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BizAsia’s Most Promising Debuts 2016

2016 has been a very interesting year for newcomers especially. With a whole host of names; many from film families, others from no film background at all, having all managed to make a great impression on audiences and critics alike. BizAsiaLive.com has chosen 10 of the most promising debuts that this year has offered.

Harshvardhan Kapoor  – ‘Mirzya’

harshvardhan-kapoor

Being from a film family comes with its own major pressures, however Harshvardhan Kapoor was one name that didn’t let his father Anil Kapoor’s status come in the way of his debut. Starring as the lead in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s unconventional ‘Mirzya’ for his debut, junior Kapoor caught the attention of viewers from the first instance. His performance was nothing short of outstanding. He presented passion and determination through his character, proving he is one name to be remembered. Kapoor will next be seen in Vikramaditya Motwane’s ‘Bhavesh Joshi’.

Aashim Gulati – ‘Tum Bin 2’

Aashim Gulati
Aashim Gulati

Despite his role being rather limited in Anubhav Sinha’s ‘Tum Bin 2’, Aashim Gultai definitely did justice to the reprised role of Amar from the first film that Sinha made in 2001. Audiences warmed to the actor with his performance, building a great impression as to what the actor has in store for the future.

Diljit Dosanjh – ‘Udta Punjab’

Diljit Dosanjh in 'Udta Punjab'
Diljit Dosanjh in ‘Udta Punjab’

Being the King of the Punjabi music industry, nobody ever thought Diljit Dosanjh would have such huge potential in Bollywood. However, Dosanjh exceeded expectations in Abhishek Chaubey’s ‘Udta Punjab’ this year. Playing the role of a cop dealing with drug abuse, Dosanjh was able to entice his audiences through his character and what he faces. Though having the likes of Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Kareena Kapoor Khan also in the film, Dosnajh stood out on his own merit and he was also being thought about when not on screen.

Abrar Zahoor  – ‘Neerja’

abrar-zahoor

Based on true events, Ram Madhvani’s ‘Neerja’ was an intense and heartfelt story about a young air-hostess who saved the lives of her passengers when the flight was hijacked by terrorists. Abrar Zahoor plays the role of terror leader Safarini. Zahoor’s acting was so convincing, the audiences were made to forget that this was his first film. Having the audiences clutch on to the edge of their seats, Zahoor played the perfect villain.

Gautam Gulati – ‘Azhar’

Gautam Gulati in 'Azhar'
Gautam Gulati in ‘Azhar’

‘Azhar’ saw Gautam Gulati representing the role of real Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri. The film is based on the life of Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, played by Emraan Hashmi. With his character being a renowned celebrity, Gulati was convincing and engaging, where he managed to grab his audience’s interest in an instant. Having made quite an impact on TV and reality TV, Gulati’s debut was one that his fans were eagerly waiting for.

Saiyami Kher – ‘Mirzya’

Saiyami Kher

Despite being Shabana Azmi’s niece, there was the fear that Saiyami Kher would be overshadowed by her co-star Harshvardhan Kapoor, in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s ‘Mirzya’. However, from her first scene, Kher managed to capture the audience’s attention as Saahiba, and then again as Soochi. The actress made her characters believable and played to the intensity of the story effortlessly. This was so much so that one can’t look away when she graces the screen. Though the film didn’t do so well at the box office, Kher was one name that everybody should be looking out for.

Pooja Hegde – ‘Mohenjo Daro’

Pooja Hegde in 'Mohenjo Daro'

After conquering the modelling world and the South Indian Film Industry, there was much anticipation as to how Pooja Hegde would fare in the Indian Film Industry when she was signed for Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Mohenjo Daro’. Though the film wasn’t appreciated by audiences, Hegde presented a great deal of potential in the role of Chaani and she showed that though sharing the screen with someone as acclaimed as Hrithik Roshan, she can shine on her own.

Waluscha De Sousa – ‘Fan’

Waluscha De Sousa 1

Making her mark on the white ramps of the fashion world, 2016 became an even bigger year for Waluscha De Sousa when she bagged the role opposite Shah Rukh Khan as his wife in Maneesh Sharma’s ‘Fan’. Despite the role being small, De Sousa was believable and admirable and proved a hit. Though much of the attention was on Khan, De Sousa was accepting and humble with the praises she received.

Sanya Malhotra – ‘Dangal’

Sanya Malhotra
Sanya Malhotra

Debuting with one of the film industry’s most renowned actors can only be described as a daunting experience. However Sanya Malhotra definitely made a huge impact in her debut as Aamir Khan’s daughter in ‘Dangal’, playing the role of Indian medallist Babita Phogat. With a very unconventional role compared to the her peers, it’s fair to say Malhotra had the biggest challenge of depicting the role of a wrestler. Her performance was commendable and made a huge impression with audiences. She has shown that she has the potential to reach great heights within the film business.

Sayyeshaa Saigal – ‘Shivaay’

sayyeshaa-saigal

Having only made her debut in the south last year, Sayyeshaa Saigal was quick to make her mark within the Indian Film Industry, in Ajay Devgn’s ‘Shivaay’. Unfortunately, the film didn’t have huge success with the audiences, however, Saigal’s performance was a good effort, where it can be said that this is one actress who has much more to show. Saigal is also a professionally trained dancer so no doubt audiences should wait for forthcoming projects where she can show off her prowess.

As every year, it’s always difficult to narrow down the list of great performers, where there are some names that have to be mentioned even though they haven’t quite made our cut. One such name is Fatima Sana Shaikh for her role in ‘Dangal’ as Aamir Khan’s elder daughter. Though this wasn’t her debut as an actress, ‘Dangal’ marked her first major commercial film. Along with her co-star, Sanya Malhotra, Sheikh put up an excellent and intense performance and was a joy to see on screen.

Another such mention should go to Shriya Pilgaonkar who marked her Bollywood debut in ‘Fan’. The young actress is no stranger to the camera with both her parents being in entertainment as actors. However, Pilgaonkar definitely made her mark in ‘Fan’ with her natural performance opposite Shah Rukh Khan. It remains to be seen how her talents will be explored in forthcoming B-town films she may be seen in

Another star relative and also from the same film ‘Dangal’, is Aparshakti Khurrana who gave a heartwarming and charming act. Though his role was small, it was easy to see that this is one actor who has a very bright future ahead of him.

Stay with BizAsiaLive.com for more 2016 roundups in the coming days.