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Social media has drastically transformed how we view and interact with Bollywood celebrities, especially when it comes to the ‘National Crush’ phenomenon. In the past, this title was reserved for actors who consistently delivered box-office hits and won awards, creating a lasting impression on audiences. However, today’s National Crush status is driven more by instant virality, thanks to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
Actresses like Rashmika Mandanna, who gained the title in 2020 after her breakout role in Pushpa, and newer faces like Tripti Dimri, Abhay Verma, and Medha Shankar have risen to fame rapidly due to viral moments and mass social media attention. These actors have managed to capture the hearts of millions not just through their acting but also by engaging with fans directly on social media, giving them unprecedented access to their personal lives and thoughts.
Social media’s influence blurs the line between reality and fame. An actor’s popularity can skyrocket overnight, often based on a viral moment or an engaging post, making the idea of ‘National Crush’ more fleeting than ever. This trend indicates a shift from a long-term, enduring fan-following to a more short-lived yet intense surge of adoration. This phenomenon is less about consistent film success and more about creating memorable, shareable moments that resonate with the audience.
With platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, these stars quickly engage with millions of fans, cementing their position as the next National Crush almost instantly. In many cases, the title can shift rapidly as newer faces gain attention, leading to the phenomenon diminishing status as a prestigious title. However, the core idea remains: it’s about public affection, whether fleeting or sustained.
While the traditional ‘National Crush’ may seem diluted due to the fast-paced nature of viral fame, the affection for these stars has not died down. Social media might make the adoration more transient, but it has undoubtedly opened the doors for a wider variety of actors to gain national attention and connect with their audience in a more personal, real-time way.
The rise of actresses like Triptii Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna, Medha Shankar, and Priya Prakash Varrier showcases how social media has reshaped the concept of ‘National Crush.’
Triptii Dimri
Triptii Dimri’s rise to fame wasn’t instant, but her journey has been steady and impactful. With films like Bulbbul and Qala, she showcased her depth as an actor, earning both critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. However, it was her brief yet unforgettable presence in Animal that catapulted her into the spotlight as the latest national crush.
At the trailer launch of Bad Newz, Triptii addressed being called the ‘National Crush’. She said, “In my experience, luckily, I would like to thank God, because in my experience, it has been the other way around, as many films I have done in my career, whether they are the older films that I did earlier, or the ones that have released recently, I have received a lot of love from my audience. People have liked my work and have spoken about it.”
She added, “Initially, when I came into the industry, I always wanted people to talk about my work and nothing else. Luckily, when my films have been released, they have spoken about my work. I think these things motivate us actors to do better in life and to keep working on our craft and I think that way I have been very fortunate.”
Her Bulbbul co-star Parambrata Chatterjee recently told SCREEN in an interview, “It is what it is, national crushes are temporary, but class is permanent. I mean no offence. Sorry. What is she called? Bhabhi 2!” The actor explained, “She is lovely, a very nice girl, and I really get along with her. But she still has miles to go. She entered the industry very young and will learn a lot.”
Rashmika Mandanna
Rashmika Mandanna was officially crowned as the ‘National Crush of India’ by Google in 2020, and for good reason. Her infectious smile, relatability, and down-to-earth personality have made her a household name. From Kirik Party to Pushpa: The Rise and Animal, she has consistently won hearts across different film industries.
In a 2020 interview, Rashmika Mandanna addressed being dubbed the ‘National Crush,’ expressing surprise and affectionately calling her fans ‘cute.’
Medha Shankr
Medha Shankr’s breakthrough role in 12th Fail turned her into an overnight sensation. Her natural performance and effortless charm resonated with audiences, making her the latest national crush. Unlike traditional Bollywood actresses who rise to fame through glamour, Medha’s appeal is rooted in her authenticity.
In an interview with ETimes, Medha reacted to being called National Crush. She said, “When I received all this attention as the national crush, I remember Vikrant massey telling me, ‘Medha, just remember that everything is transient and focus on the right things’. That’s such a beautiful thing to say. However, I don’t know any other way to be. I enjoy success but don’t take it too seriously.”
Pratibha Ranta
Pratibha Ranta is another name making waves in the industry. While she may not yet be a household name, her presence in projects like Laapataa Ladies has earned her a dedicated fanbase. Her fresh face, strong screen presence, and acting skills make her one to watch.
