Star Kids have been reconstructing the idea of Nepotism.
Star Kids have always captured public attention. 2025 brought a fresh batch of them to the big screen. Notably, these young actors come from famous film families. They not only bring legacy but also new energy. Moreover, each of them stepped into a diverse genre, from period drama to romantic comedy and patriotic action. In doing so, they aimed to match industry expectations and carve their own path.
Furthermore, this year’s debuts show that Star Kids no longer get attention by name alone. Instead, they rely on performance, skill, and screen presence. Consequently, fans and critics watched closely, and early reviews offered praise and criticism in equal measure.
Overall, this wave of debuts signals a new phase for Bollywood, where Star Kids try to earn their place, rather than just rely on their surname.
Rasha Thadani
Daughter of Raveena Tandon, Rasha Thadani made her acting debut in Azaad, which released on January 17, 2025.
Set in colonial India, the film is a period action drama directed by Abhishek Kapoor and features a heroic horse at its center. In her debut, Rasha played Janaki Bahadur and immediately impressed audiences with confident dialogue delivery and a strong dance sequence in the promotional song “Uyi Amma”. From the very first scenes, her screen presence was evident, and she carried her role with remarkable ease for a debutante, demonstrating both talent and poise.
Moreover, critics praised her on-screen poise, natural performance, and ability to hold attention, even amid the buzz surrounding her star status. Her expressive acting and dedication to her role suggested a maturity beyond her years. Overall, her debut set a serious and promising tone for Star Kids, showing that talent, preparation, and hard work matter in Bollywood, not just heritage or famous lineage.
Aaman Devgan
Aaman Devgan, nephew of Ajay Devgn, also made his debut in Azaad, playing the role of Govind. When asked about him, Ajay Devgn described Aaman as “a very hardworking boy.” In the film, Aaman held his own in scenes alongside his uncle, proving his capability early on.
He delivered his lines with clarity and emoted convincingly, standing out in sequences that demanded both emotional depth and physical presence. Consequently, his performance earned him early respect from audiences and critics alike. Amid ongoing debates around nepotism, Aaman’s debut demonstrated that Star Kids could support their legacy with genuine effort and skill.
Veer Pahariya
Veer Pahariya entered Bollywood with the airstrike drama Sky Force, released on January 24, 2025. Honouring India’s 1965 air operations, the film also starred Akshay Kumar.
In the movie, Veer played a young pilot and trained extensively for the role, delivering aerial sequences with remarkable conviction. Furthermore, his emotional scenes resonated with audiences. Critics and media alike praised his grounded and intense performance in such a demanding genre.
Despite being a political-family Star Kid, he demonstrated that he could rise above his connections and make a mark on screen through sheer talent.
Ibrahim Ali Khan
Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, made his debut in the teen rom-com Nadaaniyan, released on March 7, 2025, on Netflix. The film, which revolved around a hired boyfriend plot, also featured Khushi Kapoor in a prominent role. Although critics gave mixed reviews, Ibrahim impressed audiences with his charm and easygoing energy.
Even within a formulaic storyline, he showed significant promise. Moreover, his debut under the Dharma Productions banner made him one of the most watched Star Kids of the year.
Shanaya Kapoor
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, made her debut in the romantic film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, released on July 11, 2025.The film, an adaptation of Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It, also starred Vikrant Massey. In her role, Shanaya portrayed a blind theater artist and trained intensely, even practicing method acting while blindfolded.
Critics praised her confident debut and subtle on-screen presence, even though the film did not perform well commercially. Nevertheless, her performance stood out as one of the most promising among Star Kids.
Ahaan Panday
Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday, made his debut in Saiyaara, released on July 18, 2025. This romantic film, produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri, featured Aneet Padda as his co-star. Importantly, the film broke debutant box office records, delivering the biggest opening weekend for such releases.
Having prepared in secret, Ahaan surprised audiences with a polished and emotionally rich performance. As a result, his debut proved that a Star Kid could be a genuine blockbuster draw through both talent and dedication, setting high expectations for his future in Bollywood.
A New Wave of Star Kids Emerges
Six Star Kids made a statement in 2025. They proved that legacy only opens the door. Talent, preparation, and on-screen ability let them walk through and hold their own. Each debut showed that Star Kids are redefining expectations. They stepped in, debuted with purpose, and now face the challenge to shine beyond their surname.
The year confirmed that Bollywood’s future lies in who can act, not just who they are.
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