Growing up, whether willing or unwillingly, most of us watched our fair share of Hindi soap operas. And developed crushes on these stars, hunted for their photos online, and secretly dreamt about meeting them somewhere:
1. Rajeev Khandelwal
He was easily the actor every girl had a massive crush on ever since he starred in Kahiin To Hoga. And as Captain Rajveer in Left Right Left, he was absolute perfection.
In a brief stint with Bollywood, he did movies like Aamir, Soundtrack, and Table No. 21 etc. Despite praiseworthy performances, the movies failed to make a mark. Currently, he hosts a talk show JuzzBaatt – Sangeen Se Namkeen Tak on Zee Tv.
2. Eijaz Khan
Eijaz Khan played brief roles in various serials before Kkavyanjali and Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Ka made him a star. His bad boy smirk was hard to resist, even in a saas-bahu soap opera, which is how we ended up seeing our fair share of shows from the K brigade.
Jassi in Tanu Weds Manu was his most significant movie role. He will be seen in Nagesh Kukunoor’s Mayanagri next.
3. Gurmeet Choudhary
It was Gurmeet’s emotive eyes that hooked us to Yeh Meri Life Hai and Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. He romanced many women on screen and inadvertently wooed us off-screen, especially as Maan Singh Khurana in Geet – Hui Sabse Parayi.
His Bollywood career was a blink and a miss. He last appeared as lead in the show Punar Vivah (2013). He also performs with the dance crew X1X CREW 19.
4. Aamna Sharif
She was the female protagonist in Kahiin To Hoga and her pairing with Rajeev Khandelwal made the two the ‘it’ couple on TV. In a clichéd character, her performance was like a breath of fresh air.
She was last seen in the 2014 movie Ek Villain, paired opposite Riteish Deshmukh.
5. Barun Sobti
Although shows like Dill Mill Gayye and Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? made him a star, we fell in love with his boyish charm in his debut show, Shraddha that revived our faith in the existence of good-looking men.
After a not-so-impressive Bollywood career, he made a TV comeback with the show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3. He is also working on a short film, Karma.
6. Shruti Seth
This lovable VJ became our favorite neighborhood witch when she played Jiya in Shararat. Despite brief appearance in movies like Fanaa, Rajneeti etc., her bubbly alter-ego as Jiya remains her most memorable role.
She was last seen in the 2017 show TV, Biwi aur Main. A fitness and travel enthusiast, she also holds discussions titled Let’s Talk About Health on Facebook.
7. Amit Tandon
He was the crowd’s favorite in the first season of Indian Idol, and it wasn’t just his voice that charmed us. He was quick to make the jump from singing to acting, and we were quick to jump into the fangirling universe before the term even existed.
He is currently a part of the show Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki. He has a personal website in case you want to crush on him some more.
8. Vivan Bhathena
The superstar of TV shows, Vivan Bhathen started with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Shortly after, he moved to Bollywood. His loyal fanbase is just as much in love with him now, as they were when he first smiled that devilish smile on screen.
Other than in Hate Story 4 in 2018, he appeared as Alex in Judwaa 2 and had a brief role in Dangal.
9. Anita Hassanandani
From debuting in Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii to bracing the supernatural world in Naagin, Anita Hassanandani’s love for dramatics rivals only our love for seeing her on screen.
She’s appeared in multiple Telugu and Tamil films and even appeared in Hindi films like Krishna Cottage, Koi Aap Sa, Dus Kahaniyaan, and Ragini MMS 2 etc. Currently, she is part of the TV show Naagin 3.
10. Hiten Tejwani
Despite Hindi TV shows’ categorical melodrama, Hiten and Gauri gave us a memorable love story in Kutumb. Though prior to Kutumb, he had us crushing over his boy-next-door look as Gautam in Ghar Ek Mandir.
He appeared in a handful of Bollywood movies, only to return to television. He was last seen in the show Gangaa, and as a contestant in Big Boss 11. He will soon be seen in a music video titled Meherbaani.
11. Mahhi Vij
Laagi Tujhse Lagan was the show that introduced us to Mahhi Vij. But it was her effortless dance moves in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 4 and Nach Baliye 5 (where she appeared with her husband Jay Bhanushali) that turned most of us into her ardent fans.
Currently, she is a part of the show, Laal Ishq.
12. Arjun Bijlani
He was TV’s favorite bad boy with the roles he played in shows like Left Right Left and Miley Jab Hum Tum. And those are the roles that still make our hearts flutter.
He never ventured into Bollywood, but in recent times gained popularity as Ritik in Naagin. Currently, he is back to his bad boy persona with the show Ishq Mein Marjawan. He is also the presenter for the show Dance Deewane.
13. Gaurav Chopra
He completely floored us with his baritone voice and his killer looks as Raghuvendra Pratap Rathore in Uttaran. He also dubbed for Chris Hemsworth’s role in Thor: Ragnarok.
After appearing as a contestant in Big Boss 10 in 2016, he played a casanova in Alt Balaji’s 2018 web series Fourplay.
