New Year-New Stars

Predicting which movie will prove to be a hit is rather difficult, but spotting talent that will shine brightly on screen isn't. Well-known directors share their list of actors who will capture our hearts and screens in 2011.

Imtiaz Ali, director
I was very impressed with Nargis Fakhri when I first met her. You need to see her perform in Rockstar (alongside Ranbir Kapoor). Ranbir Kapoor is another actor with great charisma. His hard work and timing are something to watch out for. Another person to look out for would be Deepika Padukone. She is a good performer and very spontaneous.

Rohit Shetty, director
Sonakshi Sinha is the one to watch out for in 2011 as she managed to shine on screen alongside her formidable co-star Salman Khan in Dabangg, her first film. She had great screen presence. Amongst the heroes, I think Ranvir Singh of Band Baaja Baarat, is the wild card entry into the industry as no one expected him to do as well as he did. Ali Zafar of Tere Bin Laden, too is someone we should keep an eye out for. Another hero who I believe will make a huge impact in 2011 is Prateik Babbar. He was awesome in Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, and people are already raving about his performance in the forthcoming Dhobi Ghat. He has got acting in his genes. Though he is the youngest of the lot, I think Rajat Barmecha made a promising debut in Udaan, and has great potential.

Prakash Jha, Producer, director
I think 2011 is going to see a good change not only in filmmaking but also in young budding stars. Watch out for Ranbir Kapoor and Prateik Babbar — they are going to go far ahead. I think Prateik is going to be the surprise package of the industry as he has abundant talent. Imran Khan too is coming up. Saif Ali Khan also is brilliant — he is a complete artist. He can be a villain, a common man or an aristocratic hero at the same time. Hrithik, Salman, Akshay have already proved that they are complete stars.