The Hindi film screen will see a flurry of promising new entrants who will make their onscreen debuts in the months to come. They have already attracted attention and made waves – now it will be time to see how they live up to expectations.
Bright Spark - Ishaan Khatter
Who he is… The young and riveting son of Neelima Azeem and Rajesh Khatter. With mum an actress and classical dancer, and dad, a stage and film actor and dubbing artiste, it’s his half-brother Shahid Kapoor who is his most famous relative. A lot of good talent in this gene pool, for sure!
Claim to fame…Ishaan Khatter has already grabbed considerable eyeballs. First of all, how many newbies do you know who were chosen by famous Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi for their international debut film and have already bagged a Best Actor award!
Parental advice… Father Rajesh says he is not nervous about Ishaan’s debut nor is he overconfident. “I am not looking at it like a race. Everyone has to finds his/her own space here… Here are big superstars whose sons have not made it big, and then there are small time actors whose sons have become very successful. The only thing which will make you is public acceptance! Written about in the media, buzz between Bandra to Andheri - all this is bullshit...only when the public accepts you, do you become a STAR!”
The big test… With Beyond The Clouds already doing the rounds of film fests, all eyes are trained on his big Bollywood debut – Karan Johar’s Dhadak, the Hindi remake of the super-duper Sairat.
And did you know? Ishaan had started his film career in 2005 with the film Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! as a child actor. A fabulous dancer; even better than older bro Shahid probably, Ishaan shoots some amazing photographs and dislikes being called a star son!
Recommended Read: From Aryan Khan to Jhanvi Kapoor: Star Kids Coming Of Age!
Little Miss Lovely - Janhvi Kapoor
Who she is… You would have to be living under a rock to have missed the interest generated by filmmakers in this lass. After all, when you call the sensational Sridevi your mom, and have a father in a veteran film producer Boney Kapoor, film offers are going to be laid out for you soon as you hit 16!
Claim to fame… Already a star on social media, Janhvi is something of the celebrated stylista already. From her airport looks to her red carpet appearances, all her photos on the internet go viral within no time at all. With that package of good looks and a sunshiny disposition, attention had to come calling!
Parental advice… “She has chosen this path and profession, and I have been in this industry for long…She has been watching me, and knows what she is getting into,” maintains the still-protective mommy, Sridevi.
The big test… Young Janhvi does have large shoes to fill… First of all, comparisons with her phenomenal mother are bound to crop up. What’s more, she is essaying the role originally played by newbie Rinku Rajguru, who received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike for her earthy, natural performance in the love story that highlights casteism and honour killing.
And did you know? She is already being considered for the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh in Rohit Shetty’s Simmba!
Driven - Sara Ali Khan
Who she is…The firstborn of Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan, it was only a matter of time before she gravitated towards the arclights. Of course, she did so only after graduating from Columbia University. It was a condition that her father absolutely insisted on. “This degree is your only passport -- from the husband that beats you to a country that collapses economically, you can survive everything. She can get a job anywhere in the world. It would be foolish of her to leave that to act. She can do that after she completes her education. She can't throw this to be stuck working in one profession. That is limiting yourself,” had been Saif’s wise diktat.
Claim to fame… A paparazzi favourite already, Sara’s fashion choices – even her gym-wear! - are monitored and debated. A confident and poised young woman, she is seen to get along famously with her father and his wife, Kareena, even as she remains close to her mother Amrita Singh.
Special gifts… Aunt Soha let us in on some secrets about Soha. “Even when she was growing up, Sara used to speak so many different languages, and she used to love dancing. I think she’s such a beautiful girl,” she raved, adding, “She’s such a talented girl. She could have done anything; she’s academically gifted as well.”
The big test… Kedarnath will be her debut opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, a love story set against the disaster of the flash floods which nearly destroyed the temple town. The producer of the film vouches that she has already won over the hearts of the crew with her innocence and talent. Even her first day of shooting was apparently a breeze, as Sara had picked up the vibe during rehearsals and was a natural in front of the camera.
Giving it his best - Aayush Sharma
Who he is…The husband of Arpita Khan, he is Salman Khan’s brother-in-law. When the nation’s Bhaijaan is actually your Bhai, life is a whole lot easier.
Claim to fame… Ayush had worked on the Salman-starrer Sultan as an assistant director. This was probably at Bhai’s behest, so he could learn the ropes on set itself. Beyond his ties to the ‘Khan’daan, Aayush is the son of Congress Minister Anil Sharma, and the grandson of Congress leader Sukhram Sharma who is credited with bringing about the telecom revolution in Himachal Pradesh.
Parental advice… When Salman took the Twitter route to announce the news of Ayush’s debut film, Loveratri, a Salman Khan Films production, he also wrote, “Congrats @aaysharma Now is the time for a lot of mehnat aur lagan. Wish you all success. God Bless.” The perfect piece of advice coming from Salman Khan, the nation’s biggest star and possibly also its most hard working one.
The big test… Aayush has evidently been prepping for his debut since the past three years and has undertaken action and dance classes to add the necessary poise to his act. Wife Arpita is gung-ho in her support of her husband, tweeting, “I’m so happy and excited for you!! I know you will make us all proud. Love you lots @aaysharma!” The litmus test of course will be the box office, which cares not for powerful family connections but simply for that connect!
Desirable Debutants
Among the list of newcomers who will grace the silver screen in the New Year is Ankita Lokhande. This ex-girlfriend of Sushant Singh Rajput and small screen fave of ‘Pavitra Rishta’, will be seen playing a pivotal role in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi as Jhalkaribai.
Karan Deol, star son of Sunny Deol, will take a bow with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas, a romantic drama shot extensively in Manali, and directed by Sunny Deol himself.
Banita Sandhu is guaranteed to make a splash in October, given its director Shoojit Sircar’s keen eye for talent. The beautiful lass will be seen opposite Varun Dhawan in the film.
Television’s fave cutie Karan Wahi will make his onscreen debut in the fourth installment of the Hate Story series. His fans will expect nothing less than magic on the big screen as well.
