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As the year comes to an end, we celebrate the women who left a lasting mark with their strength, elegance, and dedication to their craft. From breaking barriers to winning our hearts, these remarkable women shaped Indian television in unforgettable ways. It’s that time of the year as we now present the Top 30 women who made an impact on television in 2025!
Disclaimer & Eligibility: This list is not based on any kind of voting, popularity or ratings. It is a list presenting 30 of the most impactful women on television for the year. We love and appreciate every artist equally and there are many stars who could not be fitted into the list. The list considers work done on Television only – no OTT projects or music videos are considered. The artist should have at least one core show which appeared on air globally for a minimum of one month (excluding cameos and appearances), and a minimum of ten episodes in the case of a bi-weekly show, during the year. We also do not recommend comparing lists with previous years as each year begins from scratch.
30. Shritama Mitra
Advocate Anjali Awasthi is a name that echoed throughout the year, and playing the role of Anjali is Shritama Mitra. During the year, the show took a generation leap and saw her taking on the role of Anjali’s daughter, Aarti, too. Shritama played dual roles on the show and managed to convincingly win the audience’s hearts. The show continues a good run, and Shritama’s presence is an inseparable part of the show.
29. Priya Thakur
One of the most impactful shows of the year was Vasudha, and the impactful presence of actress Priya Thakur is one reason for this. Playing the titular role, she was able to capture the hearts of viewers throughout the year, and her performance as the simple but strong protagonist resonated with the masses. Her fabulous chemistry with Abhishek Sharma, who plays Devansh, was another talking point during the year.
28. Tanisha Mehta
As Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi returned to screens for its second season, it was certain that a new generation would be added too. Part of this was Tanisha Mehta who essays the role of Vrinda. Her character, despite being gentle, was a powerful one always standing for justice. Tanisha executed the role beautifully and brought it to life, making her perfect to be a critical part of the show. Her onscreen chemistry with Rohit Suchanti, who plays Angad, has also been one of the freshest and best pairings of the year.
27. Anchal Sahu
While viewers bid farewell to Parineetii in the latter part of this year, Anchal Sahu continued to prove her prowess as a powerful actor. Along with playing the heartfelt and strong Parineet aka Pari, this year she played another role along with it. She also played the role of Preet, the daughter of Pari and Rajeev. The actress successfully won hearts for dual roles on the show, and her chemistry with Ankur Verma, who played Rajeev, was a continuous point of discussion among viewers.
26. Bhavika Sharma
At the start of the year, fans were left heartbroken upon the exit of Bhavika Sharma in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin. However, it was only a matter of time until she returned to the show to reprise her role as Savi. Bhavika managed to help carry the story forward until the show’s closure and still left a mark despite the changes to the story and the heartbreaking end to Savi and Rajat’s love story.
25. Khushi Dubey
The supernatural genre made a comeback to daily programming this year with Jaadu Teri Nazar – Daayan Ka Mausam. Actress Khushi Dubey was seen playing the role of Gauri, a woman possessing divine powers in contrast to her husband’s dark powers. Khushi played the role with conviction and her chemistry with Zayn Ibad Khan, who played Vihaan, was another USP of the show which viewers enjoyed.
24. Sriti Jha
Sriti Jha is an actor who just keeps on giving. While Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye came to an end this year, her role of Amruta remains a character which viewers still cherish. Playing the strong headed character, Sriti demonstrated a lovely performance and her chemistry with Arjit Taneja (Virat) was another plus point for the show.
23. Hiba Nawab
Hiba Nawab essayed the titular role in Jhanak for the first half of the year, until the show took a generation leap. Hiba’s impact as the OG Jhanak still lingers in viewers’ minds even after her exit. Her chemistry with Krushal Ahuja, who played Anirudh, is also still treasured well after their exits and despite the unfortunate end to the character’s love story on the show.
22. Ashi Singh
Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil premiered on television this year and presented a fresh concept with an unlikely love story. Ashi Singh returned to screens as Kairi Sharma, an aspiring lawyer, unaware of her real roots but raised her adoptive siblings as a mother. Ashi brilliantly played the character and helped infuse the colourful energy required for the unique character and story. It was a show where performances undoubtedly helped make new ideas more compelling, and the actress was strongly part of it.
21. Sanika Amit
This year, we saw Lakshmi from Mangal Lakshmi’s story being given a spin-off in the form of Lakshmi Ka Safar. While still being tied to her sister as they’re inseparable and inspire each other, Lakshmi’s journey gets its spotlight every day. Sanika Amit shines as Lakshmi and her character has donned many disguises during the year too. Most notably, her avatar of Katrina was a hit among viewers! Sanika brings sincerity and honesty to her performance each time making her a force to be reckoned with on television.