Priya Prakash Varrier
Priya Prakash Varrier is the perfect example of how social media can create a national crush overnight. A single wink from her song Manikya Malaraya Poovi in Oru Adaar Love made her an internet sensation, with millions of views and shares across platforms.
Aditya Roy Kapur
Aditya Roy Kapur has been a fan-favorite ever since his breakthrough role in Aashiqui 2 (2013). His brooding charm, intense performances, and effortless screen presence cemented him as a national crush. Over the years, he has continued to captivate audiences with films like Malang, Ludo, and The Night Manager, proving that his appeal isn’t fleeting.
Abhay Verma
Abhay Verma is one of the newest additions to the list of national crushes. He shot to fame with his charming roles in Munjya and Ae Watan Mere Watan. Unlike actors from the previous era, Abhay’s rise has been largely fueled by the digital world, where fan edits, Instagram reels, and interviews have propelled his popularity. His boy-next-door appeal, paired with his impressive acting chops, has made him a social media favourite.
However, Shrenik Gandhi told ETimes, “So, the only thing which I believe which can be long term is consistency. There are dozens of one-off stars which have come on the internet and more than dozens which have gone off. So, giving someone a national crush title could be a great one-off activity. But then if the actor doesn’t stand by it, the fans do not support it, it will wear off. The Internet is much smarter than what it was and bloated identities do not last. It may create one-off bans but the only thing which will last is consistency.”
Filmmaker Sajid Ali shared, “I don’t think the concept of national crush has evolved or anything. I think having crushes is very normal, it’s human nature. It happens in schools, it happens in colleges, it happens in work space. Everywhere it’s a part of life. We keep getting crushes and it also applies to the film industry. And crushes are temporary. But the ones that convert to love are purely based on talent and talent alone will sustain.”
He added, “We’ve had all sorts of people throughout the history of films, people that women have had a crush on, women that men have had a crush on. It will not change, you know, variety is a spice of life and any new exotic material that you come across gets your attention. But it also has to last. And for example, in the case of Triptii Dimri, I feel that because she has the talent to back it up, I think it will last and convert into love.”
The ’90s Icons: A Different Kind of Stardom
The Bollywood crushes of the ’90s like Dino Morea, Preeti Jhangiani, Milind Soman, Urmila Matondkar, Jugal Hansraj, Rahul Roy, and Raageshwari Loomba were the epitome of charm and allure in that era. These stars became iconic through their roles in hit films and music videos. Their popularity was cultivated over time with a steady stream of projects, which helped build a loyal fanbase. In contrast to today’s instant social media-driven fame, their appeal was more about their sustained presence in the media and memorable performances that resonated with audiences.
Dino Morea
Known for his striking good looks, Dino made a mark in the ’90s with films like Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi becoming a favourite for his charm and effortless presence on screen.
He told ETimes, “During the late 1990s, around 1996 to 1999, I was embarking on my modeling career, a time when supermodels were revered. The adoration and support we received were overwhelming, especially for a teenager like myself, aged 19 to 21 at the time. It felt surreal to be appreciated by so many people, and I relished every moment of it. Looking back now, I realize the iconic status we achieved, but back then, I simply enjoyed the journey, relishing the work, the camaraderie, and the laughter. Those years left me with unforgettable memories and experiences that I cherish deeply. I’m grateful for the love and support I received during that time.”
Preeti Jhangiani
With her delicate features and girl-next-door appeal, Preeti became a household name after Mohabbatein, earning the status of a beloved figure in Indian cinema.
She earlier told ETimes, “Fame came unexpectedly to me. I was a regular girl in Bombay, going about my college life when I did a music video and a couple of ads just for fun. Suddenly, I found myself thrown into the limelight, with crowds gathering wherever I went. It was overwhelming and shocking. Telugu and Tamil producers approached me for films, and I began working soon after.”
She added, “Handling the sudden fame wasn’t too difficult as I was busy with work and traveling. I received sacks of fan mail, later transitioning to emails, which I tried to respond to but couldn’t keep up with the volume. It’s humbling and gratifying that people still remember and appreciate my work in ‘Chui Mui Se Tum Lagti Ho’ and ‘Mohabbatein’. Receiving love and support from fans worldwide on social media is an incredible feeling, and I’m grateful for the connection I made with so many people during that time.”
