The year 2025 was full of entertainment and excitement for Indian television, with several leading male stars who ruled the TV screens and created a lot of buzz. As we step into 2026, here is a look back at the Most Popular TV Stars Of The Year (Male), including Gaurav Khanna, Naman Shaw, Kanwar Dhillon, Sharad Kelkar, Rohit Purohit, Amar Upadhyay, Bharat Ahlawwat, Shivam Khajuria, and Sheizaan Khan.
1) Gaurav Khanna
Gaurav Khanna, the beloved Anuj Kapadia, ruled this year despite the fact that he wasn’t part of Anupama this year, but he was shown in the show often in the flashbacks. But with his stint in Celebrity MasterChef, he once again won hearts, not just that, he also won the show, becoming the first Celebrity MasterChef of India. If that wasn’t enough, Gaurav caught viewers’ attention with his clean, classy, and dignified game in Bigg Boss 19, which helped him win the trophy. So, this year has been epic for the actor.
2) Naman Shaw
As the leading hero of the Colors TV show Mangal Lakshmi, produced by Suzana Ghai Naman, wins hearts. His character of Adit got mixed reactions from the viewers, and with good or bad, he caught everyone’s attention with his acting skills. With Deepika Singh as the female lead, the show managed to be in the top five for several weeks this year.
3) Kanwar Dhillon
This year redefined success for Kanwar. With his strong performance as Sachin Deshmukh in Star Plus’s Udne Ki Aasha, produced by Rolling Tales Production, the actor became a household name again. His real touch in his acting connected him with the viewer, making this character one of the best roles of his life. His show also ranked #1 for consecutive weeks, helping him stand in the buzz. Sachin’s character also won him several awards throughout the year. Udne Ki Aasha has Neha Harsora as the female lead.
4) Sharad Kelkar
The beloved Sharad returned to the TV screens with a bigger, better, and grander show with Zee TV’s Tumm Se Tumm Tak, produced by Prateek Sharma’s LSD Studio. And with the first week, his show ranked at the top of the channel and jumped into the top 10 in the TRP with ease. And towards the end, the show also secured its spot in the top 3, proving to be a year of magic for Sharad. He has now become the viewers’ favorite as Arya Vardhan. The show stars Niharika Chouksey in the female lead.
5) Rohit Purohit
Rohit doesn’t need an introduction! His exceptional transformation throughout the year in Star Plus’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, produced by Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions, made him everyone’s favorite. Armaan Poddar became a dream man for every girl, and this character also helped the actor bag several accolades. His chemistry with Samridhii Shukla keeps making headlines, and they are lovingly called #Abhimaan. Not just that, the show also maintained its position in the top 5 for most of the weeks.
6) Amar Upadhyay
Amar first created buzz on the internet in the show Doree 2. However, his much-anticipated return as Mihir Virani in Star Plus show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, produced by Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms, hit a nostalgia note, and fans are loving him more than ever. With Amar Upadhyay, Smriti Irani also returned after 25 years, and the show has been in the top 3 since its release.
7) Bharat Ahlawwat
Bharad, with his charming personality, is loved by female fans. His appearance as adorable Raghav in Zee TV’s Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, produced by Rose Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd., with his stunning role, made him the new “green flag” in the television world.
8) Shivam Khajuria
The all-time slayer, Star Plus show Anupamaa, produced by Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Productions, actor Shivam is the dream boy every girl wants with his role of Prem. His chemistry with Raahi, played by Adrija Roy, is the best part in the show. But what made him a true star is his transformation in the show from intense roles to fun-loving moments.
9) Sheizaan Khan
Sheizaan returned to the screens with Zee TV’s another big gig, Ganga Mai Ki Betiyan, produced by Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta’s Dreamiyata Entertainment. As Siddhu, he has slowly made his place in viewers’ hearts, and his chemistry with Amandeep Sidhu is also garnering love. Since the release of the show, it has performed well, and now it is ranked in the top 5.
Not just these nine actors, but also others ruled on television this year, but above are the most popular ones. Actors like Abhishek Kumar, Adnan Khan, Arjit Taneja, Samarth Jurel, Namik Paul, and Harshad Chopra also gained major attention.
