In recent months, Tripti Dimri has come to occupy the curious position often referred to as the “National Crush of India.” Known for her appearance in Animal and the sudden popularity of her character, now widely recognized as “Bhabhi 2,” she has drawn the attention of audiences across the country. But she is far from the only actress to receive such a title.
The term itself is a modern invention, applied casually but with no small measure of enthusiasm. From the warm expression of Rashmika Mandanna to the quiet elegance of Sara Tendulkar, the label has been passed from one figure to another, reflecting the nation’s shifting tastes. It is worth revisiting those who have carried this distinction in years past.
Who Is The National Crush Of India?
For now, the popular imagination is fixed on Tripti Dimri, whose role as Zoya in Animal and the viral rise of “Bhabhi 2” has brought her renewed fame. Yet this is merely the latest in a long series of moments when public sentiment has anointed a new face with fleeting but fervent admiration. Are you wondering who is the national crush of India today?
Below are ten stars who, at various times, have worn the title of “National Crush of India” and thus offer the answer to the much asked question, “Who is the national crush of India?”
Top 10 Faces Of National Crush of India 2025
1. Tripti Dimri
Tripti Dimri has appeared in several well-regarded films over the past few years like Laila Majnu, Qala, and Bulbbul. These works, though praised in their own right, did not propel her into the national spotlight. It was her recent role as Zoya in Animal that altered the course of her career. That single performance, widely circulated and much discussed, brought her sudden fame and the unofficial title of the latest “National Crush of India.”
2. Rashmika Mandanna
Familiar to many for her roles in South Indian cinema, Rashmika Mandanna gained wide popularity through a mixture of natural warmth and unaffected charm. Her mannerisms that are playful, sincere, and often imitated earned her a devoted following. For a time, she stood at the centre of public affection, widely acknowledged as the “National Crush of India,” before the mood shifted and attention turned elsewhere.
3. Medha Shankr
Medha Shankr, who starred in 12th Fail, has quietly become a subject of admiration on social media. Her performance was understated but moving, and her presence, both in voice and appearance, left a strong impression. In a film that won critical praise, she stood out, and for a moment at least, she held the country’s gaze. It was enough to earn her a place among those who have borne the label of “National Crush of India.”
4. Sara Tendulkar
The daughter of the cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Sara Tendulkar, was a household name in the 2024 Cricket World Cup. The attention of people was drawn by her presence at some of the matches where the cameras unobtrusively followed her. Rumours of a relationship with Shubman Gill fueled the interest further with whispers of her personal life. During that short stint, she was made into a sort of national ideal and a lot of people called her the National Crush of India.
5. Disha Patani
Disha Patani is fondly referred to as Dishu by her admirers and this shows the proximity fans have with her. She has been in the spotlight over the years with regular media appearances and a number of eye catching adverts, her most prominent campaign being with Calvin Klein. Such photographs, which are usually widely distributed, have contributed to keeping her the reputation of one of the everlasting National Crushes in India.
6. Tamannaah Bhatia
The actress Tamannaah Bhatia, who has long been a part of the South Indian cinema, has once again become the center of attention in 2023 due to the release of the song Kaavaalaa, in which she acted along with Rajinikanth. The show, which was spread on social media, immediately became a sensation. This is when she was re-adopted by the masses and was even called, albeit with a certain degree of belief, the National Crush of India.
7. Priya Prakash Varrier
Priya Prakash Varrier became known in 2018. It was a glance. A wink. Just a moment on screen in Oru Adaar Love, and the country noticed. The image spread fast. People remembered her face. It was not because of many films or long speeches. Just a look. That was enough. They called her the “Wink Girl.” For a while, she was the first “National Crush of India.” It happened quickly. That’s how fame is now. One image. One moment. That’s all it takes.
8. Pratibha Ranta
Pratibha Ranta is new. She doesn’t have many roles yet, but people are watching. In Laapataa Ladies, she showed something real. Quiet strength. Stillness. She doesn’t need to try hard. It’s in her. The camera sees it. The audience is beginning to see it too. Young people especially. They talk about her. Not loudly. But they say she could be next. Another “National Crush,” maybe. She is not there yet. But she might be. Time will tell.
9. Sreeleela
Sreeleela entered the Telugu film industry. Not at once. She worked. She displayed life on the screen. That is what people saw. Through Dhamaka and Bhagavanth Kesari she touched the lives of many. Not only in the South. The crowd was slow and strong. It was not an overnight increase. It was consistent Solid. Gradually, they started to refer to her as one of the new “National Crushes.” It fit. She did not request it. However, it has arrived.
10. Sharvari
Sharvari Wagh made her debut in Bunty Aur Babli 2. Then there was more work in the form of series, films. She continued to appear, to improve. People noticed. It was not only her appearance. It was the way she moved in scenes Simple. Sure. The youths are chatting about her nowadays. Quiet praise. Lists. Articles. They even refer to her as a National Crush.
Conclusion
And thus the wheel goes round and round. The current national crush turns into the next day’s “remember her?” They have the merciless efficiency of a social media algorithm. The wink that Priya Prakash Varrier made and the memes that followed it, the current reign of Tripti Dimri as Bhabhi 2, and the many other little instances that have made the country smile and cheer are the stories of a nation that is always finding something new to smile about.
They are not just actresses, they are transient representatives of our group fantasies. The title of National Crush is as fleeting as a hashtag, but it represents a truth about how we relate to the faces on our screens. And after all, in a country of 1.4 billion, it is no mean feat to have someone we can all agree to love temporarily.
FAQs
Q1: Who is currently India’s National Crush?
A: Tripti Dimri is currently the queen due to her performance as Zoya in Animal and the viral Bhabhi 2 status. However, since these titles are passed on so fast, by the time you finish reading this sentence, the throne might have been taken by someone else. The internet is fast and so is our attention span.
Q2: How does someone become a “National Crush”?
A: Unfortunately, there is no official application process. It is typically a combination of the ideal performance, social media hype, and the elusive quality of it. Sometimes it is a wink (hello, Priya Prakash Varrier), sometimes it is a dance move and sometimes it is just being the daughter of Sachin Tendulkar at a cricket match.
Q3: What’s the difference between a National Crush and just being popular?
A: A National Crush is not just a popular person, it is an individual who has captured the imagination of the nation in a personal and yet universal way. It is the distinction between being a celebrity and being the individual your friend mom wants to know when she sees you on TV. It is unexplainable, democratically determined, and completely transitory.
Amit Gupta is a 2016 graduate of Delhi University, India. After working over a decade as an additional writer at TheScoopVilla, he decided to start his own news publication. He mainly focuses on Bollywood News, Hindi and South Indian Movies, Web series articles and editorials. He likes to cooking and play cricket in his free time. Follow On Facebook.