Bollywood’s gen-next is ready to step out from the wings, and take centre-stage, on and off camera! The year 2025 will see a host of star kids making their screen debut, with some also getting their first theatrical outing.
Rasha Thadani, daughter of actor Raveena Tandon and film producer Anil Thadani, is making her debut opposite Ajay Devgn’s nephew Aaman Devgn in Azaad. The 19-year-old already seems to be turning heads, with industry pundits giving her a nod of approval. Even though her song ‘Uyi Amma’ opened to mixed reactions given its suggestive lyrics, the consensus is that Rasha has what it takes.
“Rasha is promising, I like her confidence and the fact she has a very Indian face, which will be liked by the audience. She also dances and emotes well,” says film critic Joginder Tuteja. Trade analyst Girsh Wankhede, impressed with Rasha’s camera presence, says “Such early exposure can be instrumental in building a rapport with the audience and establishing her as a recognizable face.”
However, he adds that navigating the industry’s tumultuous waves can be challenging, and mentorship is crucial. “Rasha’s parents Raveena and Anil Thadani, can provide her with invaluable mentorship. Their experience and guidance can help her navigate the complexities of the film industry, allowing her to make informed choices. This mentorship can be crucial in a landscape where the right roles can significantly elevate an actor’s career.”
Another chip of the old block is Shahrukh Khan’s son Aryan, who is all set to make his directorial debut. The star kid, who focuses his lens on an ambitious outsider’s journey in Bollywood’s tricky world, didn’t have to look beyond dad Shahrukh’s phenomenal progress. “The industry is looking forward to his series, as whatever glimpses we have seen are promising. Also, it’s about the film industry, so it looks like he has managed to get the pulse of the people,” says Tuteja.
Aamir Khan’s son Junaid won appreciation for his performance in Maharaj in 2024, and is not resting on his laurels, “I have a long way to go,” he says. Khushi Kapoor, who made her debut in 2023 with Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, has two theatrical releases in 2025. Apart from Loveyapa, she plays leading lady to Ibrahim Ali Khan in Sarzameen.
Saif Ali Khan’s son Ibrahim makes the transition from assistant director on Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani to actor in Dharma’s next. His sister Sara Ali Khan says, “All I can tell Ibrahim is to embrace this journey that will have highs and lows. It will be his own and he will need to learn and live it.”
Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya Nanda impressed as Archie Andrews in the musical The Archies. The 24-year-old is now leading Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikees, set against the backdrop of the 1971 war. “It is a very sensible move. A director like S Raghavan, and a subject with emotions running high, will give Agaysta tremendous scope for performance,” says a publicist.
Making her debut opposite Agastya is Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar Bhatia. After her debut film was shelved, Sanjay Kapoor’s daughter Shanaya had a two-year-long wait before signing a film. The actor is currently shooting for Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey.
Even though cynics are quick to call out star kids, trade analysts say at the end of the day, the industry is a fair place.
