IMDb has unveiled its annual list of the Most Popular Indian Stars and Directors of 2025, and it is no surprise that the incredible success of Saiyaara has shaped the rankings. The film, which revived the charm of old-school Bollywood romance, not only conquered the box office but also delivered two breakout performers who have now become global sensations.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda — the heart and soul of Saiyaara — have officially taken the top two positions in the IMDb Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 list. Their director, Mohit Suri, has also earned the No. 1 spot among India’s most popular directors of the year, reinforcing the film’s massive cultural impact.
Let’s take a closer look at the rankings, the stars’ reactions, and how Saiyaara continues to rule the hearts of millions.
Saiyaara Dominates IMDb Rankings
IMDb confirmed that the list is curated based on page views from over 250 million monthly visitors, making it one of the most transparent popularity metrics globally.
This year, the Saiyaara wave was unmistakable. Not only did Ahaan and Aneet lead the acting category, but Mohit Suri’s direction also pushed him to the top of the directors’ chart. Their performances and the film’s emotional storytelling created a dedicated global fandom that continues to grow.
The momentum has been so strong that the popular pair also received the IMDb STARmeter Breakout Star Award earlier in August — a hallmark of stars poised for superstardom.
Ahaan Panday Reacts: ‘Deeply Humbling’
Ahaan Panday expressed heartfelt gratitude towards fans and the Saiyaara team. He said:
“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 added that recognition brings a sense of responsibility toward his craft and thanked Mohit Suri for shaping his debut. Ahaan further said:
“I thank everyone for helping the stars align and giving me something I could cherish for a lifetime, but mainly, I thank everyone for allowing the grandson of a heart surgeon to be a vessel for love. There’s nothing more poetic.”
Aneet Padda: ‘Saiyaara Changed My Life’
Aneet Padda shared an equally emotional note:
“Being recognised by IMDb as one of the Most Popular Indian Stars of 2025 still feels a little unreal. Saiyaara changed my life in ways I am only beginning to understand.”
She thanked Mohit Suri, Aditya Chopra, Shanoo Sharma, Akshaye Widhani, and the entire Saiyaara family. Aneet concluded by saying:
“Saiyaara made me braver as an actor… to know that people across countries and languages connected with my work means more to me than I can explain.”
IMDb’s Top 10 Most Popular Indian Stars 2025
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| Rank | Star |
|---|---|
| 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 |
IMDb Top 10 Most Popular Indian Directors 2025
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| Rank | Director |
|---|---|
| 1 | Mohit Suri |
| 2 | Aryan Khan |
| 3 | Lokesh Kanagaraj |
| 4 | Anurag Kashyap |
| 5 | Prithviraj Sukumaran |
| 6 | R.S. Prasanna |
| 7 | Anurag Basu |
| 8 | Dominic Arun |
| 9 | Laxman Utekar |
| 10 | Neeraj Ghaywan |
The IMDb rankings for 2025 make one thing clear — Saiyaara wasn’t just a film; it was a moment in Indian cinema that resonated across countries, languages, and generations.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have risen as the faces of a new Bollywood era, while Mohit Suri’s direction has reaffirmed his mastery of emotional storytelling. The year may hold many cinematic surprises ahead, but for now, Saiyaara stands tall at the peak of popularity.
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