2020 TV Debutants: From Riya Sharma To Kanika Kapur, Stars Who Made Their Small Screen Debut

2020 TV Debutants: Several actors and actresses made their debut on the small screen at a time when COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the TV and film industry.

2020 has not been a happening year for the entertainment industry. While several films couldn't hit the silver screens, many shows went off air due to the COVID-19 crisis. Leading GECS including Star Plus, Colors TV, Zee TV and Sony TV pulled the plug on their non-performing shows during the Coronavirus lockdown. Shows including 'Vidya', 'Patiala Babes', which were performing decently, also faced the axe. The Indian television industry has always believed in giving chances to new and budding actors, who have potential. Some of the biggest stars on the small screen started on a slow note with small roles in shows. In this special segment, we will have a look at the new comers in the TV industry, who made their debut in 2020. Priyal Mahajan Priyal made her acting debut as a lead actress in Ekta Kapoor's newly launched show 'Molkki' on Colors channel. The 23-year-old will be seen romancing 44-year-old Amar Upadhay, who is fondly known for playing the role of Mihir in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi'. Priyal played the role of Tapur Basu in 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2', which starred Parth Samthaan and Erica Fernandes in lead roles. The actress was replaced in the romantic drama due to unknown reasons. 'Molkki' is her grand debut on the small screen.

Sumbul Touqeer Sumbul Touqeer is currently playing the titular role in Star Plus' 'Imlie', which focuses on the story of a village girl is forced to marry a journalist when they seek shelter in a hut. The 17-year-old actress was part of Ayushmann Khurrana's critically-acclaimed film 'Article', which released in 2019. 'Imlie' marks Sumbul's debut as a lead actress on the small screen. Gashmeer Mahajani Gashmeer is playing the lead character of Aditya opposite Sumbul Touqueer in 'Imlie'. Interestingly, the 35-year-old actor has featured in several Marathi films. Gashmeer was seen in Arjun Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Kriti Sanon starrer 'Panipat', which hit the silver screens in December last year.

Riya Shukla Lucknow girl Riya Shukla made her small screen debut with Colors' show 'Naati Pinky Ki Lambi Love Story'. Although, the daily soap couldn't register mind-boggling TRPs, Riya received appreciation from the fans and critics for her power-packed performance. Interestingly, she made her big screen debut with Swara Bhaskar starrer 'Nil Battey Sannata' in 2015 when she was a teenager.

Riya Sharma  Riya Sharma made her TV debut with Star Plus' 'Maharaj Ki Jai Ho', which was launched during the COVID-19 lockdown. She is currently playing the lead role of Mayura in 'Pinjara Khoobsurti Ka' opposite Sahil Uppal. The young actress has managed to win the hearts of the fans with her performance in the daily soap.

Anagha Bhosale Anagha Bhosale made her acting debut with 'Dadi Amma Dadi Amma Maan Jaao', which was launched in January 2020. The show abruptly went off air due to the COVID-19 crisis. Anagha bagged a key role in 'Anupamaa' after her show bid adieu to the viewers. 'Anupamaa' starring Rupali Ganguly and Sudhanshu Pandey also airs on Star Plus. Kanika Kapur Kanika Kapur impressed the viewers with her acting prowess in Sony TV's 'Ek Duje Ke Vaaste 2' opposite Mohit Kumar. The newbie actress' sizzling chemistry with co-star Mohit has grabbed several eyeballs for the show' EDKV 2' was shifted to the digital platform SonyLIV after the launch of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 12'. Stay tuned for more updates!