Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Banerjee to Rajkummar Rao: 7 Defining Actors Who are Taking the Acting Legacy Forward

In recent years, Hindi cinema has seen a noteworthy shift. Filmmakers are no longer relying on the traditional hero template; they’re betting more on actors who are willing to take leaps in their craft, only to serve novelty on screens. From portraying intense characters to displaying unconventionality, here’s looking at seven defining actors who are adding new dimensions to acting.

Jaideep Ahlawat: Very few actors carry the command of a strong screen presence, and Jaideep Ahlawat is one among the lot. From raising the stakes as a secondary character in Gangs of Wasseypur to becoming a household name and delivering classics as a pivotal force in Paatal Lok, The Jewel Thief, Maharaj and more, Jaideep Ahlawat has carved a niche of his own.

Pankaj Tripathi: Celebrated for versatile and grounded performances, Pankaj Tripathi has cemented himself as a class-apart actor, who enhances the plot simply with his unflinching screen presence. From Mirzapur, Criminal Justice, OMG 2, Stree, Gangs of Wasseypur and more, Pankaj Tripathi has emerged as the flagbearer of ‘effortless’ acting.

Abhishek Banerjee: You know him as Janaa from the cult film, Stree and you also know him as Subodh aka Compounder in Mirzapur. Throughout his craft, the actor has showcased range with each film and each character, touching corners of ‘acting’ by stepping into comical shades, thrilling shades and even adventurous ones, like those in Vedaa, Dream Girl and more.

Ayushmann Khurrana: Ayushmann Khurrana has made off-beat choices with films like Bala, Vicky Donor, Dream Girl, Andhadhun, Badhaai Ho and more – surprising the audience each time by stepping into spaces of comedy, delivering social message, thriller and choices that bring maximum relatability to the audience. The actor does not follow the traditional hero template; instead, he allows the film’s story to take centre stage.

Rajkummar Rao: Rajkummar Rao has earned a reputation as a critically acclaimed actor for his versatility in Hindi cinema. The actor does not play a character, he lives them and disappears behind them. And that’s exactly what brings out the best from him. Take up his work – Trapped, Stree, Newton, Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana, Srikanth, Bareilly Ki Barfi and more – all strikingly unique from one another.

Adarsh Gourav: Adarsh Gourav has created his own niche by redefining what a ‘hero’ actually means in the Bollywood of today. From Superboys of Malegaon, The White Tiger, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Guns & Gulaabs and more, Adarsh Gourav has levelled up with each release, unravelling a shade that the audience has never seen before.

Zahaan Kapoor: Zahaan Kapoor has stepped into Hindi cinema and has built a strong base with projects like Faraaz and Black Warrant. Despite carrying the privilege of legacy, the actor is paving the way independently through content-first projects and is attracting the attention of the audience purely for his acting skills.