaan Panday became an overnight sensation as the film shattered box office records, while Aneet Padda won hearts with her leading debut. Their chemistry became a pop-culture moment, setting both actors on fast-rising career paths.
Harnaaz Sandhu
Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu entered Hindi cinema with Baaghi 4. Though the film underperformed, her action-heavy role and stunt work marked a confident start, adding another dimension to her evolving career.
Whether they arrived with applause or criticism, these debutants ensured 2025 remained a year of constant buzz, proving once again that in Bollywood, the first step is only the beginning.
