Prajakta Koli, Kusha Kapila to Bassi: How these YouTubers turned online fame into full-fledged Bollywood careers

Bhuvan Bam, the face behind “BB Ki Vines,” was among the first YouTubers to break into mainstream acting. He starred in the short film ‘Plus Minus,’ which earned a Filmfare Award, showcasing his acting skills. His web series ‘Dhindora’ and ‘Taaza Khabar’ gained massive popularity, with the latter releasing on Disney+ Hotstar. Bhuvan’s journey highlights how digital comedy can translate into impactful screen performances.

Prajakta Koli, popularly known as “MostlySane,” successfully transitioned from YouTube to Bollywood with her debut in ‘Jug Jugg Jeeyo’ (2022). She later appeared in the thriller ‘Neeyat’ (2023), further proving her acting versatility. Prajakta also leads the hit Netflix series ‘Mismatched,’ which expanded her fan base beyond digital platforms. Her steady rise shows how a strong online presence can open doors to mainstream cinema.

Anubhav Singh Bassi, one of India’s most popular stand-up comedians, made an impressive Bollywood debut with ‘Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar.’ His comic timing and natural screen presence earned praise from both critics and viewers. Bassi also delivered a relatable performance in the film ‘All India Rank,’ proving his acting credibility. His seamless shift from stage to screen highlights how comedians are finding strong footing in Bollywood today.

Harsh Beniwal, known for his high-energy comedy videos, stepped into Bollywood with ‘Student of the Year 2.’ He played a supporting role, bringing his signature humour to the big screen. Harsh’s YouTube popularity helped him connect instantly with young film audiences. His transition showcases how comedic timing online can translate well into commercial cinema.

Kusha Kapila made a remarkable shift from short digital sketches to mainstream movies. She began her film journey with the Netflix anthology ‘Ghost Stories,’ showcasing her dramatic abilities. Kusha later appeared in ‘Selfiee,’ ‘Sukhee,’ and ‘Thank You for Coming,’ expanding her on-screen portfolio. Her rise reflects the growing demand for digital-native actors in Bollywood.

Mallika Dua, loved for her hilarious sketches, has built a solid acting career in Bollywood. She appeared in films such as ‘Hindi Medium,’ ‘Zero,’ and ‘Indoo Ki Jawani,’ displaying her range in both comedy and drama. Her social media presence gave her an early advantage in connecting with urban audiences. Mallika continues to balance digital content with mainstream work.

Ajey Nagar, famous as “CarryMinati,” took his first step into Bollywood with a cameo in Ajay Devgn’s aviation drama ‘Runway 34.’ He played himself in the film, staying true to his online persona. Despite the brief appearance, it marked an important crossover moment for India’s biggest YouTuber. CarryMinati’s massive fan following ensures audiences are curious to see more of him on the big screen.

Dolly Singh, a beloved fashion and comedy creator, smoothly transitioned into acting with multiple notable roles. She appeared in the Netflix series ‘Bhaag Beanie Bhaag,’ proving her comfort in long-format storytelling. Dolly also acted in films like ‘Double XL’ and ‘Thank You for Coming,’ strengthening her Bollywood presence. Her creative versatility continues to draw attention across platforms.