From Rajat to Akshaye: Best Bollywood comebacks of 2025

2025 proved to be a year of powerful returns for several Bollywood names — whether through blockbuster hits, unexpected viral turns or creative reinventions that reminded audiences why these artists remain compelling forces in Indian cinema. From Ranveer Singh’s record-shattering run to Vicky Kaushal’s historic role, here’s a feature on the best comeback stories of the year.

After years away from mainstream visibility, Rajat Bedi returned to spotlight in 2025 through renewed audience interest in legacy actors with his surprising performance in Aryan Khan's debut series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. Since then, Rajat has been enjoying his new found stardom.

Aditya Dhar made one of the strongest creative comebacks of the year as a director with Dhurandhar. The film didn’t just dominate the box office but also re-established Dhar as a filmmaker who can balance scale with substance.

2025 firmly belonged to Ranveer Singh. Dhurandhar turned into the biggest Bollywood blockbuster of the year, crossing massive box office milestones. His intense performance, combined with viral dialogue clips and reel trends, marked a roaring comeback after a comparatively quiet phase. Ranveer’s screen presence and physical transformation became social media talking points.

Emraan Hashmi returned to headlines with a renewed focus on content-driven roles. His performances in Aryan Khan's debut series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood sparked appreciation for his consistency and restraint.

Girija Oak quietly staged a comeback in 2025 after her viral blue saree moment took social media by storm. Almost overnight, she became an internet sensation, with users across platforms obsessing over her natural beauty, unfiltered charm, candid interview snippets and understated simplicity.

Aryan Khan made his much-awaited creative debut as a director with The Ba***ds of Bollywood. While not a conventional acting launch, his entry into the industry became one of the most discussed moments of the year. Behind-the-scenes clips, industry reactions and discussions around nepotism and new-age storytelling kept him trending for weeks.

Aamir Khan’s return with Sitaare Zameen Par marked a significant comeback after a long break. The film struck an emotional chord with audiences and performed strongly at the box office.

Vicky Kaushal delivered one of the biggest hits of the year with Chhaava. His portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj earned widespread acclaim and pushed him into a new league of box office stars. Dialogue clips, transformation photos and crowd reactions from theatres made his performance one of the most celebrated of 2025.

Rashmika Mandanna continued her pan-India dominance in 2025 with Chhaava and The Girlfriend, followed by Thamma. Her emotional scenes from these films went viral, while her consistent box office presence reaffirmed her position as one of the most bankable actresses of the year.

Akshay Kumar staged a steady comeback with Sky Force and Housefull 5, which performed well commercially and restored his box office credibility after a rough patch. His disciplined work ethic, patriotic appeal and controlled performances helped him regain audience trust in 2025.

Akshaye Khanna emerged as one of the most talked-about performers of the year thanks to Chhaava and Dhurandhar. His cold, calculated antagonist role sparked viral reels, memes and fan discussions. Many called it one of his finest performances in years, making his comeback more performance-led than box-office driven.