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Small screen stars who made a powerful mark in Bollywood films

Sonal Khandelwal
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Apr 18, 2025, 16:00 IST
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1/5

Stardom redefined boldly

Yami Gautam captivated audiences in Vicky Donor after years on television, including Chand Ke Paar Chalo. Her transition was seamless, blending charm and depth. This leap reshaped her career and inspired many aspiring actors from the small screen to believe in larger possibilities.

2/5

Bold career pivot

Mrunal Thakur’s emotional depth in Love Sonia surprised viewers who remembered her from Kumkum Bhagya. She then cemented her place with Super 30 and Jersey, showing that even popular TV faces can reinvent themselves powerfully in Hindi cinema.

3/5

Breakthrough film moments

From soaps to silver screens, Sushant Singh Rajput’s leap from Pavitra Rishta to Kai Po Che! marked a defining moment. His grounded performances, especially in MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, resonated with millions and proved that talent honed on TV can triumph in cinemas too.

4/5

Rise beyond roots

Amit Sadh, once known for Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr, carved his space in Bollywood with intense roles in Kai Po Che! and Sultan. His transformation highlighted the gritty path from daily dramas to cinematic applause, proving resilience and reinvention go hand-in-hand.

5/5

Soap queen’s ascent

Ankita Lokhande made a stunning Bollywood debut in Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Already beloved as Archana from Pavitra Rishta, her commanding presence and acting range helped her seamlessly step into period cinema and gain film industry recognition.

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Copyright © May 27, 2026, 05.37AM IST Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service