Bollywood is set for a major wave of fresh talent in 2026, with several highly anticipated debuts from popular South Indian stars and prominent star kids. From high-octane war dramas to mythological epics,
the stage is set for a new generation of performers to redefine the silver screen. Here is a comprehensive look at the fresh faces and seasoned icons who are officially set to embark on their Bollywood journey this year.
Sai Pallavi
Known for her memorable performances in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil industries, Sai Pallavi is all set to bring her talent to the Hindi screens. The acclaimed actress will make her Bollywood debut with two major projects in 2026:
Mere Raho | A film with Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan, which was previously postponed and is now being lined up for a July 2026 release.
Ramayana: Part One | She will portray the role of Goddess Sita opposite Ranbir Kapoor’s Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s mythological epic, scheduled for a Diwali 2026 release.
Simar Bhatia
Simar Bhatia, the niece of actor Akshay Kumar, officially made her big-screen debut on January 1 with Sriram Raghavan’s Ikkis. Simar was cast opposite Agastya Nanda in the war-drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Late cinema icon Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and Rahul Dev are also part of the film.
Aman Indra Kumar
Aman Indra Kumar, son of filmmaker Indra Kumar, will make his debut with Tera Yaar Hoon Main. Initially set for a 2025 release, the film is now expected to be released this year. Directed by Milap Milan Zaveri, it features Akanksha Sharma as the female lead.
Sreeleela
Already a dominant force in Telugu cinema, Sreeleela is set to enter Bollywood opposite Kartik Aaryan in Tu Meri Zindagi Hai. Directed by Anurag Basu and produced by T‑Series, this romantic musical drama is slated for a May 2026 release. The actor’s highly anticipated foray into Hindi cinema was originally slated for 2025; however, it is now pushed to this year. Even before the film’s release, her onscreen chemistry with Kartik has ignited significant social media buzz.
Medha Rana
January 2026 marks another significant debut as model-turned-actor Medha Rana steps into Bollywood with the high-octane war drama Border 2. Paired opposite Varun Dhawan, she plays the female lead in an expansive ensemble cast that includes Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. Directed by Anurag Singh, the epic action war film is set to release on January 23. While she has previously appeared in OTT projects like London Files and Friday Night Plan, this project serves as her major theatrical breakthrough.
Ansh Duggal and Pragati Srivastava
In 2024, filmmaker Aanand L Rai announced he would be launching two fresh talents, Ansh Duggal and Pragati Srivastava, under his production banner in the upcoming film Nakhrewaalii. While a vibrant first-look poster and a Valentine’s Day 2025 release date were unveiled earlier, the film’s premiere was later postponed indefinitely. Now, as we enter 2026, anticipation has been reignited with reports indicating the film is finally eyeing a release this year.



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