From delivering back-to-back box-office hits to welcoming fresh talents on board, 2023 was a memorable year for Bollywood. Out of all the debutants, I was absolutely enthralled by South Indian films’ Lady Superstar Nayanthara’s grand debut in the action thriller film Jawan.

Portraying the role of a diligent cop Narmada Rai, her character exhibited a brilliant balance of determination and compassion which not only contributed to Naramada’s successful career but also motivated her to perform her duties as a single mother. Her mesmerising chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan in the melodious ballad Chaleya was truly magical, reigniting the Bollywood megastar’s charm as a romantic hero. Besides her applaudable performance, she renewed my fascination towards pleated, flared skirts which were elegantly sported by her in the film. The fact that she carved a niche for herself in a multistarrer star proves her potential to rule the screen as a leading lady in the Hindi film industry. Eagerly waiting for another biggie from her! (Which was the best/worst Bolly debut in 2023?... December 18)

Aayman Anwar Ali

It was the handsome, young Vedang Raina in The Archies whose entry into Bollywood was huge, in 2023. He shared the great big screen with a gaggle of youngsters who came from influential families of Bollywood. But still Vedang grabbed attention towards himself with his charming performance. In the movie The Archies his character Reggie is a cool guy who believes in the power of speech and pen. Unlike in the original, he portrays Reggie Mantle the 17-year-old as someone who is flirtatious, fun-loving as well as serious, understanding and mature. This newcomer’s confidence in acting and dancing was a pleasure to watch. May be with such small, but significant steps he will make way for himself on the larger canvas of the silver screen.

Sarbani Banerjee

My favourite Bollywood debutant in 2023 is Vedang Raina, who starred in Zoya Akhtar’s Netflix film The Archies. Though I feel that the film was not engaging enough, and that neither the stories nor the characters were interesting, Vedang was the only one who impressed with his performance. His acting was top-notch. He expressed the attitude of Reggie Mantle perfectly and proved that he is a star in the making. Vedang’s drop-dead, good looks add to his star appeal.

I also liked Anirban Bhattacharya’s debut in the Bolly movie Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway. I have always been a fan of Anirban. And I think that he really did a great job as the selfish, ambitious husband because he easily made all of us hate him. Even though it was Rani Mukerji’s film, Anirban shone in his role and made a great impression in his first Hindi film.

I hope both these actors get more opportunities to work in Bollywood films and series in the near future because they definitely deserve their spot at the table with people having high acting prowess.

Rishika Dutta

Among all who commenced their acting journeys in Bollywood in 2023, according to me, the debut of Nayanthara was the best one. The beautiful Tamil actress made her Bolly debut in Jawan and made a mark with her power-packed performance in the role of Narmada Rai. The Lady Superstar of the South impressed both audiences and critics with her brilliant act in the Atlee-directed blockbuster.

Sourish Misra