Milind Soman
The model-turned-actor, with his chiselled looks, earned the title of a crush for many, particularly after his appearance in Baywatch and Alisha’s iconic music video.
Urmila Matondkar
Known for her powerful performances and sensuous charm, Urmila was an undeniable crush, especially after her roles in Rangeela and Satya.
Jugal Hansraj
With his innocent looks, Jugal was a favourite, known for his roles in Kahin Pyaar Na Ho Jaaye and Papa Kehte Hain, capturing hearts with his sweet persona.
He shared with ETimes, “It has been a wonderful journey, and I am grateful for all the love and appreciation I have received since the 80s when I started with ‘Masoom’ and other films as a child actor. Meeting people today, seeing them smile and reminisce about my past work, fills me with joy. Now that I have resumed acting and taken up roles again, I hope to continue bringing smiles to people’s faces when they see me on screen.”
Rahul Roy
The star of Aashiqui, Rahul became an overnight sensation with his boyish charm and soulful portrayal of romance, making him one of the 90s’ biggest heartthrobs.
Raageshwari Loomba
Known for her music videos like Duniya and films like Aankhen, Raageshwari’s innocent appeal and bubbly personality earned her a place in many fans’ hearts.
The social media effect on stardom
In the digital age, social media has significantly blurred the lines between celebrities’ personal and professional lives. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook offer actors a direct channel to their audience, enabling them to share personal moments, behind-the-scenes content, and interact with fans in real-time. This accessibility allows celebrities to shape their public image more dynamically, fostering a sense of intimacy and relatability with their followers.
Sajid Ali said, “Social media has made stars more accessible and relatable to people. In the past, as I’ve heard from my parents, interviews, pictures, and other content were rare. They would appear in magazines that were published once a month or maybe fortnightly. This made celebrities feel aspirational and distant from everyday reality, which added to their special allure. However, social media has changed that—it allows people to reach out, express their feelings, and engage in conversations. Following a celebrity has become a more personal experience because you get to know them beyond their on-screen persona, making it easier to choose your heroes.”
However, this increased accessibility comes with challenges. The constant demand for content can lead to overexposure, making it difficult for actors to maintain a private life. The pressure to present an idealized persona can be overwhelming, leading to mental health issues and burnout. Moreover, the scrutiny from the public and media is intensified, with every post subject to analysis and criticism. Instances of cyberbullying and harassment are not uncommon, adding to the emotional toll on celebrities. For example, Sandra Bullock has warned fans about scammers impersonating her on social media, highlighting the risks and challenges associated with online presence.
The Future of National Crushes
The emergence of social media has transformed the pathway to stardom, particularly concerning the phenomenon of ‘National Crushes.’ In the past, actors achieved this status through memorable performances and sustained media presence. Today, a single viral moment can catapult an individual to nationwide fame.
While this rapid rise offers opportunities, it also raises questions about the sustainability of such fame. Viral sensations often face the challenge of maintaining public interest beyond their initial burst of popularity. The transient nature of online trends means that today’s sensation can quickly become yesterday’s news. To achieve long-term stardom, these individuals must leverage their initial fame into sustained engagement, diversifying their talents and continually connecting with their audience.
Moreover, the metrics of success have evolved. Traditional measures like box office numbers and critical acclaim are now complemented by social media metrics such as follower count, engagement rates, and online influence. This shift has led to a new breed of celebrities who are adept at navigating the digital landscape, using it as a primary tool for building and maintaining their careers.
Sajid Ali shared how he approaches casting for films when considering an actor’s mass appeal or crush-worthy persona. He said, “I look for the quality of acting and performance in actors, and of course, it helps if they are well-known and have mass appeal. Crushes, I believe, are temporary, but what truly lasts is talent. That’s what we constantly seek—ideally, a combination of both talent and popularity.”
Concluding note
The role of social media in defining Bollywood crushes highlights a shift from traditional methods of fame-building to a more rapid, viral process. Whether this shift signals the end of classic Bollywood charm or the dawn of a new age in stardom, one thing is clear—social media is the driving force behind the evolution of the National Crush.
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