2016 might not have proved to be a great year for Bollywood but we saw some decent debut performances.
Mirzya may have fizzled out at the box office but Harshvardhan Kapoor’s performance definitely made a mark. In M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Disha Patani left a strong impact in her small yet significant role. And the year ended with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra’s impressive performances in the wrestling drama Dangal.
We are hopeful that this year will also see some fabulous newcomers making an impact.
Here are 10 promising Bollywood Debutantes we will be watching out for in 2017:
1. Kanan Gill – Noor
The stand-up comedian is already quite popular thanks to his hilarious Pretentious Movie Reviews on YouTube. His sketches have a huge following on social media and his stand-up shows are loved all over the country.
Kanan Gill is making his Bollywood debut with Noor starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role.
2. Zhu Zhu – Tubelight
Kabir Khan’s next film Tubelight stars this international actress from China who will be making her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan.
The film is a period drama based on the Sino-India War of 1962 and she will be playing a pivotal role in the movie.
3. Ahan Shetty – Untitled Sajid Nadiadwala project
Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan Shetty is following in his father’s footsteps and will soon enter Bollywood in a Sajid Nadiadwala project.
However, details of the project are yet to be announced.
4. Nidhhi Agerwal – Munna Michael
She makes her debut in the Tiger Shroff-starrer Munna Michael which traces the journey of a Mumbai-based boy who is a huge fan of Michael Jackson.
Niddhi Agerwal was recently in news for signing a no-dating clause for the duration of the film so that she can focus entirely on the film. However, no such arrangement was made for Tiger Shroff.
5. Aadar Jain – Untitled YRF project
Aadar comes from the illustrious Kapoor family. He is the grandson of Raj Kapoor and is making his debut under the Yash Raj banner.
His debut film, still untitled, is being directed by Habib Faisal of Do Dooni Chaar and Ishaqzaade fame.
6. Anya Singh – Untitled YRF project
This Delhi girl is all set to make her debut in a Yash Raj production opposite Aadar Jain.
In fact, she has already been signed by the prestigious banner for a three-film deal.
7. Mustafa Burmawalla – Machine
Mustafa is the son of director Abbas (of the Abbas-Mustan duo) and will make his film debut this year in a movie titled Machine.
The film is being directed by Abbas-Mustan and is a romantic thriller.
8. Suraj Sharma – Phillauri
Suraj Sharma made his international debut in 2012 with the highly acclaimed film, Life of Pi.
And in 2017, Suraj will make his Bollywood debut in the Anushka Sharma & Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Phillauri.
9. Saba Qamar – Hindi Medium
Saba is a popular Pakistani film and television actress and is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Irrfan Khan in Hindi Medium.
The film is being directed by Saket Chaudhary who has earlier directed Pyaar Ke Side Effects and Shaadi Ke Side Effects.
10. Mahira Khan – Raees
Mahira is a popular television actress who gained popularity after her show Humsafar won over the audience.
In her first Bollywood film, Raees, Mahira stars opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film is all set to release on January 25.
Fingers crossed for 2017!