As 2025 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the star kids who captured public attention and dominated headlines throughout the year. From highly anticipated debuts to surprising career choices, these young individuals, born into Bollywood's most prominent families, have navigated the pressures of legacy while carving their own paths.
Aryan Khan, son of Shah Rukh Khan, arguably made the most significant impact, not as an actor, but as a director. His Netflix series, The Ba*ds of Bollywood, garnered considerable buzz and was lauded for its satirical take on the film industry. Khan's work earned him the Best Debutant Director of the Year award at the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards. In a humorous acceptance speech, he dedicated the award to his mother, Gauri Khan, while acknowledging his fondness for trophies, just like his father. Bobby Deol, who starred in the series, praised Aryan's talent and unique ability to extract strong performances from the cast.
Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, officially began his Bollywood journey this year. He debuted in Nadaaniyan alongside Khushi Kapoor, which was released directly on OTT platforms. Although the film didn't quite resonate with audiences, Ibrahim's "chocolate-boy charm" was noted, and he was recognized as a promising young talent. He followed this with another OTT release, Sarzameen. Earlier in the year, headlines swirled when Saif Ali Khan was involved in a stabbing incident, causing Ibrahim to temporarily halt his film commitments to be with his family.
Several other star kids made their official entry into the Bollywood landscape in 2025. Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, starred in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey. However, the film failed to make a mark at the box office, and Kapoor's performance was largely unnoticed. Rasha Thadani, daughter of Raveena Tandon, debuted in Azaad alongside Aaman Devgan, nephew of Ajay Devgn. While Thadani was praised for her "cuteness and sweet aura," Devgan's performance was not as well-received.
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, was also among the debutants, starring alongside Aneet Padda in the romantic drama Saiyaara. The film became a major success, with both Panday and Padda receiving positive attention. Padda, in particular, was lauded for her natural screen presence and emotional restraint, quickly becoming a sensation.
The year 2025 has proven to be a significant one for Bollywood's next generation. While some star kids met with resounding success, others faced a more challenging start. What remains clear is that the spotlight will continue to shine on these young individuals as they navigate their careers and strive to establish themselves in the industry.
