Digital Desk: Every year the social media and the entertainment industry witness the rise of fresh faces and personalities who manage to steal millions of hearts because of their charming look and talented personality which is refreshingly real and are often crowned as the “National Crush” by fans across India. As we step into 2025, let’s take a look at the five male and five female celebrities who’ve earned the unofficial yet iconic title of the National Crush of India.
National Crush of India (Female)
Tripti Dimri
Tripti Dimri has made a name for herself with her amazing performances in movies like “Laila Majnu” and ‘’ Bulbbul” and ‘’ Qala’’. She gained the "national crush" title after her breakthrough performance in the movie "Animal". While some view it as a fleeting title, she has acknowledged the love and appreciation that was given to her from the audience as a motivating factor for her career. She believes it encourages her to improve her craft and continue working hard. Her subtle yet impactful acting and unconventional beauty made her one of the most talked about name.
Sreeleela
Sreeleela, a rising star in the South Indian film industry, has quickly won over many fans with her lively screen presence and great acting skills. She is known for her roles in movies like "Kiss" and "Pelli SandaD," Sreeleela’s fresh charm and energetic performances have made her popular with younger audiences. This South Indian star has made waves across India with her stunning dance moves and expressive features. Her crossover appeal has crowned her the tittle of National Crush from both Tollywood and Bollywood fans.
Rashmika Mandana
Rashmika Mandanna is often widely known as the "National Crush" of India, a title she earned after gaining popularity in Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. She gained recognition with the movie Kirik Party and established her status with roles in films like Geetha Govindam, Dear Comrade, Pushpa: The Rise, and Animal. Her joyful smile, bubbly persona, and ability to switch between mass and content-driven cinema make her more lovable between the fans.
While she acknowledges the title, she has also expressed that she feels she has moved beyond it, focusing on establishing herself in people's hearts through her work.
Disha Patani
Disha Patani will always remain an undisputed favourite when it comes to national crushes. Her combination of a flawless physique, cute smile, and down-to-earth nature has ensured she stays relevant year after year.
Disha's association with renowned brands such as Calvin Klein has further amplified her allure, captivating audiences with her striking beauty and effortless charm. Her journey from modelling to acting has been marked by a string of successful films and memorable performances. Her action roles and dance performances continue to spark admiration across generations. She’s fitness goals, fashion goals, and dream girl material all rolled into one.
Medha Shankar
Medha Shankar is one of the most refreshing names on this list, she gained recognition with her poignant role in 12th Fail. Before “12th Fail” she had roles in films like “Shaadisthan” and series like “Beecham House” and “Dil Bekarar”.
The film, where she plays Shraddha Joshi, has significantly boosted her popularity and brought her to the forefront of the Bollywood. Her portrayal of Shraddha has resonated with audiences, contributing to this newfound recognition as a national crush. Her natural performance and raw emotional depth won hearts across the country and made her the holder of the National Crush tittle.
Just as these incredible women have won the admiration of millions of people there’s no shortage of men who’ve captured hearts from all across the country. From silent romantics to powerful performers, these male celebrities have become the faces that fans cannot stop talking about. Whether it’s through a single viral role or a steady rise in popularity, here are some of the top male National Crushes of India who’ve been making headlines—and melting hearts.
National Crush of India (Male)
Aditya Roy Kapur
Aditya Roy Kapur is often referred to as a "national crush" due to his widespread popularity and the admiration that he receives from fans, particularly women, for his charming looks and his astonishing acting skills. He gained significant recognition after his performance in "Aashiqui 2" and has since starred in various successful films and web series, establishing himself as an undeniable heartthrob. With each passing year, he becomes more admirednot just for his looks, but for his mature screen presence and humble personality.
Taha Shah Badussha
The year 2024 was marked as the rise of Taha Shah, thanks to his royal and emotionally charged performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series “Heeramandi” which made him gain the tittle as the National Crush. He also has previously acted in movies like “Luv ka the End” and “Gippi”. After his performance in “Heeramandi”his popularity surged, with his Instagram following jumping from 183k to over a million in a short period after the show's release, Taha became an overnight sensation, with fans swooning over his intense gaze and regal demeanour. He became a proof of how one powerful role can redefine a career.
Rohit Saraf
Rohit’s name has been synonymous with the term “national crush” for a few years now.
Renowned for his youthful charm, Indian actor Rohit Saraf made his film debut in "Dear Zindagi" (2016). In addition to web series like "Mismatched," he has starred in films like "Hichki" and "The Sky is Pink."
With his sweet smile, boyish charm, and warm screen presence, Rohit continues to rule hearts on OTT platforms and Instagram as the ideal “good guy” that everyone secretly dreams of.
Vedang Raina
Vedang Raina has also been gaining significant recognition and is often referred to as the "new national crush". He earned this title after his debut in the Netflix film "The Archies," where he played Reggie Mantle. His charming personality and impressive performance have resonated with many fans, particularly female viewers which is leading to increased attention and admiration on social media. With his charming smile and understated coolness, he’s become a youth favourite, dominating fan edits and magazine covers.
Abhay Verma
Abhay Verma is one of the newest names to create buzz and win hearts across the country. Best known for his breakout role in “Munjya” (2024), Abhay brought out a perfect mix of the boy-next-door innocence. His expressive eyes, natural acting, and quiet charm have made him an instant favourite among Gen Z audiences. From memes to reels, Abhay has quickly become a viral sensation, earning the title of the “soft crush”. His rise in popularity reflects the shift in what today’s audience admires: authenticity, relatability, and an effortless appeal.
Nowadays the title of “national crush “is no longer just about looks but it’s also about presence, relatability, and charm that feels real. In a world full of filters, it’s the ones who stay true to themselves that leaves a lasting impression on the audiences.
