The resurgence of young-adult romance dramas has once again captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. With global titles like Heated Rivalry, Off Campus, The Summer I Turned Pretty, and Maxton Hall becoming cultural phenomena, viewers are gravitating towards stories that blend youthful romance, emotional vulnerability, ambition, friendship, and competition.
Indian audiences have also shown a growing appetite for coming-of-age love stories set against the backdrop of colleges, universities, sports academies, and competitive environments. As the genre continues to gain momentum, a new generation of actors seems perfectly positioned to bring these stories to life with authenticity, charm, and emotional depth.
Here are 8 young male actors we would love to see headline the next big campus or sports romance.
- Vedang Raina
Ever since making a strong impression with The Archies, Vedang Raina has emerged as one of the most exciting young faces in the industry. With his effortless screen presence, natural charisma, and relatable appeal, Vedang possesses the qualities that define a memorable romantic lead. His recent performance in Jigra further showcased his emotional range and ability to hold his own in intense dramatic situations. With upcoming projects expected to push him into newer territories, Vedang seems tailor-made for a sports romance where he could play a star athlete balancing ambition, competition, and first love. Whether it’s a football captain, a swimmer chasing national glory, or a college heartthrob navigating complicated relationships, Vedang has the appeal to make audiences root for him. - Babil Khan.
Few actors of his generation bring the emotional honesty that Babil Khan does. Through projects like Qala, Friday Night Plan, The Railway Men, and Logout, Babil has consistently demonstrated a unique sensitivity on screen. The actor is currently expanding his artistic horizons with his Malayalam debut Gandhi Bazar Sunday Market. While audiences have largely seen him in emotionally layered dramas, a campus romance would allow viewers to experience a softer, more youthful side of his personality. Babil’s ability to portray vulnerability, insecurity, and longing could make him the perfect protagonist for a romance centered around self-discovery, friendship, and young love. - Mihir Ahuja
Mihir Ahuja has quietly built an impressive body of work through projects like Made In Heaven, The Archies, and State of Siege: 26/11. His natural ease in front of the camera and boy-next-door appeal make him a strong contender for the campus romance genre. The actor will next be seen portraying a young Indian Air Force officer in Netflix’s highly anticipated series Operation Safed Sagar, inspired by the Kargil War. Off-screen, Mihir’s passion for music and beatboxing adds another dimension to his personality. A college romance involving music, sports, and youthful aspirations feels like a space where he could truly shine. - Abhay Verma
Following the success of Munjya, Abhay Verma has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young actors in the country. His performance proved that he possesses both leading-man charm and emotional depth. With Munjya turning into one of the biggest surprise hits of recent years and his upcoming projects generating significant buzz, Abhay has all the ingredients needed for a successful sports romance hero. Whether playing a fiercely competitive athlete or a rebellious college student finding love amidst personal challenges, Abhay’s energy feels perfectly aligned with the genre’s youthful spirit. - Adarsh Gourav
Internationally acclaimed actor Adarsh Gourav may not be the obvious choice for a conventional campus romance, which is precisely why he would be fascinating in one. From The White Tiger to Guns & Gulaabs, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and the upcoming Alien: Earth Season 2, Adarsh has consistently chosen unconventional characters and narratives. His upcoming travel-hosting debut with Voices of the Land also showcases a different side of his personality: curious, empathetic, and deeply observant. A mature sports romance focused on ambition, identity, and emotional growth could allow Adarsh to bring an entirely fresh perspective to the genre. - Vishal Jethwa
Vishal Jethwa has repeatedly proven that he is one of the finest performers of his generation. From his acclaimed performance in Mardaani 2 to projects like Salaam Venky and Homebound, he has displayed remarkable range and intensity. The actor is currently undergoing a significant physical transformation for his upcoming project Shakti Shalini, further showcasing his dedication to craft. A sports romance could offer audiences the chance to see Vishal in an entirely new light. His ability to portray emotional complexity would make him ideal for a story involving athletic ambition, personal struggles, and transformative love. - Agastya Nanda
Since his debut in The Archies, Agastya Nanda has steadily grown into a promising young actor with strong screen appeal and natural confidence. With upcoming projects expected to further establish his place in the industry, Agastya has the classic leading-man qualities that often define successful campus romances. His polished yet relatable presence would work particularly well in stories centered around elite universities, competitive sports teams, or modern coming-of-age relationships. He has the potential to bring both charm and emotional sincerity to the genre. - Ibrahim Ali Khan
As one of the most anticipated newcomers in recent years, Ibrahim Ali Khan has already generated significant interest among audiences even before fully establishing his filmography. Following his debut projects Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen his growing public popularity shows Ibrahim possesses the youthful charisma, confidence, and effortless screen presence often associated with successful romantic leads. A college romance or sports drama could provide the perfect platform for him to connect with younger audiences while showcasing his own identity as a performer. The genre’s blend of aspiration, romance, friendship, and competition seems naturally suited to his image.