Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jan 16: As actor Sidharth Malhotra celebrates his birthday, it is an apt moment to look back at the films that played a key role in shaping his career in Bollywood and establishing him as a versatile performer.
Sidharth made his big Bollywood debut with Karan Johar’s Student of the Year, where he stepped into the limelight as Abhimanyu Singh. With his confidence, screen presence and youthful charm, he made an instant impression. The campus drama, which also launched Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, marked the beginning of Sidharth’s journey in mainstream Hindi cinema and positioned him as a promising new face.
He broke away from his ‘chocolate boy’ image with Ek Villain, delivering a darker and more intense performance as Guru, a man consumed by grief and revenge. The film’s emotional narrative and strong box office run significantly expanded his appeal among audiences. Co-starring Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh, Ek Villain emerged as a major turning point in his career.
In Hasee Toh Phasee, Sidharth revealed a gentler, more vulnerable side by playing Nikhil, a confused yet well-meaning man torn between love and responsibility. His chemistry with Parineeti Chopra added warmth and relatability to the romantic comedy. The role earned him appreciation for stepping away from typical heroic portrayals and exploring emotional depth and humour.
One of the most defining moments of his career came with Shershaah, where Sidharth portrayed Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra. His disciplined, emotionally grounded and respectful performance was widely praised by audiences and critics alike. The film highlighted his physical transformation and emotional maturity, firmly establishing him as an actor capable of leading meaningful, content-driven cinema.
Sidharth also delivered a mature and restrained performance in the ensemble family drama Kapoor and Sons. As Arjun Kapoor, he captured sibling rivalry, emotional conflict and quiet yearning with subtlety. Sharing screen space with Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, Sidharth’s portrayal resonated strongly and further reinforced his credibility as a serious performer.
From a glamorous debut to intense, emotionally layered roles, Sidharth Malhotra’s filmography reflects steady growth and versatility, making his journey one worth revisiting on his special day.