14. Raj Singh Arora
As Yuvi in Remix, he redefined friendship goals. His character was a break from the one-dimensional supporting cast in other TV shows.
He had brief roles in various Bollywood movies, and last appeared in the show Ye Hai Mohabbatein.
15. Harshad Chopda
Honestly, can we just get a revamped version of Left Right Left but with the same stars? Because we miss the innate innocence of Cadet Ali Baig.
At present, he plays Aditya Hooda in the show Bepannah.
16. Karan Wahi
Karan Wahi as Ranveer Sisodia in Remix was when we found our forever love. Though we saw him as a lead in the movie Hate Story 4, it is his role on TV that remains memorable.
This cricketer-turned-actor made a brief appearance in Netflix’s Sacred Games recently.
17. Shweta Gulati
Tia ko pata hai ki Tia aaj bhi sabki favorite hai! Shweta Gulati as Tia Ahuja in Remix was one of the most interesting characters on screen. And then she turned into Dr. Nikita Malhotra in Dill Mill Gayye and just made us love her antics even more.
Recently she appeared in the show Partners Trouble Ho Gayi Double, that also stars Kishwer Merchant and Johny Lever.
18. Chetan Hansraj
From the model good boy in Kkusum to the bad boy Sasha in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Chetan Hansraj definitely experimented with roles on TV, though his look remained the same.
He is currently playing the role of Andy in Naagin 3.
19. Nauheed Cyrusi
Even though she appeared in Hip Hip Hurray, it was the beautiful video for the song Piya Basanti that made her an instant celebrity.
She starred in multiple movies but Lakeer with John Abraham and Sohail Khan was perhaps her most memorbale role. She was last seen in the movie Jai Ho.
20. Peeya Rai Choudhuri
Kiran in Hip Hip Hurray was the character we, as teenage girls, could see ourselves in. As Lakhi in Bride and Prejudice, she brought a mischievous element to her character that made her role memorable.
She was last seen in the 2006 movie The Bong Connection. More recently, she appeared in the advertisement for Engage Deo. She also runs a dance company, Omaggio, with Tino Sanchez, based out of Goa.
21. Vipul Gupta
Even though he holds an MBA degree in marketing, we are glad he chose a career in front of the camera. Because his good looks as Aditya Khanna in India Calling made us weak in the knees.
Recently he appeared in two web series, Maaya and Zakhmi, both by VB on the Web.
22. Shweta Salve
Before we had Poo from K3G, we had Prishita from Hip Hip Hurray, who made even school uniform look effortlessly stylish. And it was all because of the way Shweta Salve carried the look!
She last appeared on the show Ek Tha Chander Ek Thi Sudha. Recently, she was part of The Colorism Issue (fighting societal prejudice against dark-skinned girls) in a digital magazine by The Meraki Project, a clothing brand.
23. Shweta Tiwari
One half of TV’s most famous romantic pair, Shweta Tiwari as Prerna in Kasautii Zindagii Kay reigned on our TV screens and in our hearts for more than seven years.
She appeared in multiple reality shows, before returning to serials. She was last seen in the show Begusarai.
24. Cezanne Khan
If we’re talking about Prerna from Kasautii Zindagii Kay, we have to mention Anurag Basu aka Cezanne Khan. And looking at him, we could almost understand Komolika’s fascination with him!
He last played the role of Suraj in Seeta Aur Geeta, aired on NDTV Imagine.
25. Sangita Ghosh
As Pammi in Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, she instantly became a character we loved to watch on screen. Though she appeared in multiple shows after that, no other character became as famous as Pammi.
She now plays the role of antagonist Sudha in the show Rishton Ka Chakravyuh.
26. Apoorva Agnihotri
He is without a doubt one of the most famous people on this list. Whether you remember him from the movie Pardes or still hold a crush in your heart for his portrayal of Armaan Suri in the show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, you know that his charm is inescapable.
He also appeared with Sonali Bendre in Ajeeb Dastaan Hai Yeh, though Bepannah is the latest show in his filmography.
27. Priya Wal
Hey Bhaggu, how can we not talk about the original swag of Anvesha, aka Priya Wal from Remix? For many of us, she was the original queen of sarcasm.
She last appeared in the show Gangaa.
28. Purab Kohli
As Mazhar in Hip Hip Hurray, Purab Kohli was the school kid we wish we had in our classes. This former VJ also the host on the first season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar, before entering the world of Bollywood with the film Bas Yun Hi.
He appeared in movies like My Brother…Nikhil, Bas Ek Pal, and more recently, Rock On (both original and sequel) and Airlift. He also appeared in P.O.W.- Bandi Yuddh Ke and was in the movie Noor. He was also a part of Netflix’s show Sense8.
29. Prachi Desai
With Kasamh Se, she got onto the K serial bandwagon, and with her girl-next-door charm, made a quick jump to Bollywood.
