The Indian OTT space has evolved dramatically over the last few years, and one of the platforms that’s consistently found its niche audience is Ullu. Known for its bold, dramatic, and sometimes controversial content, Ullu continues to attract eyeballs—not just because of its storylines, but also because of its fresh, captivating talent pool.
2025 is proving to be a breakout year for a new generation of actors who are redefining Ullu’s on-screen identity. These newcomers bring more than just good looks—they bring depth, diversity, and daring performances that are turning heads. From small-town dreamers to theatre-trained performers, the new Ullu faces are not just here for a moment—they’re here to stay.
In this deep dive, we’ll look at the top rising stars of 2025 in Ullu shows, their backgrounds, how they landed on the platform, the buzz they’ve generated, and why they’re worth keeping an eye on.
Why Ullu Is a Launchpad for Bold New Talent?
Unlike mainstream OTT giants that often recycle big names, Ullu takes creative risks by casting relatively unknown actors. This strategy works well for the kind of stories Ullu produces—intimate, emotionally intense, and often raw tales that require authenticity.
Many rising actors find Ullu a welcoming space to experiment and gain exposure in front of millions. The platform’s massive Tier 2 and Tier 3 audience means newer actors often enjoy near-instant fame and social media recognition.
In 2025, this trend has only intensified with several new faces making their OTT debuts or solidifying their presence through Ullu’s expanding content slate.
Top New Faces in Ullu Shows – 2025
Here’s a curated list of breakout actors and actresses from Ullu in 2025 who are making waves across the industry.
1. Anshika Rai – The Bold Debutante from Lucknow
Anshika Rai made a thunderous debut in Ullu’s romantic thriller “Chhalawa 2025”, playing a double-faced protagonist with mystery and sensuality. With a theatre background and over 200k Instagram followers by April 2025, she’s one of the fastest-rising names on the platform.
- Background: NSD-trained, with a past in college theatre competitions.
- Why She Stands Out: Emotional range, expressive eyes, and a natural command of camera presence.
- Buzz: Cast in three more Ullu titles set to release later this year.
2. Aryan Thakur – Model Turned Actor
Former modeling face for ethnic wear brands, Aryan Thakur transitioned into acting with “Charitraheen 3.0”, a story about deceit and redemption. His rugged look and restrained performance have made him a heartthrob overnight.
- Background: Originally from Indore, moved to Mumbai in 2023 to pursue modeling.
- Notable Skills: Voice modulation, subtle expressions, camera confidence.
- Future Projects: Rumored to be cast in an international OTT project in collaboration with ALT Balaji.
3. Neha Bhasin – From Music Videos to the Main Frame
Not to be confused with the pop singer, this Neha Bhasin is a fresh face who rose from indie music videos on YouTube to being the female lead in “Raat Ka Sauda”, one of the top-streamed Ullu shows of Q1 2025.
- Style: Sultry, nuanced, with excellent dialogue delivery.
- USP: Balances boldness with class, drawing attention without overacting.
- Audience Response: She received over 15K fan posts on Instagram after her debut episode aired.
4. Tushar Mehta – The Silent Performer
Tushar’s performance in “Saat Rang”, where he played a mute character entangled in a scandalous love triangle, is considered one of Ullu’s finest male performances this year.
- Training: Graduate of Whistling Woods International.
- Unique Factor: Ability to communicate complex emotions non-verbally.
- Critic Praise: Called “a rare find” by indie reviewer Anupama Gaur.
5. Riddhi Sharma – Small Screen to OTT Queen
A familiar face from television serials, Riddhi transitioned to OTT through Ullu’s “Shubh Ratri – Season 2”, where she plays a manipulative journalist in a psychological thriller.
- Experience: Over 5 years in TV, with a clean girl-next-door image.
- OTT Transformation: A bold shift in image that shocked her TV fans.
- Publicity: Featured in a Times of India interview for her role choices.
