For most actors in India, reaching the top of IMDb’s popularity rankings takes years of blockbuster films, massive fan clubs and constant media attention. But this week, a teenage actor managed to do what few expected. Yudhvir Ahlawat, the young star of Netflix’s crime drama Kartavya, has become IMDb India’s most popular celebrity, moving ahead of some of the country’s biggest names, including Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay Thalapathy, Jr NTR and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

The ranking, which is based on audience searches and page visits on IMDb, usually features established superstars with loyal fan followings across the country. Yudhvir’s sudden rise has therefore become one of the entertainment industry’s most talked-about moments this week. 

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At the centre of this attention is his performance in Kartavya. In the Netflix thriller, Yudhvir plays a teenager trapped in a tense and dangerous situation, while Saif Ali Khan plays the role of a police officer trying to protect him. The young actor’s emotional scenes and natural screen presence have received praise from viewers across social media platforms.

Many users online have said that what stood out was how believable and grounded his acting felt. Unlike larger-than-life commercial roles often associated with mainstream cinema, Yudhvir’s character connected with audiences on a more emotional level. Clips from the film and reactions to his performance have also been widely shared online, contributing to the growing buzz around his name.

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Industry watchers say OTT platforms are reshaping celebrity culture by giving audiences direct access to fresh talent. Younger viewers, especially Gen Z audiences, are also more active in discovering and promoting actors through social media discussions, fan pages and entertainment websites like IMDb.

What makes Yudhvir’s achievement even more remarkable is the competition he overtook. Shah Rukh Khan remains one of the biggest global faces of Indian cinema, while Vijay continues to dominate headlines with both films and politics.

FAQs

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  Who is Yudhvir Ahlawat and why is he trending on IMDb India?

  Yudhvir Ahlawat is a teenage actor from Netflix’s crime drama Kartavya. He is trending because he became IMDb India’s most popular celebrity this week, moving ahead of major stars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay, Jr NTR and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

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  What role does Yudhvir Ahlawat play in Kartavya?

  In Kartavya, Yudhvir plays a teenager caught in a tense and dangerous situation. His performance, alongside Saif Ali Khan as a police officer trying to protect him, has been praised for its emotional depth and natural screen presence.

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  Why has Yudhvir Ahlawat’s performance connected with viewers?

  Many viewers feel Yudhvir’s acting is believable, grounded and emotionally honest. Unlike larger-than-life commercial roles, his character in Kartavya feels relatable, which has helped him connect strongly with audiences and gain attention on social media.

Published on: May 29, 2026 10:00 AM IST