Earlier this week, the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) unveiled an extensive list – the most-viewed Indian film stars on the platform in the last decade. The list of 100 divided fans. Some, who saw their favourites at the top, were excited. Others, who felt their idols were too far below in the list, questioned its credibility. But everyone agreed on one surprise. A young actress, just 30 years old and only six films into her career, beat heavyweight superstars to land at number 15 on the list, testament to the growing power of social media and the digital age.
Triptii Dimri, who has appeared in just six films so far, astonished many by surpassing some of the industry’s most established names, including Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and Kangana Ranaut. This accomplishment shines a spotlight on the changing dynamics of Indian cinema, where digital footprints and social media engagement can sometimes outweigh traditional markers of success, such as box office numbers or television ratings.
IMDb’s list of Top 100 Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade is headed by Deepika Padukone, who edges out Shah Rukh Khan for the top spot. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is at the third spot while Alia Bhatt holds a secure position at the fourth. The top ten features the usual stalwarts of Bollywood, with names that dominate the industry headlines. However, the first surprise entry appears at position 15, occupied by Triptii Dimri, an actress known for her roles in “Qala,” “Bulbbul,” and “Animal.”
Triptii made her debut in 2017 with a minor role in the film “Mom.” She then landed a more prominent part in “Poster Boys” the same year. However, her big break came with the film “Laila Majnu,” which paved the way for her subsequent critically-acclaimed performances in “Bulbbul” and “Qala.” Nationwide recognition, however, came with her cameo in 2023’s blockbuster “Animal,” which led to her being dubbed the ‘national crush.’
So, why is it surprising to see Triptii Dimri at the 15th spot? Triptii is undoubtedly a recognizable face, but her widespread fame is relatively recent.
. Before her brief but memorable role in “Animal” just six months ago, she was largely an unknown commodity in many parts of India. Her earlier films, despite being in lead roles, primarily catered to niche audiences. In contrast, many of the actors positioned below her on IMDb’s list are much more seasoned and have enjoyed long-standing popularity. Stars like Ranbir Kapoor (at position 17), Ranveer Singh (at 19), Ajay Devgn (at 20), Anushka Sharma (at 22), and Kangana Ranaut (at 45) have consistently been big draws in Indian cinema.
This unexpected ranking could be partially attributed to the novelty factor. More people may have searched for Triptii on IMDb following each of her films, intrigued by her performances and wanting to learn more about her. On the other hand, searches for more established actors could be less frequent, given their ubiquitous presence in media and the public domain. Nonetheless, Triptii’s presence on this list, surrounded by industry giants, is a testament to her rising stock and growing influence in the digital age.
Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be a busy and potentially landmark year for Triptii Dimri, who has four projects lined up for release. She will first be seen in “Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video,” opposite Rajkummar Rao. Following that, she will star in “Bad Newz,” sharing screen space with Vicky Kaushal and Ammy Virk. Another highly-anticipated project includes “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3,” where Triptii will appear alongside Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Vidya Balan. It was also announced that she will star opposite Siddhant Chaturvedi in “Dhadak 2.”
Given these high-profile projects, Triptii is well-positioned to continue her ascent in the Indian film industry. With her talent, choice of diverse roles, and the growing power of digital platforms and social media, Triptii Dimri might see the coming decade be even more fruitful and transformative for her career.
As technology continues to shape the entertainment industry, Triptii Dimri’s journey serves as a compelling case study of how digital engagement and the power of the internet can catapult even relatively new actors into the limelight, making them household names almost overnight.