6. Karan Jaitley – TikTok Fame to Ullu Hero
Once a viral content creator on TikTok and Moj, Karan Jaitley made a surprising acting debut with “Daag: The Truth Within”. His transformation from influencer to serious actor caught many off guard.
- Fan Base: Already had a loyal 1M+ following pre-debut.
- Acting Style: Natural, with an urban flair.
- Success: Ranked #4 on Ullu’s “Most-Watched Male Leads” list in Q2.
7. Meher Qureshi – Sensation in Slow Burn Roles
Meher’s breakout role came in the slow-burn romance thriller “Pardesi Dil”. Her portrayal of a conflicted woman stuck between tradition and desire earned critical acclaim and fan admiration.
- Background: Studied literature at Delhi University, later took acting workshops.
- Why She Clicked: Brings intellectual depth to her characters.
- Upcoming: Signed a three-project deal with Ullu as of May 2025.
8. Yash Chauhan – The Dark Horse
With a background in digital ads and short films, Yash exploded on the scene in the intense crime drama “Khooni Ishq”. His portrayal of a serial seducer with a dark past has left a mark.
- USP: Brooding, intense screen presence.
- Reviews: Described as “raw and real” by several OTT critics.
- Aspirations: Expressed desire to direct in future interviews.
How These Actors Are Changing the OTT Landscape
The arrival of these fresh faces has transformed how audiences perceive Ullu shows. Earlier dismissed as “soft erotica,” Ullu is now exploring more complex narratives—thanks in large part to its impressive new acting talent.
These actors:
- Add credibility and emotional weight to the stories.
- Attract new-age audiences who seek more than skin-deep content.
- Bridge the gap between bold themes and sensitive storytelling.
The Social Media Surge: Fan Base Explosion
Each of these rising stars has gained a loyal fan base on platforms like Instagram and YouTube Shorts, where behind-the-scenes clips and mini trailers often go viral. Hashtags like #UlluStars2025 and #NewFacesUllu are trending, with fan pages popping up every week.
Casting Trends: Ullu’s New Talent Strategy in 2025
- Hyper-local stories = Local actors: Many new faces are sourced from Hindi-speaking heartland cities.
- Theatre talent: More Ullu actors are now theatre-trained than ever before.
- Mixed formats: Ullu is launching anthology shows, allowing more actors to test waters in 1-episode arcs.
Critics Are Taking Notice
Though previously sidelined in mainstream discussions, critics are now recognizing Ullu actors for their raw performances, particularly in thrillers and psychological dramas.
Notable reviews from:
- Scroll.in
- FilmCompanion Regional
- DesiBuzz OTT Watch
FAQs – New Faces in Ullu Shows
Q1: Are Ullu shows becoming more actor-focused in 2025?
Yes, Ullu is investing more in acting talent than ever before. Shows in 2025 feature deeper character development and stronger performances.
Q2: Where does Ullu find new actors?
Ullu sources actors from theatre backgrounds, social media platforms, and casting agencies. Many also come from acting institutes like NSD or FTII.
Q3: Are these new Ullu actors getting roles in other OTT platforms?
Yes. Some, like Aryan Thakur and Riddhi Sharma, are already in talks for roles with platforms like ALT Balaji, MX Player, and PrimeShots.
Q4: Do Ullu actors get typecast in bold roles?
While some roles are bold by genre, many actors are proving their range with layered characters in thrillers, dramas, and experimental narratives.
Q5: How can aspiring actors audition for Ullu shows?
Actors can apply through casting calls published on Ullu’s official handles or approach known casting directors who work with the platform regularly.
Final Thoughts
The rise of new faces in Ullu shows marks a crucial shift in the Indian OTT industry. No longer just a platform for bold content, Ullu is now also a cradle of experimental storytelling and emerging talent. These actors are not only redefining Ullu’s identity but also reshaping public perception of what quality entertainment looks like in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
2025 is undoubtedly the year of reinvention for Ullu—and its stars are leading the charge.