20. Adrija Roy
Adrija Roy has had an eventful year with Anupamaa. Playing the role of Rahi, Adrija added to the intrigue of the character and displayed great chemistry with her co-stars especially Rupali Ganguly and Shivam Khajuria. While the character was often controversial, Adrija’s portrayal was sure to get appreciation, and viewers enjoyed watching her throughout the year.
19. Ankita Lokhande
Returning for the second season of Laughter Chefs was Ankita Lokhande, who once again added glam and heart to the kitchen. Her pairing with husband Vicky Jain was once again a hit with viewers, and Ankita continued to showcase the radiant personality she has. Her comedic chemistry with co-participants like Krushna Abhishek and Karan Kundrra was also a hit, and it was made clear this year that Ankita Lokhande is a name sure to help make her every project golden.
18. Nia Sharma
Some stars’ energy has a massive impact on viewers that when they’re missing, it is deeply felt. This is what happened in initial stages of Laughter Chefs 2 when Nia Sharma was not there, but as we said during the year, even destiny could not keep apart the pair of Nia and Sudesh Lehri. When Nia returned to the show, it had a massive impact on the vibe and energy, and viewers were excited to see their much-loved pair once again. Nia is armed with her sparkling presence, and she proved it once again on the show this year.
17. Aishwarya Khare
This year, Zee TV’s much-loved show Bhagya Lakshmi bid adieu to viewers after almost four years. Aishwarya Khare, who essayed the role of Lakshmi, continued to impress viewers with her portrayal and landed the show safely. Following this, she entered the first season of the reality show Chhoriyan Chali Gaon. While Aishwarya was a firm favourite and won hearts, her journey ended due to health reasons. However, she proved how one can make a strong impact even in a little time.
16. Subha Rajput
This year, Subha Rajput truly shone on the much-loved historical show Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyaag Tandav. Her various shades of acting were on full display and enhanced the experience for its loyal viewership. With powerful portrayals of Shakti’s avatars including, Meenakshi, Mahakali, and Mahalsa to name a few, Rajput truly brought out her A-game. At the same time, she beautifully executed the grace and tenderness in Goddess Parvati’s character throughout.
15. Hina Khan
Making a return to television screens this year was Hina Khan, as she and husband Rocky Jaiswal became participants on Pati Patni Aur Panga. Hina once again displayed her competitive spirit and entertained viewers on the unconventional show. Along with this, she also appeared on Celebrity Masterchef for a wedding special challenge, and on Laughter Chefs 2 to promote Pati Patni Aur Panga. Whatever the format, Hina Khan is sure to create a lasting impression, and she very well did that in 2025.
14. Niharika Chouksey
Niharika Chouksey made a breezy entry into homes as Anu Sharma in Tumm Se Tumm Tak. The actress beautifully complemented the mature and new age love story that premiered on television this year. Viewers are left in awe every time she performs, and her presence manages to stand out despite being the youngest performer in her scenes. It is clear that this show will be a turning point for the actress and has so much to offer.
13. Deepika Singh
Mangal Lakshmi continued to be a show filled with interesting and inspiring tracks, and Deepika Singh was the standout performer she is throughout. As the story got complex due to the separation from the family, and a possible remarriage, Singh left no stone unturned for conveying the character to the audience in the best possible way. Very few characters manage to have a mass impact, and Deepika Singh certainly has a huge role to play in Mangal’s.
12. Ayesha Singh
This year, actress Ayesha Singh made her comeback to television with Mannat – Har Khushi Paane Ki. Playing the role of a chef unaware of her parents’ identity, Ayesha aptly portrayed the character’s journey amid the fresh backdrop of food and cooking. While the character had a playful side, post revelations about her mother, we got to see Ayesha taking on an intense avatar too. Ayesha’s delightful screen presence lit up screens as viewers tuned in to witness Mannat’s journey daily.
11. Pranali Rathod
Pranali Rathod has been an actress who consistently well delivered in shows year after year. This year saw her taking on the responsibility of leading the fourth generation of the iconic Kumkum Bhagya. Playing the role of Prarthana, Pranali played a softer character this time and still managed to amaze viewers. As the actress continued to prove her versatility this year, it’s clear she is an unstoppable force on television.
10. Rubina Dilaik
Rubina Dilaik made a lovely comeback to television with Laughter Chefs season 2 at the start of the year. Paired with her Bigg Boss rival Rahul Vaidya, the two won hearts and proved that maturity and respect outshine any past Bigg Boss conflict. After Laughter Chefs 2’s closure, she was then participating in the newest reality show, Pati Patni Aur Panga with her husband Abhinav Shukla. Here too, Rubina showed her competitive spirit and entertained viewers with humour and spontaneous moments. The couple emerged the winners of the show too!
