Sushmita Sen To Arshad Warsi, These 11 Bollywood Actors Had Terrific OTT Debuts In 2020

What happens when all these big stars are forced to sparkle on the small screen? Remarkably, we get quite a lot of praiseworthy performances!

We don't have to remind you of how the coronavirus pandemic shut cinemas across the world and led to several films and shows being released on OTT platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, ZEE5, and more. But no one was complaining because audiences were given several sensational performances by some of the biggest Bollywood stars. Below, we have listed some of the most smashing debuts of Bollywood stars into the world of OTT and we bet you loved them too!

1. Sushmita Sen in Aarya

Sushmita Sen in Aarya / Disney + Hotstar

After a long time, Indian audiences finally had a chance to see their Miss Universe Sushmita Sen back on the screen and nobody was going to miss it. Hailed as one of the best shows of 2020, what Aarya got right is the showcase of Sushmita in all glory. She effortlessly played the role of a badass action star and a loving and fiercely protective mother with such mastery that it would be an injustice if she doesn't top every single list of the best Bollywood debut on OTT in 2020.

Streaming platform: Disney + Hotstar

2. Arshad Warsi in Asur

Arshad Warsi in Asur / Voot

One of the best psychological thrillers touted in 2020, Arshad Warsi led Asur sure holds promise. What Warsi brought to the character of Dhananjay, this sort of brilliant blandness that we would expect from a typical CBI officer stands out, considering it was untapped since Seher (2005). Truly a remarkable debut that led to fans demanding a season 2 just as they were done binging the show.

Streaming platform: Voot

3. Bobby Deol in Ashram

Bobby Deol in Ashram 2 / Twitter

The year 2020 has been one of the greatest for actor Bobby Deol. He made his digital debut with the Netflix Class of '83 as a dashing police officer who has transitioned as the dean of a police academy and is responsible for training students to become undercover agents. Certainly an impressive performance but his portrayal of Baba Nirala, a self-proclaimed godman was truly excellent.

Streaming platform: MX Player

4. Abhishek Bachchan in Breathe: Into The Shadows Season 2

Abhishek Bachchan in Breathe Season 2 / Amazon Prime Video

We love how Abhishek Bachchan is the soul of the second season of Breathe: Into The Shadows. We see different sides of Abhishek's character: sometimes his anger, a little of how creepy he can, and even extensively charming. And it's all because of his impressive portrayal that we couldn't stop watching this show.

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

5. Naseeruddin Shah in Bandish Bandits

Amazon Prime Video / Naseeruddin Shah in Bandish Bandits

Naseeruddin Shah towers over the show and does so with stunning detail. His silence, his expressions, and his craft are all in top form. Rarely, do you get this exceptional performance in a web-series and that's why Naseeruddin Shah is the most compelling reason why you should watch Bandish Bandits.

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

6. Rahul Bose in Bulbbul

Rahul Bose in Bulbbul / Netflix India

If out of all the exceptional reasons why you should watch Bulbbul, then let that be for Rahul Bose's acting. An actor will testify to the fact that playing a double role is not an easily achieved feat. It's considered to be seemingly impossible to do it with perfection but Rahul Bose delivered with a precision unseen in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Streaming platform: Netflix India

7. Janhvi Kapoor in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl

Janhvi Kapoor in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl / Netflix India

Janhvi Kapoor in Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl has emerged to be her career's best performance yet. Taking her craft of acting to an entirely new level, Kapoor's nuances, expressions, and her unseen ability to go skin-deep into the character make this one of Janvhi's most memorable roles to date.

Streaming platform: Netflix India

8. Vidya Balan in Shakuntala Devi

Vidya Balan in Shakuntala Devi / Amazon Prime Video

If you weren't a fan of Vidya Balan then you would be one after you watch her bring the greatness of Shakuntala Devi alive on the reel. From portraying Shakuntala Devi as a young girl to a grandmother, there is not a scene where Vidya Balan appears to be insincere. It' almost as if this role was written and made only for her.

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

9. Amitabh Bachchan in Gulabo Sitabo

Amitabh Bachchan in Gulabo Sitabo / Amazon Prime Video

Small screen or big screen, Amitabh Bachchan is the undisputed king of Hindi cinema. He completed changed his look to fit into the character of Mirza, an annoying landlord but he does it with this exceptional mastery that makes one realize that old is truly gold. Gulabo Sitabo was also one of the biggest films to release on OTT and it truly made our lockdown better!

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

10. Ayushmann Khurrana in Gulabo Sitabo

Ayushmann Khurrana in Gulabo Sitabo / Amazon Prime Video

If in every scene of the movie you are opposite someone as spectacular as Amitabh Bachchan, it is difficult to shine. But if one actor could do it and certainly do it with conviction then that is Ayushmann Khurrana who was a complete delight to watch in Gulabo Sitabo.

Streaming platform: Amazon Prime Video

11. Bhumi Pednekar in Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare

Bhumi Pednekar in Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare / Netflix India

While Bhumi Pednekar has truly proven over the years that she can act, what she achieves with Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare is a performance that is rooted in reality the most. Every single has experienced one of the tragedies or dilemmas that Bhumi witnesses in this film but to not let them get to you or change who you are at your core is the hope Bhumi's character Kitty gives us.

Streaming platform: Netflix India