Year Ender 2025: Bollywood’s leading ladies who ruled the box office
2025 was a year of big screens, bold choices and surprise turnarounds. From newcomers who exploded onto the scene to established stars who reasserted their box-office pull, these five actresses dominated ticket windows and headlines. Here’s a closer look at the women who made 2025 unforgettable in Bollywood.
The top five actresses of 2025
Aneet Padda — the breakout sensation
Aneet Padda arrived this year with the kind of debut that changes careers overnight. Her lead role in a high-energy, crowd-pleasing drama became a box-office phenomenon, marking her as 2025’s most talked-about newcomer. Audiences and critics praised her effortless screen presence, natural comic timing and surprising emotional depth.
- What worked: Aneet’s ability to carry both action sequences and intimate moments, plus a smart PR push and strong word-of-mouth.
- Why it mattered: She brought fresh star power to mainstream cinema, proving studios can still find new bankable talent.
Rashmika Mandanna — pan-India power play
Rashmika Mandanna consolidated her pan-Indian status in 2025 with a stylish, mass-appeal entertainer that clicked across regions. Her charm and expressive screencraft turned a commercially risky concept into a wide-reaching hit, strengthening her position as one of the industry’s most reliable draws.
- What worked: A strong commercial template, multilingual reach and Rashmika’s magnetic persona.
- Why it mattered: She bridged regional and Hindi audiences, helping the film cross box-office milestones in multiple markets.
Tripti Dimri — the critic’s darling with box-office clout
Tripti Dimri once again showed that critically acclaimed choices can translate into commercial success. Her 2025 release — a layered, female-centric drama with mainstream hooks — found both reviewers and weekend audiences, creating a rare crossover hit that expanded her fanbase and industry respect.
- What worked: Strong writing, a surprise emotional payoff and Tripti’s quietly intense performance.
- Why it mattered: The film proved quality content can thrive at the box office when matched with the right narrative and promotion.
Kriti Sanon — the dependable market leader
Kriti Sanon continued to be a reliable box-office name in 2025. Her commercial entertainer performed strongly, thanks to a mix of crowd-pleasing humour, glossy production values and her growing bankability. Kriti’s knack for blending mainstream roles with occasional dramatic turns kept her firmly in the public eye.
- What worked: Star chemistry, mass-market storytelling and a sharp promotional campaign.
- Why it mattered: Kriti’s franchise potential and steady box-office returns made her a top pick for producers aiming for safe bets.
Pragya Jaiswal — the south-to-north crossover success
Pragya Jaiswal rounded out the list by turning a bold role into a major pan-Indian success. Her 2025 outing capitalised on her strong South Indian cinema roots while connecting with Hindi audiences through a universal emotional core. Pragya’s performance and screen presence helped the film become one of the year’s memorable blockbusters.
- What worked: A commanding central performance, striking visuals and cross-region appeal.
- Why it mattered: She reinforced the trend of South actors making significant impact in Bollywood, widening casting possibilities for big projects.
What 2025 taught us about female stardom
Several trends stood out this year. Female-led films with strong narratives delivered more consistent returns, pan-Indian projects continued to blur regional boundaries, and fresh faces like Aneet Padda can still break through if the film and marketing align. Producers are increasingly willing to back women in central roles — and audiences rewarded that risk.
As we head into 2026, these five actresses have set the tone: smart role choices, strategic collaborations and connecting with audiences across languages are the keys to sustained success. The next year looks promising, with many eyes on what these stars will pick up next.