A superstar is sure to pull the crowd to the theaters but fresh faces always create a lot of curiosity. The entire film is placed on the shoulder of the young actors. At times, filmmakers double the risk factor and introduce two newcomers together. This September, Nikhil Advani launches Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty in the remake of Hero. How do they fare and what results these two debutant star kids will get at the ticket windows is something only time will tell.
On that note, lets take a look at other films that had two newcomers debuting together.
Heropanti - Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon
Heropanti proved to be a surprise hit of 2014. No one thought a film starring two newcomers would mint so much moolah at the ticket window. Jackie Shroff’s son Tiger Shroff showed off his killer martial art skills and was soon named the next big action star. Kriti Sanon’s screen presence and acting chops got noticed too. The two have top filmmakers vying for them. Kriti even won the Filmfare Best Debut (Female) Award this year.
Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra – Student Of The Year (2012)
Karan Johar launched three new faces in 2012. Mahesh Bhatt’s daughter, David Dhawan’s son and a model from Delhi… KJo succeeded to make stars out of three unknown names. The film went on to be a hit and today the three have made their mentor proud with their respective work without anyone backing them.
Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor – Sawaariya (2008)
Today the two are superstars and the credit goes to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. SLB launched two of industry’s biggest star kids - Rishi Kapoor’s son and Anil Kapoor’s daughter in 2008 in his love saga Sawaariya. The film was true to SLB style – no fluff but a love story amidst lavish sets and a tragic ending. Sonam and Ranbir had tough roles to play in their very first film but both played them with ease. Though the film didn’t work well at the box-office, Ranbir and Sonam were praised for their act. While Ranbir Kapoor bagged the Filmfare Best Debut (Male) trophy, Sonam Kapoor lost it to Deepika Padukone who made her debut on the same day with Om Shanti Om.
Abhishek Bachchan and Kareena Kapoor – Refugee (2000)
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s son Abhishek Bachchan was paired opposite Randhir Kapoor and Babita’s daughter Kareena Kapoor. The two star kids were launched by ace director JP Dutta. In their first film itself, Kareena and Abhishek proved their mettle. Kareena also took home the Filmfare Best Debut (Female) Award.
Hrithik Roshan and Ameesha Patel – Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai (2000)
Every newcomer dreams to have a debut vehicle like Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. Rakesh Roshan launched his son Hrithik Roshan with Kaho Naa Pyar Hai. Hrithik became a rage across the nation and with his first film itself was considered a superstar. Also, a new name Ameesha Patel had replaced Kareena Kapoor Khan who was supposed to star in the film. Ameesha too didn’t disappoint in her first film. Hrithik went on to bag the Best newcomer (Male) and also the Best Actor in a leading role (Male) Award.
Bobby Deol – Twinkle Khanna – Barsaat (1995)
After making hard hitting films like Ghatak and Damini, Rajkumar Santoshi made Barsaat in 1995, an out and about love saga. The director launched two star kids in the film - Dharmendra’s son, Bobby Deol and Rajesh Khanna and Dimple Kapadia’s daughter Twinkle Khanna. The film fared well at the box-office and both the actors bagged the Filmfare Best Debut Award.
Ajay Devgn and Madhoo - Phool Aur Kante (1991)
Action master Veeru Devgan’s son Ajay Devgn was launched in 1991 with Phool Aur Kaante. The film was also the launch pad for Hema Malini’s niece Madhoo. Ajay Devgn showed his love for action in his first film itself. The film was a perfect ‘90s action film and it went on to be a blockbuster. Ajay Devgn even won the Best Debut (Male) Award.
Salman Khan and Bhagayshree – Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989)
This film gave us so much to remember. Epic lines, great songs and of course the eternal romantic hero - Prem. Though this was not Salman’s first film (he played a small role in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi), he was launched as a lead actor in MPK. Sooraj Barjatya’s family drama was a super hit and of course he got Bhagayshree and Salman Khan to the fore front. While Bhagayshree proved to be a one-film wonder, Salman Khan‘s stardom is unmatchable today.
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988)
Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla’s debut has gone down the history. The love saga, QSQT, is an iconic film and the two proved to be a super hit jodi.
Sunny Deol and Amrita Singh - Betaab (1983)
Director Rahul Rawail launched Dharmendra’s elder son Sunny Deol and new comer Amrita Singh. It was yet another love story where rich meets poor. The hit formula worked at the box-office. Betaab had some of the most memorable songs and Sunny and Amrita proved to be great actors in their first film itself.
Kamal Haasan and Rati Agnihotri - Ek Duuje Ke Liye (1981)
Real life couples had actually committed suicide after watching the characters doing the same in the climax of this film. Such was the impact of this film. South director K Balachandera gave a break to Kamal Haasan in Hindi films and actress Rati Agnihotri. The film was a massive hit and is considered as an iconic one.
Kumar Gaurav and Vijayta Pandit - Love Story (1981)
Veteran actor Rajendra Kumar produced the launch pad for his son Kumar Gaurav. The actor was paired oppostie Vijayta Pandit in this romantic film. With RD Burman’s soulful music, Love Story turned out to be mega hit and its success cemented Kumar Gaurav and Vijayta Pandit’s place in the industry.
Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia – Bobby (1973)
This classic rich meets poor love story became a blockbuster in 1973 and Bobby made Rishi and Dimple superstars overnight. The two even bagged the Filmfare Best Actor in a Leading Role – male and female trophies. Bobby is still considered as one of the most iconic films in the Hindi film industry.