MOVE OVER 40+ Bollywood heroes Jackie Shroff, Kumar Gaurav, Sunil Shetty, Govinda Ahuja, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi and Ajay Devgan. Move over 30+ Bollywood heroes Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, Hrithik Roshan, Fardeen Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Abhay Deol, Tushar Kapoor, Aftab Shivdasani, Ritesh Deshmukh and Emran Hashmi. And welcome the new breed of 20+ actors Hurman Baweja, Shahid Kapoor, Upen Patel, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Ranbir Kapoor, Imran Khan, Kunal Khemu, Mimoh Chakraborty, Vicky Bhagnani and Adhyayan Suman. They are the future of Bollywood and they are here to stay. It is time for change.
Let’s take a look at what the young stars have been up to now and what they offer. The future belongs to them.
Hurman S Baweja (28): Son of director Harry Baweja and producer Pammi Baweja. He made his debut opposite ex-girlfriend Priyanka Chopra in the much touted sci-fi romance Love Story 2050 in 2008. The movie sank without a trace, but Hurman had left his mark on the viewers with his uncanny resemblance to Hrithik Roshan. His next Victory (2008), followed suit (in sinking). He is busy shooting for It’s My Life and What’s Your Raashee. These two films may just turn his luck around especially.
Shahid Kapoor (28): Born to noted actors Pankaj Kapoor and Neelima Azeem, he made a name on his own merit. Starting with Taal and acting in music videos and ads, he worked his way to debut in Ishq Vishk (2003). His performance was acclaimed in Fida (2004) and Shikhar (2005). Vivah (2006) was a big hit followed by Jab We Met (2007). The latter also led to an end to his relationship with Kareena Kapoor. Kismat Konnection his sole release in 2008 failed badly. But his biggest Kaminey (2009) is to release soon. The movie is carrying good pre-release reports. It also stars his current girlfriend Priyanka Chopra. So, it’s a win-win situation on both personal and professional front. His other releases Dil Bole Hadippa (2009), Paathshala (2010) and Milenge Milenge (2010) too are eagerly awaited. The future can wait for him.
Upen Patel (28): He was a British Indian model and now a Bollywood actor. He started his career as a model and worked in many music videos. He made his debut in 36 China Town (2006) that was a hit. He then acted in Namaste London (2007) that was another hit. He was appreciated in Money Hai To Honey Hai (2008). Known for his brawn and good looks, his forthcoming movies are Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani (2009) and Hum Aap Aur Pyar (2009). We wish this casanova good luck.
Neil Nitin Mukesh (27): Also known as Neil Mathur, he is the grandson of late singer Mukesh Chand Mathur and son of singer Nitin Mukesh. His name was given by Lata Mangeshkar as she found him to be very fair and looked like a foreigner. As a child actor he appeared in the movies- Vijay (1988) and Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni as young Govinda (1989). He debuted in Johnny Ghaddar (2007), for which he received critical acclaim. He was also liked in Aa Dekhen Zara (2009). The success of New York (2009) has brought him in limelight and top list actors. His forthcoming movie Jail (2009) is already in news due to his near naked scene. Tera Kya Hoga Johnny, Thank You and The Italian Job too should meet the viewers’ expectations. This hot dude is here to stay for a very very long time.
Ranbir Kapoor (26): Born to actors Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Singh, his debut Saawariya (2007) was not a commercial success but he had arrived. Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) was well received. He is currently dating Deepika Padukone. In his case, family name matters. After all, it lends weight. And his future movies Wake Up Sid, Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani, Rocket Singh and Rajniti are already making news. This stud has begun the race well. He can take it easy.
Imran Khan (26): Nephew of Aamir Khan debuted with a sure shot hit Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na (2008). He became the nation’s heartthrob overnight. Girls swoon over him. An intense actor like Aamir, he has already built up a reputation. He has also acted as child Aamir in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992). Kidnap (2009) didn’t do well but he was appreciated. Luck (2009) is doing pretty well. His future releases Delhi Belly, 7 Days In Paris and I Don’t Believe In Love Stories too are generating curiosity. He is currently dating Avantika Malik. He is ayouth icon. Life ho to Imran jaisi.
Kunal Khemu (26): A complete outsider, he has made his mark gradually and how. His unconventional looks and flowing locks made him stand out. Son of actors Ravi Khemu and Jyoti, he began as a child artist in TV serial Gul Gulshan Gulfam (1987). As a child actor he acted in Hum Hain Rahi Pyaar Ke (1993), Raja Hindustani (1995) and Zakhm (1998). He made his debut in Kalyug (2005). The movie turned out to be a huge hit. 99 (2009) too is a hit. He is a dark horse in this race. Watch out for him.
Mimoh Chakraborty (25): Born Mahakshay, dad Mithun changed his name to Mimoh, short for Michael Jackson and Mohammed Ali. Mom Yogita Bali was only too happy. His debut vehicle Jimmy (2008) did not make a mark. But his skills as a dancer were much appreciated in the movie. With a little more grooming, he will leave behind Mithun (but not Michael) in dancing. He will dance his way to the viewers’ hearts. Time should pave the way for him.
These promising Bollywood actors have begun well. They can truly leave a mark by choosing their future projects well and acting equally well. They shouldn’t resort to any gimmicks to promote their careers. Wishing them luck.