On 19 October 2012, Karan Johar introduced three fresh faces to Bollywood with his film Student of the Year—Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, and Sidharth Malhotra. As these three actors complete 12 years in the industry, they have all established themselves as prominent names in Hindi cinema.
This journey has been filled with highs and lows, with each actor contributing to some of the most memorable films in the last decade. While some movies have been huge hits, others have struggled at the box office. Let’s take a closer look at how these three stars have performed in their 12-year Bollywood journey.
Alia Bhatt’s Impressive Track Record: The Leading Star
Alia Bhatt has emerged as one of Bollywood’s most versatile and sought-after actresses over the past decade. Since her debut in Student of the Year, she has gone on to act in a wide range of films, from light-hearted romantic comedies to intense, dramatic roles. In these 12 years, Alia has released 17 films in theaters, out of which 1 has been a blockbuster, 1 a superhit, and 7 were hits.
Her film Raazi (2018), where she played a strong, patriotic woman, garnered immense praise and became one of her career-defining roles. Similarly, Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) was a huge hit, highlighting her ability to carry a film on her shoulders. Alia’s blockbuster film RRR (2022) also showcased her pan-Indian appeal. With a balanced mix of commercial hits and critically acclaimed performances, Alia has truly become a powerhouse in Bollywood.
Here’s a look at some of her hit and miss films:
- Blockbuster: RRR (2022) – Rs 274.31 crore
- Superhit: Raazi (2018) – Rs 123.84 crore
- Hit: 2 States (2014), Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014), Dear Zindagi (2016), Gully Boy (2019), Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani (2023)
Though a few films like Shaandaar (2015) and Kalank (2019) flopped, the majority of Alia’s films have done well, contributing to her status as a leading actress in Bollywood.
Varun Dhawan’s Consistency in Delivering Hits
Varun Dhawan, known for his energetic performances and strong box office pull, has released 15 films in theaters over the past 12 years. Varun’s journey has seen a good mix of commercial entertainers and serious roles. He has given 4 hits, 5 semi-hits, and a few average performers. His initial films like Main Tera Hero (2014) and Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania (2014) were big successes, establishing him as a bankable star.
One of Varun’s most appreciated performances came in Badlapur (2015), where he broke away from his usual roles and impressed critics with his portrayal of a man seeking revenge. Films like Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017) and Judwaa 2 (2017) were also huge hits at the box office.
However, not all of Varun’s movies have been successful. Films like Kalank (2019) and Street Dancer 3D (2020) failed to meet expectations. Despite a few flops, Varun continues to remain a consistent performer at the box office.
Here are a few highlights from Varun’s career:
- Hit Films: Badlapur (2015), ABCD 2 (2015), Badrinath Ki Dulhania (2017)
- Semi-Hits: Student of the Year (2012), Main Tera Hero (2014), Judwaa 2 (2017), Sui Dhaaga (2018)
Sidharth Malhotra’s Mixed Journey: The Struggle and Success
Sidharth Malhotra, the third debutant from Student of the Year, has had a mixed journey in Bollywood. Out of the 13 films he has done, only 1 has been a hit, with a couple of semi-hits. His career has seen more struggles than successes compared to Alia and Varun. However, despite some flops, Sidharth has shown immense potential, especially in films like Ek Villain (2014), which remains his biggest hit to date.
Movies like Kapoor & Sons (2016), where he played a complex character in a family drama, showcased his range as an actor. Unfortunately, films like Jabariya Jodi (2019) and Aiyaary (2018) didn’t perform well at the box office. Despite the ups and downs, Sidharth’s determination has kept him going, and he remains a favorite among certain audiences.
Here are some of his notable films:
- Hit: Ek Villain (2014) – Rs 105.62 crore
- Semi-Hits: Student of the Year (2012), Kapoor & Sons (2016)
- Flops: Jabariya Jodi (2019), Aiyaary (2018), ThankGod (2022)
Who Dominates the 12-Year Mark?
When comparing these three actors, it is clear that Alia Bhatt has had the most remarkable journey. With more hit films and versatile performances, Alia has outpaced Varun Dhawan and Sidharth Malhotra in terms of both critical acclaim and box office success. Varun holds a strong second position, thanks to his consistent presence in hit films, while Sidharth, despite facing many flops, has shown flashes of brilliance in a few films.
