It was a year with several newcomers on and behind the screen. Here is a lowdown on the significant ones.
Anjini Dhawan
This one comes from a family tree comprising dad and 1970s star Anil Dhawan, uncle David Dhawan and cousin Varun Dhawan. The lass gave a splendid account of herself in the cute family drama, Binny and Family.
Aarohi Saud & Divyansh Dwivedi
In that underrated, underpromoted and delicious drama that was Tikdam, released on Jio Cinema, two performances by absolutely delightful children stood out. The first was that of little Aarohi Saud as the daughter determined to keep her father from taking a lucrative job away from home and the second of Divyansh Dwivedi, one of her friends who has a soft corner for his teacher.
Junaid Khan
We can probably term this the debut of the year. Pitted on screen against the formidable Jaideep Ahlawat, Junaid Khan, son of Aamir Khan, proved that he was a chip off his father’s block. The film was Maharaj, again released on OTT.
Lakshya
The youngster was the hero of the most violent in concept film of the year, Kill, but proved that he was no block of wood by being good at both the softer emotions and sequences as he was as a ruthless vendetta machine.
Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta & Sparsh Shrivastava
Of the super Laapataa Ladies trio, I can only quote from my review of the film: “The two women who top the game are Nitanshi Goyal and Pratibha Ranta. The latter has a more complex character and towers as Pushpa Rani, while Nitanshi is a delightful natural as the idealistic, coy and not-so-world-wise Phool. Sparsh Shrivastava as Deepak is another ace up the movie’s sleeve and is perfection personified in his ardent role.”
Pashmina Roshan
The daughter of composer Rajesh Roshan, niece to Rakesh Roshan and cousin to Hrithik Roshan gave a splendid account of herself in a not-so-meaty role in Ishq Vishk Rebound, the atrocious sequel to Ishq Vishk.
Pragya Jaiswal
Amidst an ensemble cast headed by Akshay Kumar, newcomer Pragya Jaiswal was confidently herself in the breezy Khel Khel Mein.
(Used with permission)
