Every few years, India finds a new heartthrob — a face that captures millions of hearts with charm, talent, and personality. This person earns the popular (though unofficial) title of the “National Crush of India (Male).” The term doesn’t come from any government or official record; it’s purely a reflection of public admiration and social media trends.
From Bollywood actors to rising OTT stars, many Indian men have been called the “national crush” at different times. But in recent years, one name has stood out — Taha Shah Badussha, who became a nationwide sensation after his role in Heeramandi. Let’s take a deeper look at who holds the title today, why he became so popular, and who else has been considered India’s favorite male crush in the past.
What Does “National Crush of India” Mean?
Before diving into the names, let’s understand what the title means.
The National Crush is a label given by fans and the media to a celebrity — usually an actor, model, or sports star — who captures nationwide attention through looks, charm, and personality.
It’s not about awards or box office success but about public admiration and online popularity.
Social media plays a huge role here — platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok amplify trends and help fans express their affection instantly.
This title can change quickly as new faces rise in films and web shows.
The Current National Crush of India (Male) – Taha Shah Badussha
As of 2025, the current national crush of India (male) is Taha Shah Badussha.
His rise to fame was fast but well-earned. After his performance as Tajdar Baloch in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Taha became a viral sensation. Fans adored his regal looks, respectful charm, and emotional depth in the series.
Why Taha Shah Became the National Crush:
Charming Persona: His classic good looks and confident style instantly stood out.
Royal Role in Heeramandi: The show gave him visibility among a massive global audience.
Down-to-Earth Personality: In interviews, Taha’s humility and sincerity won hearts.
Viral Moments: His romantic scenes and poetic dialogues became viral trends on Instagram and YouTube.
Taha’s popularity skyrocketed after the show’s release, making him the most talked-about actor on social media in 2024–2025.
Top Male Celebrities Who Have Been National Crushes
While Taha Shah currently holds the spotlight, several other male celebrities have earned this title in the past for their charm and fan following. Let’s look at some of them.
1. Rohit Saraf
Known as the “Chocolate Boy of Bollywood,” Rohit Saraf became a national crush after appearing in Netflix’s Mismatched and films like The Sky Is Pink.
His innocent smile, emotional depth, and romantic roles made him extremely popular among young audiences.
Rohit has been trending on Instagram for years, with fans calling him “the boy next door everyone dreams about.”
2. Aditya Roy Kapur
Aditya has long been admired for his intense eyes and charming personality.
His performances in Aashiqui 2 and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani made him the ultimate romantic hero.
Even after a decade, he continues to be one of Bollywood’s most adored male actors.
3. Vijay Deverakonda
The Telugu superstar turned national heartthrob after his movie Arjun Reddy (and its Hindi remake Kabir Singh).
His raw energy and confident attitude made him a symbol of modern masculinity.
Vijay’s appeal crosses regional boundaries, earning him fans across India.
4. Siddhant Chaturvedi
After Gully Boy, Siddhant quickly became a youth icon.
His charming smile and grounded personality make him relatable and aspirational at the same time.
Fans admire him not just for his looks but also for his poetic, thoughtful side in interviews.
5. Abhay Verma
The latest entrant in the list of crushes, Abhay Verma from Maddock Films’ projects, has been trending for his boyish charm.
- His social media presence and relatable roles have gained him widespread love from young fans.
6. Hrithik Roshan
Known as the “Greek God of Bollywood,” Hrithik has maintained his crush status for over two decades.
His unmatched looks, dancing skills, and elegance make him timelessly attractive.
Even new-generation fans continue to admire him.
In earlier times, magazines and TV shows decided who was the most desirable celebrity. Today, the power lies in the hands of fans on social media platforms.
Here’s how social media determines India’s new crush:
Fan Edits and Reels: Fans create clips and montages that go viral overnight.
Hashtag Trends: #NationalCrush and #TahaShah trends often trend for days after a show release.
Interviews and Memes: Moments from talk shows or interviews become internet sensations.
Global Reach: Platforms like Netflix and Instagram allow Indian actors to gain international fans instantly.
This online buzz has redefined fame — making digital charm as important as on-screen success.
Why India Loves Its Male Crushes
The idea of a “national crush” isn’t just about appearance; it reflects the emotions and admiration people feel for genuine personalities.
Here’s why people connect so deeply with these figures:
Relatability: They appear humble and down-to-earth despite fame.
Romantic Appeal: Romantic or emotional roles often win female fans.
Talent and Versatility: Acting, dancing, or even singing talent adds to their appeal.
Personality Off-screen: Fans admire stars who remain respectful and kind in real life.
These factors combine to create the perfect mix of charisma and connection — the true definition of a national crush.
The Changing Faces of India’s National Crush
The “national crush” title is not permanent. It changes with time and trends.
In the 2010s, Ranbir Kapoor and Varun Dhawan ruled hearts.
By the late 2010s, Rohit Saraf and Vijay Deverakonda became the faces of Gen Z love stories.
Now in 2025, Taha Shah Badussha has taken over with his royal, romantic aura.
The pattern shows that India’s admiration evolves with new talent, changing cinematic styles, and digital influence.
What Makes Taha Shah Special
Taha’s journey to becoming India’s national crush wasn’t overnight. He worked in films for years before finding his breakthrough moment.
He debuted in Luv Ka The End (2011) and appeared in Gippi (2013) and LSD 2.
Despite slow progress, he kept improving and stayed connected to his craft.
His dedication paid off when Heeramandi gave him the platform to showcase his range.
This perseverance, combined with natural charm, is what truly made him India’s favorite today.
Conclusion
The title of National Crush of India (Male) represents the nation’s collective admiration — a mix of talent, charm, and authenticity. While many stars have held the spotlight, Taha Shah Badussha currently enjoys this title, winning hearts across generations with his personality and performance.
From Rohit Saraf’s innocence to Vijay Deverakonda’s confidence, every national crush shows a different side of India’s love for its stars. What remains constant is the emotional connection — because, in India, admiration isn’t just about looks; it’s about heart, grace, and the magic of being real.
FAQs
Who is the current national crush of India (male)?
As of 2025, Taha Shah Badussha is regarded as the current national crush of India (male), following his impressive performance in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
Who was India’s first national crush (male)?
While there’s no official record, Hrithik Roshan is often considered one of India’s earliest and most enduring male crushes due to his unmatched looks and talent.
Who was the national crush of India before Taha Shah?
Before Taha Shah, actors like Rohit Saraf, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Vijay Deverakonda were popularly regarded as India’s male national crushes.
How is the national crush of India decided?
The title is unofficial and decided by fans and social media trends. It depends on popularity, viral content, and emotional connection with the audience.
Can there be more than one national crush at a time?
Yes. Since it’s not an official title, multiple celebrities can be called national crushes simultaneously, based on regional preferences and fan popularity.
