Ahaan Panday calls IMDb honour ‘dream come true’ after topping Most Popular Stars list

IMDb Most Popular Indian Star of 2025: Actor Ahaan Panday has shared an emotional note of gratitude after being crowned IMDb’s ‘Most Popular Indian Star of 2025’, topping the global list based on page views from over 250 million monthly visitors. The announcement places him ahead of prominent names such as Aamir Khan, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri.

His Saiyaara co-star Aneet Padda secured the No. 2 spot, while filmmaker Mohit Suri emerged as the most popular Indian director of the year.

The rankings reflect the enormous traction Ahaan gained after his breakout performance in Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, which has become one of the year’s most-talked-about films. Both Ahaan and Aneet had earlier received the IMDb Breakout Star STARmeter Award, which has consistently predicted artists on the verge of major career milestones.

Ahaan Panday reacts

Reacting to the honour, Ahaan said he was overwhelmed by the recognition. “This is deeply humbling for me. To be ranked No. 1 on the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 list with my first film is nothing short of a dream come true and a full-circle Paulo Coelho moment,” he shared. Reflecting on what the achievement means for his journey ahead, he added, “If anything, this recognition makes me a little more aware of the responsibility I have towards my craft, and at the same time, it excites me for what’s to come.”

Ahaan also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the people who shaped his debut. “I would want to thank my director, Mohit Suri, for allowing me to add to his canvas. Whatever I did on screen was a reflection of his guidance and his genius,” he said. He continued by thanking Aditya Chopra for trusting him with the opportunity, and Shanoo Sharma, whose support he described as instrumental in helping him grow. He also acknowledged producer Akshaye Widhani for his unwavering belief in him.

IMDb Most Popular Indian Star of 2025

The IMDb Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 list, compiled from weekly STARmeter rankings, is led by:

  1. Ahaan Panday
  2. Aneet Padda
  3. Aamir Khan
  4. Ishaan Khatter
  5. Lakshya
  6. Rashmika Mandanna
  7. Kalyani Priyadarshan
  8. Triptii Dimri
  9. Rukmini Vasanth
  10. Rishab Shetty

Closing his message on an emotional note, Ahaan added, “I thank every single person from across the world who has supported me and rooted for me in Saiyaara. I thank everyone for helping the stars align… but mainly, I thank everyone for allowing the grandson of a heart surgeon to be a vessel for love. There’s nothing more poetic.”