Influencer-turned-actor Dharna Durga has gained significant attention after securing the fifth position on IMDb’s weekly list of Most Popular Indian Celebrities. The ranking follows the release of her debut performance in the Netflix film Maa Behen, which has sparked widespread discussion online and brought her into the spotlight alongside established Bollywood names.
Dharna’s position on the list placed her ahead of her co-stars from the film, including veteran actor Madhuri Dixit and rising star Triptii Dimri. According to the rankings, Triptii stood at 13th place, while Madhuri was placed 15th, highlighting the unexpected surge in popularity for the debutant performer.
The IMDb list reflects weekly audience engagement and search trends, and Dharna’s entry into the top tier signals strong public interest in her transition from social media content creation to mainstream acting. With over 1.8 million followers on Instagram, she has built a substantial digital presence, which appears to have contributed to her visibility following the film’s release.
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Maa Behen, directed by Suresh Triveni, has generated mixed responses from audiences and critics. The film has sparked conversations around themes such as female sexuality, the male gaze, and societal expectations placed on women. Dharna’s performance, in particular, has been noted for its natural screen presence despite her being a newcomer working alongside experienced actors.
In the film, Dharna plays Sushma, the daughter of Madhuri’s character, and is portrayed as a young influencer navigating personal identity and societal pressure. The narrative also includes her complex relationship with her step-sister, played by Triptii, adding emotional depth to the storyline. The character is described as rebellious, challenging traditional expectations while dealing with everyday conflicts within her family.
Dharna’s rise to prominence began during the COVID-19 lockdown period, when she started posting short comedic videos on social media. One of her breakthrough moments came with a viral reel in March 2023 titled Every Dance Teacher Ever, which received millions of views and even caught the attention of actor Deepika Padukone. Her rapid rise from digital creator to IMDb-listed celebrity marks a notable crossover between social media influence and mainstream entertainment.
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