You know that feeling when an actor just clicks? Like, they walk onto the screen and suddenly the whole vibe changes. That’s been the Parth Samthaan effect for over a decade now. Honestly, if you grew up watching Indian youth shows, you’ve probably spent an embarrassing amount of time debating whether Manik Malhotra was the ultimate boyfriend or just a total "monster."
But here is the thing: the conversation around parth samthaan movies and tv shows has shifted lately. It's not just about the schoolboy charm anymore. He’s moved from being the face of MTV to a legitimate film contender and a gritty web series lead.
The Breakthrough: Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan and the "MaNan" Cult
Let’s be real. You can't talk about his career without starting at S.P.A.C.E. Academy. When Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan dropped in 2014, it didn't just air; it exploded. Parth played Manik Malhotra, the lead singer of FAB5. He was brooding, arrogant, and somehow still incredibly likable.
The chemistry between him and Niti Taylor (who played Nandini Murthy) created the "MaNan" fandom. It’s one of those rare TV pairings that stayed alive for five seasons. Yeah, five. They even brought it back for JioCinema in 2023 because the fans literally wouldn't let it go.
It’s kinda wild to think that a show about college drama could have that much staying power. But it worked because Parth played Manik with a mix of vulnerability and raw intensity that felt different from the typical "chocolate boy" roles of that era.
Reimagining a Classic: The Anurag Basu Era
Then came the big gamble. In 2018, Ekta Kapoor cast him as Anurag Basu in the reboot of Kasautii Zindagii Kay. This was a massive deal. He was stepping into the shoes of Cezanne Khan for a new generation.
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People were skeptical at first. How could the edgy Manik Malhotra play the dignified, "perfect son" Anurag?
But he pulled it off. For two years, he was the face of Star Plus’s prime-time slot. His pairing with Erica Fernandes (Prerna) was a hit, and even when the plot got a bit—well, let's say "classic Indian soap opera"—his performance stayed grounded. He proved he could handle the pressure of a massive legacy show without losing his individual identity.
The Pivot to OTT and Gritty Roles
Around 2020, something changed. It felt like Parth wanted to break out of the "TV hero" box. He did Mai Hero Boll Raha Hu, where he played Nawab, a 90s gangster in Mumbai.
Gone was the clean-shaven look. Instead, we got long hair, cigarettes, and a lot of guns. It was a risky move, but it showed range. He wasn't just the guy girls had posters of in their lockers; he could actually play someone dangerous.
Recently, he’s been making waves in the 2025-2026 season with Seher – Hone Ko Hai. Playing Mahid Niyazi required him to learn Urdu and adopt a whole different cultural nuance. His co-stars, like Rishita Kothari, have been vocal about how much he’s matured as a performer. It’s cool to see an actor who has already "made it" still trying to learn new skills.
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Making the Leap: Parth Samthaan Movies
Transitioning from TV to film is notoriously hard in India. Only a few, like Sushant Singh Rajput or Ayushmann Khurrana, really cracked the code.
Parth’s big silver screen moment came with Ghudchadi in 2024. Sharing a screen with veterans like Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon is no small feat. He played Chirag Sharma, and while the movie was a rom-com, it served as his official entry into Bollywood.
He followed that up with Hamare Baarah, showing a willingness to pick scripts that aren't just safe romantic leads. There are even whispers about him being part of bigger ensembles in late 2026, though he tends to keep his cards close to his chest until the contracts are signed.
Why He Sticks Around
So, what’s the secret sauce?
Honestly, it’s probably his awareness. He knows his fan base is loyal, but he doesn't just coast on it. Whether it's doing music videos like Rim Jhim (which has hundreds of millions of views) or appearing on reality shows like Social Currency, he stays visible without being overexposed.
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He’s also been incredibly open about his journey—from his days at New Era High School in Panchgani to studying architecture before the acting bug bit. That relatability makes the "superstar" persona feel a bit more human.
A Quick Look at the Essentials
If you're looking to binge his work, here is the non-negotiable watchlist:
- The Foundation: Best Friends Forever? (2012) – His early days as Prithvi Sanyal.
- The Cult Classic: Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan (Seasons 1-5).
- The Prime Time Giant: Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2.
- The Re-invention: Mai Hero Boll Raha Hu.
- The Film Debut: Ghudchadi.
- The Current Phase: Seher – Hone Ko Hai (2025/2026).
What’s Next?
As of early 2026, Parth is in a sweet spot. He’s balancing a high-profile TV return with CID 2 (playing ACP Ayushmaan) and a growing film career.
If you want to keep up with his career, the best move is to watch his transition into more character-driven roles. Don't just stick to the old romantic stuff. His work in Seher – Hone Ko Hai is probably the best indicator of where he’s heading—less melodrama, more atmosphere. Keep an eye on his upcoming film announcements for 2026, as he’s rumored to be looking at a major action project next.
Stop looking at him as just a "youth icon." He’s clearly playing the long game now.