9. Ashnoor Kaur
For the first few months of the year, Ashnoor Kaur was seen playing the titular role of Suman in Suman Indori. The show took a leap and saw her character being a strong and fierce political leader, who also became a mother to her nephew. Ashnoor played the role with conviction and undoubtedly won hearts. However, it did not stop here for the actress, Ashnoor entered the Bigg Boss 19 house and became a contestant viewers were rooting for from the start. Having grown up on the medium, viewers were eager to follow her journey on the biggest Indian reality show, and she has earned immense love for her clean and graceful presence.
8. Neha Harsora
Udne Ki Aasha has been at the forefront in showcasing working women with their character Sailee being a buzzing entrepreneur. Playing Sailee is Neha Harsora who has had another fantastic year on screen in the role, and this year saw much growth in terms of the character and performance. Neha has become one of the youngest actresses who has managed to become an impactful force on television.
7. Shivangi Joshi
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain made a comeback to television with a fourth season with a new story and unconventional characters. Shivangi Joshi was seen playing the role of Bhagyashree Iyer, a corporate executive who was betrayed in love and it prevented her from moving on in life. The character was a complex and mature one, but Shivangi rose to the occasion and gave arguably her best performance to date. Her natural portrayal and energy which she brought to the show was felt and admired by viewers.
6. Anita Hassanandani Reddy
In 2025, Anita Hassanandani Reddy proved how one can continue to grow and reinvent themself even after years of good work. She began the year on Suman Indori where she played Devika Mittal. Anita never failed to impress with her performance, but there was no stopping her here. A few months later, she began her journey on the first season of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, which she went on to win. Anita played the game with dignity and lived the experience with grace and strength. From her meaningful bonds to her fierce display of a mother’s power, Anita became one of the most deserving winners across reality shows this year.
5. Sumbul Touqeer Khan
Sumbul Touqeer Khan was seen as Anvita on our screens in the Indian adaptation of Shameless, called Itti Si Khushi. The show presented a refreshing take on family dynamics and struggles, and Sumbul’s portrayal of the one trying to hold things together was met with praise. With her ever-energetic spirit, Sumbul made Anvita a heartfelt character which viewers took interest in, and the show enjoys a loyal viewership. Whatever the role, Sumbul is sure to bring her brilliance, and in Itti Si Khushi, she proves it.
4. Tejasswi Prakash
Celebrity Masterchef India made its debut on television this year, and gracing the contestants list was Tejasswi Prakash. Known for her bubbly and energetic personality, Tejasswi shone on the show both for her dishes and personality. She took on every challenge with the spirit to win it and impressed the judges on numerous occasions. She went on to become the second runner-up on the show, making her a part of Indian reality show history once again. She also made an appearance on Pati Patni Aur Panga along with Karan Kundrra and sprinkled her charm there too. She ended the year by becoming a participant in the third season of the fan-favourite Laughter Chefs!
3. Rupali Ganguly
Anupamaa celebrated five years on our screens this year, and Rupali Ganguly remains an unstoppable force in the titular role. The character still resonates with so many across the world, and Rupali’s fine performance has a huge hand in conveying those emotions and the character’s journey. This year, the actress also turned host for a children’s chat show promoting the channel’s show Tu Dhadkan Main Dil and also hosted the prestigious Star Parivaar Awards 2025.
2. Samridhii Shukla
Our number one woman of television for 2024, proved to still be a strong force on television in 2025. Through the various tracks on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the actress has given more reasons to shower her with praise for her performance as Abhira. On the show, this year we saw Abhira become a mother too, revealing newer shades we’ve not seen in the actress before. With her ability to capture hearts and connect with viewers, Samridhii’s impact on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and television as a whole, cannot be understated.
1. Smriti Irani
In 2025, the doors of Shanti Niketan reopened 25 years after it first did. Viewers were greeted by a familiar character, who they may not have seen for many years, but she never left their hearts. It was none other than the eternal Tulsi Virani of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, played by Smriti Irani. However, it was not just the character’s return which sent joyful shockwaves across the globe; it was Irani’s return to television which did it even more. Whether it was two decades ago or now, the actress proved how one’s performance and endearing nature make a character resonate even after so many years. The second season of the show was not only met with nostalgia but welcomed a whole new generation of viewers from across the world and even had Gen-Zers not only talking about the issues on the show, but how Smriti Irani brings so much love and warmth to the role.
On numerous occasions, Irani also mentioned how she hopes her return can give the television medium the respect it deserves, and in a short span of time, it was one milestone after the other for her and the show. Smriti Irani has reaffirmed her place as a bright star of television, making her the undeniable number 1 woman of television in 2025!
Please Note: The Urban Asian Top 30 is exclusive to Urban Asian. Repurposing or copying on other websites is strictly not permitted.
