Dynamic dozen for the decade

by ASJAD NAZIR

TWELVE TALENTED 20-SOMETHING STARS WHO ARE STEPPING INTO A NEW ERA WITH GREAT MOMENTUM BEHIND THEM

THE beginning of each decade sees a generation of young stars set themselves up to shine brightly and ones who have a headstart are those with momentum behind them.

In India, there are wonderful young talents in film, music and television, which means the next 10 years look likely to be really exciting.

With that in mind, we at Eastern Eye, asked fans on social media, looked at existing work, talent and fan base to select 12 twenty-something stars, who will rule in the decade ahead.

Alia Bhatt: No young Indian movie star is on a bigger roll than the 26-year-old. She finished the last decade being named sexiest Asian woman on the planet and has the biggest production houses lining up to sign her. Nothing will stop the crown princess of Bollywood from becoming the undisputed queen in the decade ahead and with mega-blockbusters on the way, it is likely to happen very quickly.

Armaan Malik: The 24-year-old spent the last decade delivering film songs, solo numbers and super live performances, which has got him a rapidly growing global fan base. The dashing young prince of Bollywood music will carry on mixing up the genres and looks like having a clear path to the very top.

Tiger Shroff: The 29-year-old played a lead role in last year’s highest grossing film War opposite Hrithik Roshan, and it looks like he has all the right attributes to follow in the footsteps of his idol. He has the physique, fan base, ability and work ethic to become Bollywood’s greatest ever action star. Don’t be surprised if Hollywood comes calling for him.

Helly Shah: The talented 24-year-old has already been acting for 10 years now and will use that immense experience to show off her impressive range in big projects in the decade ahead. She played a stunning double role in hit drama serial Sufiyana Pyaar Mera last year and will be looking for more challenging projects in the future. It looks as if a step up to films will be inevitable and that could potentially include international projects.

Jhanvi Kapoor: Bollywood clearly has belief in the daughter of late actress Sridevi because she has a number of big projects on the way. While the 22-year-old may not reach the great heights of her late mother, she has the talent, goodwill and backing to make an impressive cinematic mark in the decade ahead.

Shivangi Joshi: The 21-year-old has won the hearts of audiences in blockbuster drama serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and they will try to keep hold of her. When she does finally leave the serial, the young actress will have no shortage of offers and will take steps towards becoming the queen of Indian television.

Kartik Aaryan: After a relatively slow start to his career, the 29-year-old actor finished off the last decade strongly and so is very much in demand right now. With the right choices, he has the potential to make a mark in story-driven films that will be immensely popular in the decade ahead. He has big films lined up and will sign more.

Ashi Singh: The 22-year-old showed off her acting credentials in acclaimed television drama Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai and got herself a fast growing fan base. If she gets the right kind of projects, the naturally gifted actress has the potential to make a mark in performance driven roles in both film and television. We are fully expecting her to be a big surprise package in the next decade.

Mohsin Khan: The dashing 28-year-old has become a big star with drama serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and shown that he is the hottest young leading man on Indian television. He will no doubt become an even bigger star in the decade ahead and has the potential to be the next leading man to make the magical leap from Indian television to films.

Sara Ali Khan: With her first two films, which released in quick succession, the 24-year-old actress showed she has inherited talent from her famous parents. The naturally gifted actress is also making the right moves and signing projects that will likely have a big impact in cinema. Expect her to mix up big commercial movies with more meaningful cinema.

Amaal Mallik: With the old guard seemingly running out of ideas, it will be up to young composing talents such as the 28-year-old to bring back Bollywood music to its glory days. The marvellous musician has already delivered hit tracks and shown off a stunning singing ability, but it looks like there is a lot more to come. Unlike other composers, he already enjoys a huge fan base, which also loves him as a solo artist.

Asim Riaz: The wildcard to look out for is a model who has made a remarkable mark in reality TV show Bigg Boss 13. The 26-year-old has quickly gained a huge fan base, which won’t have gone unnoticed by those looking for someone dashing with star potential, but it will be interesting to see what he does next. His options include climbing higher on the modelling ladder, more television or perhaps even acting.