Compared to her contemporaries she’s had a favorable run in Bollywood, with significant roles in movies like Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Bol Bachchan, and the Rock on series. She will next appear in the movie, Kosha.
30. Roshni Chopra
She also made her TV Debut with Kasamh Se. As a negative lead, she rivaled even the famous Komolika when it came to both, style and scheming, and won herself numerous fans.
She later turned TV presenter and was part of the 2017 show The Drama Company. She also co-owns a luxury clothing brand called Roshni Chopra Design.
31. Arunima Sharma
As Rano, she completed the trio of sisters in the popular show Kasamh Se. Though she also appeared in shows like Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, she left the TV business to spend more time with family.
She is now a practicing nutritionist and has a website as well.
32. Iqbal Khan
As Angad Khanna in Kaisa Ye Pyar Hai, he was the rock star who made our hearts skip a beat. He went on to do many popular shows like Kavyanjali, Waaris, and Chhoona Hai Aasmaan.
He also appeared in the movie Fun2shh… Dudes in the 10th Century. He soon returned to TV and was last seen in the show Dil Se Dil Tak.
33. Sumeet Sachdev
From Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Gomzy Virani aka Sumeet Sachdev was one of the most popular soap opera star.
A professional Scrabble player now, he will be seen in a special appearance in the Punjabi movie Nankana.
34. Ronit Roy
Ronit Roy had everyone sit up and pay attention to him as Mr. Bajaj in Kasautii Zindagii Kay. He continued to star in popular shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasamh Se, Bandini, Adaalat etc.
His performance in the movie Udaan won him numerous accolades and remains one of his most famous roles, though he also appeared in Student of The Year, Two States and Lucknow Central.
He is currently part of the web series Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain by ALTBalaji, and will be seen in Thugs of Hindostan and Loveratri next.
35. Sonal Sehgal
She first appeared in the show Saara Aakash and then played Shelly Sahai in the show Hotel Kingston. She even appeared in the critically acclaimed movie Aashayein by Nagesh Kukunoor.
She will next be seen in Lihaaf, and she’s co-written its screenplay. She also wrote the lyrics of an individual track, Sawaariya.
36. Mayank Anand
Dill Mill Gayye sure had some seriously good-looking actors, and Mayank Anand definitely topped the charts when he appeared as Dr. Rahul in the show.
He currently manages his clothing label Mayank Anand Shraddha Nigam with his wife.
37. Amit Varma
Amit Varma as Vishwamitra (Vish) Kelkar from Hotel Kingston redefined our concept of hotel management. He even appeared in the popular show Khichdi.
He last appeared in the show Bakula Bua Ka Bhoot.
38. Rakshanda Khan
Who can ever forget Mallika Seth from Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin? While we loved her confidence, she did instill in most of us a premature fear of office colleagues!
She recently appeared in popular shows like Devon Ke Dev – Mahadev and Naagin 3.
39. Mishal Raheja
Most of us dreamed away to the song Teri Yaadein imagining loverboy Akash from Love Story. That’s how adorable Mishal Raheja was, and honestly, still is!
He currently appears in the show Kumkum Bhagya.
40. Zafar Karachiwala
Rafey was the quite, no-nonsense hero in Hip Hip Hurray, and had all the girls falling for him. He started his Bollywood career with Zakhm, and went on to star in a few films, the last being a brief role in Delhi Belly.
He last did theatre shows in 2015. Currently, he is a partner at a machinery firm, E. E. Karachiwala & Co.
41. Shilpa Agnihotri
As Ganga in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, she was TV’s favorite daughter-in-law for the longest time ever. She also participated in Nach Baliye with her husband, and even appeared as a contestant in Bigg Boss 7.
Currently she stars as the atagonist in the show, Kaleerein.
42. Amit Sadh
In reality college boys are rarely as cute as Amit Sadh was in Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr, which explains why his debut role remains his most famous TV role.
He debuted in movies with Phoonk 2, but gained recognition for his role in Kai Po Che!. He was last seen in the web series Breathe, and will be seen in the movie Gold next.
43. Karanvir Bohra
He started his TV career with Just Mohabbat and rose to prominence as Jiya’s affable boyfriend in Shararat.
He was last seen in Naagin 2 and in the show India’s Best Judwaah as the host. He is all set to appear in the Darr remake, Humein Tumse Pyar Kitna next.
44. Mihir Mishra
Who didn’t have a crush on TV’s favorite doctor, Dr. Rahul Mehra in Sanjivani. He went on to do various shows but never ventured into movies.
He is currently part of the show Ishq Mein Marjawaan.
45. Gaurav Chanana (Rhehan Malliek)
The original Dr. Rahul Mehra in Sanjivani was at one point the resident heartthrob, for his mischievous smiles and intense stares.
He also appeared in the show Hey…Yehii To Haii Woh!. His last significant onscreen appearance was as lead in the 2013 movie Ishkq in Paris. He now goes by the name Rhehan Malliek.
Remember any other childhood crushes? Let us know in the comments section below.
