The Gen Z takeover of Bollywood isn’t about massy intros or musical montages anymore, it’s about rawness, risk-taking, and redefining what it means to be a leading man. Vivaan Shenoy lists nine actors who are at the front of the movement, showing that you don’t need to be loud to leave a lasting impression.
Vedang Raina
With his smooth debut in The Archies, Vedang stole scenes with throwback charisma and a voice to match. He’s quickly becoming the go-to name for nostalgic rom-coms and Y2K energy, with a Dharma project already in buzz mode. His turn opposite Alia Bhatt in Jigra proves he can hold his own in intense, emotionally charged narratives.
Ahaan Panday
Launched by YRF in Saiyaara, Ahaan’s debut was heartfelt, modern, and strikingly mature. His ability to balance softness with screen presence made him an instant favourite — and a name to track on every casting director’s list.
Adarsh Gourav
With The White Tiger and global gigs under his belt, Adarsh blends raw emotion with sharp instincts. Low-key yet powerful, he’s Gen Z’s quiet disruptor in cinema.
Aditya Rawal
With roles in films like Faraaz and Aar Ya Paar, Aditya is proving that Gen Z audiences want depth. He’s not here to pose, he’s here to perform. Sharp, brooding, and always compelling
Babil Khan
Babil’s debut in Qala showcased a haunting vulnerability that critics and fans couldn’t ignore. As the son of the late Irrfan Khan, he carries both legacy and expectation, but he’s building a path all his own. Thoughtful in interviews, magnetic on screen, and already signed for big-banner projects, Babil is poetry in motion.
Shantanu Maheshwari
He danced his way into our screens and then stole hearts with his soulful debut in Gangubai Kathiawadi. Graceful, grounded, and growing fast.
Sparsh Shrivastava
In Laapata Ladies, Sparsh broke out and displayed what raw, real, and riveting performances are and is now a rising voice of the streets-meet-screen generation.
Rohit Saraf
With charm that never feels forced, Rohit’s roles in Mismatched and The Sky Is Pink have made him Gen Z’s certified soft boy icon.
Ibrahim Ali Khan
Debuting with Nadaaniyan, Ibrahim proved he’s more than just lineage. With old-school charm and a grounded screen presence, he’s bringing back the classic Bollywood hero, with a Gen Z twist.
Why They Matter: This new generation isn’t chasing mass appeal. They’re chasing meaning, modernity, and emotional truth. Each actor on this list is proof that Bollywood’s future is in very, very good hands.
Gen Z isn’t just changing the story, they’re changing the storyteller. And these nine? They’re the face of a new cinematic revolution.