Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Dec 3: IMDb has released its much-anticipated list of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025, with Saiyaara’s young leads, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, claiming the top two spots. For the first time, IMDb also unveiled the Most Popular Indian Directors, where Mohit Suri topped the chart, credited for his breakthrough romance this year.
Ahaan Panday expressed his excitement, saying, “Being ranked No. 1 on the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 list with my first film is a dream come true. This recognition makes me more aware of my responsibility towards my craft and excites me for the journey ahead.”
Aneet Padda added, “It feels surreal to be recognised by IMDb as one of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025. Saiyaara changed my life in ways I am still understanding, and the love audiences across countries and languages have shown for my work is truly humbling. I am deeply grateful to everyone who connected with my character, Vaani.”
The Saiyaara duo also won the IMDb Breakout Star STARmeter Award earlier this year, marking a significant achievement in their budding careers.
IMDb Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025
1. Ahaan Panday – Saiyaara
2. Aneet Padda – Saiyaara
3. Aamir Khan – Sitaare Zameen Par
4. Ishaan Khatter – Homebound
5. Lakshya – Ba****ds of Bollywood
6. Rashmika Mandanna – Chhavva, Sikander, Thama, The Girlfriend
7. Kalyani Priyadarshan – Lokah: Chapter 1
8. Triptii Dimri – Dhadak 2
9. Rukmini Vasanth – Kantara
10. Rishab Shetty – Kantara
Ishaan Khatter and Triptii Dimri are the only performers to return from last year’s list, while Aryan Khan becomes the youngest director to feature in the new directors’ list with his Netflix series Ba****ds of Bollywood.
IMDb Most Popular Indian Directors of 2025
1. Mohit Suri – Saiyaara
2. Aryan Khan – Ba****ds of Bollywood
3. Lokesh Kanagaraj – Coolie
4. Anurag Kashyap – Nishaanchi
5. Prithviraj Sukumaran – L2: Empuraan
6. RS Prasanna – Sitaare Zameen Par
7. Anurag Basu – Metro… In Dino
8. Dominic Arun – Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra
9. Laxman Utekar – Chhaava
10. Neeraj Ghaywan – Homebound
IMDb’s STARmeter rankings are determined by page views and audience searches, reflecting trending popularity rather than critical acclaim or awards. This year’s lists highlight both emerging stars and acclaimed directors, showcasing the growing global appeal of Indian cinema.