Top 5 Bollywood Newcomers of 2008

By: Radhika Jit

With 2008 rapidly coming to a close, it's time to reflect back on the year that was 2008. With ramp walking divas, hot beach bods, and slimmed down stars, this year has definitely been an eventful one! With that in mind I'll be bringing you the hottest recaps of the year with my top 5 picks for everything from hottest leading man and best newcomers to hottest hook up! This time around I'm counting down my picks for the hottest newcomers of the year!

5.  Harman Baweja: Although his much talked about, highly anticipated film 'Love Story 2050' was the biggest disaster of 2008, Harman still has a promising future ahead of him. His performance opposite real-life girlfriend Priyanka Chopra was decent, but his dancing skills and good looks were his saving grace. It remains to be seen what direction his career will take in 2009.

4.  Prachi Desai: Prachi made the shift from 'Kasamh Se' on the small screen to 'Rock On!!' on the big screen.  Her performance as a housewife who wants to ignite passion in her marriage and with her husband won over critics and audiences alike. Seems like her decision to leave 'Kasamh Se' was a good one as she's signed on to do more films in 2009.

3.  Mugdha Godse: Despite acting opposite powerhouse performances by Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut, Mugdha held her own in 'Fashion.' The tall, dusky beauty gave a fine performance as mediocre model, Janet, who marries her gay friend in order to make his mother happy. If Mugdha can expand her career and range she may have the chops to make a big splash in Bollywood.  Seems like Mugdha has a promising career ahead of her.

2.  Anushka Sharma: This 21 year old beauty landed every aspiring Bollywood actress' dream debut opposite Shahrukh Khan in the Yash Raj produced film, 'Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi.' While she may not be a stunning beauty, like Aishwarya Rai, Anushka won over audiences with her solid performance as a girl who lost her love only to regain it again. It's not east to hold your own in emotional scenes with the King Khan, but Anushka did a fine job. It should be interesting to see where her career goes as she is signed on to do two more films for Yash Raj.

1.  Imran Khan: The fresh faced cutie made his debut in his mama's film 'Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na' and won over audiences, including tons of girls, with his believable performance as the guy next door who falls in love with his best friend. Then Imran did a 180-degree turn with his next film, 'Kidnap,' playing a buffed up, manipulative kidnapper. Although the film didn't do well at the box office, people applauded his performance and Imran became the most promising newcomer to hit the scene this year.

There you have it, my top 5 Debuts in Bollywood in 2008. Agree, disagree? I want to know your thoughts! Drop me some comments on who you think should've made the list, or who should have been on top in your eyes, and remember to stay tuned for more top 5 lists coming your way!