Sidharth Malhotra birthday special: Revisiting the films that shaped his rise in Bollywood

Sidharth Malhotra stepped into the spotlight with ‘Student of the Year’, marking his official entry into Bollywood under Karan Johar’s direction. As Abhimanyu Singh, he brought confidence and charm to the screen, instantly grabbing attention. The campus drama introduced him as a promising newcomer and also launched Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. The film laid the foundation for Sidharth’s mainstream career.

With ‘Ek Villain’, Sidharth shed his chocolate boy image and embraced a darker, more intense role. Playing Guru, a man driven by grief and vengeance, he delivered a performance that surprised many. The film’s emotional core and commercial success helped broaden his audience appeal. Co-starring Shraddha Kapoor and Riteish Deshmukh, the film became a major milestone for him.

In ‘Hasee Toh Phasee’, Sidharth showcased his softer side by portraying Nikhil, a confused yet sincere man navigating love and responsibility. His easy chemistry with Parineeti Chopra added warmth to the narrative. The romantic comedy allowed him to explore vulnerability and humour. It earned him praise for stepping away from conventional heroic traits.

‘Shershaah’ emerged as a defining chapter in Sidharth Malhotra’s career. Stepping into the role of Captain Vikram Batra, he delivered a heartfelt and disciplined performance rooted in respect and realism. The film highlighted his emotional depth and physical commitment. Widely acclaimed, it firmly established him as an actor capable of leading impactful, content driven cinema.

Sidharth delivered one of his most mature performances in ‘Kapoor and Sons’, a layered family drama. As Arjun Kapoor, he portrayed emotional conflict, sibling rivalry and quiet longing with restraint. The ensemble cast, which included Alia Bhatt, Fawad Khan, Ratna Pathak Shah, Rajat Kapoor and Rishi Kapoor, elevated the film. His performance resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.