The Bollywood film industry experienced a rollercoaster of highs and lows in 2024. While several prominent stars struggled to make an impact at the Box Office, fresh faces captivated audiences and cemented their status within the industry. Supriyo Hazra explores the stories of this year’s notable figures in Tinseltown.
Shah Rukh Khan: The beloved Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan made a striking comeback to the silver screen in 2023 with three blockbuster films, but took a step back this year with no major releases. Nevertheless, his year was not without excitement off-screen, as his cricket franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, clinched the Indian Premier League title for the third time. Despite his absence from films, Khan set a new record as the highest tax-paying celebrity in India, outpacing his peers Akshay Kumar and cricket legend Virat Kohli by paying ₹92 crore in taxes, as reported by Forbes in September, a result of last year’s successful run of films.
Akshay Kumar: Known for his reliability, Akshay Kumar faced challenges this year, with all his films failing to resonate with audiences except for Singham Again. He kicked off the year partnering with Tiger Shroff for the Eid release Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, which garnered poor reviews and fizzled out. His other two films, Sarfira and Khel Khel Mein, also underperformed. However, his brief roles in the year’s biggest hit Stree 2 and Singham Again offered a sliver of hope, with fans eager for his return to Box Office glory.
Shraddha Kapoor-Rajkummar Rao-Pankaj Tripathi: The dynamic trio of Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, and Pankaj Tripathi delivered one of the year’s most successful films, Stree 2. With its clever humor and stellar performances, the film about a headless ghost achieved a remarkable worldwide gross of ₹858.4 crore. Following her compelling performance, Shraddha has emerged as one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.
Salman Khan: In a tumultuous turn of events, Salman Khan faced threats to his life from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with reports indicating gunfire outside his Bandra home earlier in the year.
Kriti Sanon: Kriti Sanon continued to dazzle audiences with her evolving career, starting 2024 with the release of Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, where she portrayed a robot in a science-fiction romantic comedy opposite Shahid Kapoor. Released on February 9, it received mixed reviews. In March, she collaborated with Kareena Kapoor and Tabu for the comedy Crew, which was well-received and performed admirably at the Box Office. Additionally, Kriti ventured into producing with Do Patti, featuring Kajol, set to release on Netflix in November. Amidst her flourishing career, rumors surrounding her relationship with businessman Kabir Bahia circulated after they were spotted together at a wedding and shared vacation photos from Greece.
Deepika Padukone: Following a magical wedding and the news of her pregnancy, Deepika Padukone welcomed her baby girl, Dua, on September 8, 2024. This year, she kept busy with three major releases: Fighter, Singham Again, and Kalki 2898 AD, showcasing a range of tough characters.
Ranveer Singh: Ranveer reprised his role as Sangram “Simmba” Bhalerao in Singham Again, delivering a standout performance during the Diwali season, while also embracing fatherhood alongside Deepika.
Vicky Kaushal: After years of serious roles, Vicky Kaushal ventured into romantic comedy territory with Bad Newz, where he faced off against Ammy Virk for the affection of Triptii Dimri, exploring the unique theme of heteropaternal superfecundation.
Kartik Aaryan: Kartik returned as ‘Rooh Baba’ in the horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which proved to be a massive Box Office success. He also took on the role of India’s first Paralympic gold medallist Murlikant Petkar in Chandu Champion directed by Kabir Khan.
Triptii Dimri: Following her brief but impactful presence in Animal in 2023, Triptii Dimri emerged as a national favorite and sex symbol this year, featuring prominently in two major releases: Bad Newz and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
Hrithik Roshan: Hrithik Roshan made his onscreen debut with Deepika Padukone in Fighter, their chemistry igniting interest among audiences early in January. The high-energy film, based on the Indian Air Force, quickly became one of the year’s early successes, showcasing gripping storytelling and impressive performances.
Abhishek Bachchan-Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Divorce Rumors
In a shocking turn of events, rumors surfaced about a potential divorce between Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the couple who captivated India with their fairytale wedding in 2007 and welcomed daughter Aaradhya in 2011. Speculation grew when reports suggested Abhishek might be involved with actress Nimrat Kaur. Though the couple has not issued an official statement, chatter regarding their relationship has dominated discussions as the year comes to a close.
Yami Gautam: Yami Gautam gave a remarkable performance in the real-event-based film Article 370, which narrates the events surrounding the controversial abolition of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a pivotal moment in Indian history.
Anushka Sharma: Anushka Sharma and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Akaay, in February. While they frequently spend time in London, it is rumored they may make a permanent move to the UK.
Vikrant Massey: Vikrant Massey is gradually establishing himself in Bollywood as a distinctive actor known for his unconventional roles. His work in 12th Fail garnered acclaim, while his film The Sabarmati Report gained attention for its sensitive exploration of the Godhra train burning incident from 2002. However, in a surprising announcement, Vikrant revealed his plans to retire from films in December, later clarifying that he will be taking an extended break instead. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received and shared his desire to recalibrate his priorities as a family man and actor through an Instagram post.
“In 2025, we’ll meet again for a final time [sic]. Until the timing feels right. The last 2 movies and years of memories [sic]. Thank you for everything,” he shared.
Man of the Match
Ajay Devgn: Ajay Devgn featured in multiple films throughout 2024, starting with Shaitaan, where he faced off against R. Madhavan in this supernatural drama, praised for both actors’ performances. He also appeared in Naam, which was finally released after many delays, the critically acclaimed sports drama Maidaan, a romantic film Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha, and concluded with Singham Again, where he reprised his role as DCP Bajirao Singham, clinching one of this year’s biggest hits.
