June 11, 2025: They may not dominate the big screen, but they’re breaking the internet — and the bank. A new breed of Gen Z celebrities is redefining stardom in India, with Instagram followers surpassing even icons like Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai. The most striking case? Jannat Zubair Rahmani.
At just 23, Jannat boasts over 50 million Instagram followers, yet her last film appearance was a minor role in Hichki (2018). She hasn’t acted in a mainstream movie or TV fiction show as an adult, but thanks to her massive digital clout, Jannat is one of India’s most influential youth celebrities today.
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Gen Z Celebrities: Famous Without Films
Jannat isn’t alone. Avneet Kaur, also 23, is another digital-era star who became a household name through TV as a child and teen. Post her lead debut in Tiku Weds Sheru (2023), she’s done just one film and no TV shows. Still, she commands a loyal social media following of 32 million, growing without consistent screen work.
These actors belong to the Instagram-native generation — they weren’t just early adopters; they were born into it. Verified accounts before adulthood, millions of followers before mainstream Bollywood even took notice.
This digital dominance has opened doors once reserved for traditional superstars. In a stunning example of influencer power, both Jannat and Avneet were among the only three Indians invited to meet Tom Cruise at the Mission Impossible 8 premiere — no journalists, no senior Bollywood actors.
Why Actors Are Prioritizing Instagram Over Movies
The logic is simple: Instagram pays more. Much more.
Actors like Esha Gupta, who once ruled the silver screen with roles in films like Jannat 2 (2012), haven’t appeared in a movie since 2019. Yet, her 19 million followers ensure she’s a consistent presence in the influencer space.
Neha Sharma gained fame with Crook and Chirutha, but despite a sparse filmography in recent years, her Instagram following has ballooned by millions. Similarly, Nidhhi Agerwal, touted as Telugu cinema’s rising star, has done only eight films since 2017, but her 30 million followers make her a magnet for brand endorsements.
Even currently active actors like Disha Patani, who features in multiple films annually, earn significantly more from digital branding. Industry insiders estimate she earns ₹5–6 crore from films each year — but five times that from Instagram and brand deals.
Conclusion: A New Kind of Stardom
The trend is clear: for many of today’s young stars, Instagram isn’t a side hustle — it’s the main gig. Fame, money, and global exposure are all achievable without film roles, thanks to social media. While the old Bollywood ecosystem rewarded screen appearances, the new one rewards visibility, engagement, and influence — three things Gen Z excels at.