2025 redefined stardom with trailblazers who shattered expectations — from rejecting massive OTT deals to spark cultural revolutions, dominating box offices, to reviving TV legends. These newsmakers didn’t just make headlines; they reshaped industries, proving that true impact comes from bold choices and unapologetic authenticity.
Aamir Khan
Aamir Khan delivered a powerful year with Sitaare Zameen Par, a moving sports drama that sensitively portrayed the lives of specially-abled children and introduced 10 debutants. Choosing cinema over convenience, he made headlines by reportedly turning down a ₹120 crore OTT deal, later opting for a YouTube-first release to support theatres. He also made a rare cameo in Coolie, released in August 2025. Adding to the excitement, Aamir Khan Productions announced the spy-comedy Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, directed by Vir Das, alongside other upcoming projects.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone expanded far beyond the set in 2025. As an LVMH Prize 2025 jury member, she entered global fashion’s inner circle. Appointed India’s first Mental Health Ambassador, she formalised years of advocacy, spotlighting stigma, work-life balance and integrating yoga and meditation into holistic mental healthcare nationwide. This was the year she triggered one of the most important conversations Indian film industry has had in recent times: the debate on work-life balance. What began as a simple acknowledgment of prioritising personal well-being spiralled into a nationwide discourse. Directors, actors, producers, studio heads, and audiences—everyone found themselves weighing in. It wasn’t just chatter; it was a cultural recalibration. Only Deepika Padukone could turn a personal choice into an industry-wide reflection.
Yami Gautam
Yami Gautam had an exceptionally successful year with the release of the courtroom drama Haq in November 2025, where she portrayed a role inspired by the landmark Shah Bano case. Earlier, she appeared in the OTT original film Dhoom Dhaam, released on February 14, 2025. Both projects performed exceptionally well, marking another strong year for her where she was hailed by critics and audience alike as national award win-worthy performer, emerging as the finest actress of this generation with her impactful performance. As a newsmaker, Yami Gautam recently spoke out against the Bollywood trend of “paid hype” and “extortion” where individuals pay for positive reviews or face negative campaigns, calling it a threat to honest cinema and it became the most talked about news coming from the biggest star of Bollywood.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh delivered the year’s biggest success with Dhurandhar, which released on December 5, and continues its record-breaking run at the box office. The film reaffirmed his enduring stardom and showcased his unmatched range. With Dhurandhar 2 on the cards, Ranveer proved why he is the finest actor of his generation. Beyond cinema, Ranveer expanded his entrepreneurial footprint with SuperYou and by launching premium spirits brands, while lining up several highly anticipated projects ahead. Most importantly, Ranveer has broken all records like a domino-effect – from National records to oversees records, everything has ‘historic’ written over it where Ranveer Singh gets mentioned this year.
Harshvardhan Rane
Harshvardhan Rane grabbed headlines this year after Sanam Teri Kasam was re-released during Valentine’s week and went on to collect around ₹50 crore, becoming the highest-grossing re-release of 2025. He also drew attention for balancing acting with academics, pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology (Honours). Adding to his strong year, his new film Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat released in theatres to a very positive response.
Smriti Irani
Smriti Irani made a historic comeback to Indian television as she resurrected a show that created legacy 25 years ago as Tulsi in 2025, returning in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The legend become one of TV’s highest-paid stars and not just that, she created a cultural moment that brought people from all age groups to the Indian Tv screens with record viewing. Parallelly, she amplified her global gender-equity advocacy, won major leadership awards, stayed a key political voice who is bringing impact, and dominated policy, media and summit conversations. With conversations hitting gender discourse, issues related to youth, women and mothers coming to every household over India’s biggest show, Smriti delivered what she promised in policy and politics, to entertainment as well which was unprecedented.
Aditya Dhar
Aditya Dhar delivered a massive success with Dhurandhar, which stormed the box office, collecting around ₹500 crore and continuing its strong theatrical run. Celebrated for its sharp writing and confident storytelling, the film showcased Dhar’s evolved direction and command over scale, firmly establishing him as one of the most impactful filmmakers of the year.
Aryan Khan
Aryan Khan took the nation by storm with his debut directorial series The Ba*ds of Bollywood on Netflix. Praised for its gripping storyline, powerful climax, slick direction, casting, and music, the show broke records and trended for weeks. It also entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English shows, cementing Aryan’s status as one of the most talked-about celebrities of the year.
Emraan Hashmi
Emraan Hashmi had a notable year with diverse projects across films and web series. He starred in the action-thriller Ground Zero, released in April 2025, playing a BSF Deputy Commandant inspired by a real-life operation. In November, his courtroom drama Haq released alongside Yami Gautam. Emraan also made a special cameo in Aryan Khan’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood, which went viral, with audiences celebrating him as the classic hero they love.
As 2025 curtains close, these visionaries leave a legacy of disruption and dominance, setting the stage for even bigger spectacles ahead. From record-shattering screens to worldwide conversations, their moves signal a thrilling new era in entertainment—watch this space for the next chapter.