They are sassy, stylish and sexy, but are they star material? 2008 was filled with wannabe actors and actresses trying to sashay their way on to Bollywood’s red carpet. But did these would be divas and dudes set the screen ablaze or did they simply crash and burn? And what about the new aspirants lined up for the coming year? Let’s take a look at last year’s offerings and this year’s possibilities.

Year 2008...

Prachi Desai: This petite beauty was 2008’s fabulous debutant who proved that TV stars have what it takes to make in B-town. She rocked the screen with her gently nuanced performance in Farhan Akhtar’s Rock On. Watch out for this Gujarati girl in the romantic comedy, Life Partner, with Govinda, Tusshar Kapoor and Fardeen Khan.

Imran Khan: Proving that it’s not just good looks and a killer smile that runs in the Khan family, Imran Khan’s easy and unaffected performance in his debut film Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Nah won him the best debutant male at the 54th Filmfare awards. Noteworthy among the many projects on his platter this year is uncle Aamir’s production Delhi Belly.

Anushka Sharma: This Bangalore born model became a household name thanks to her pairing with King Khan in the hit movie Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. As Taani, an unwilling bride, she had the audience eating out of the palm of her hand with her fiery performance. The actress, nominated for three Filmfare awards, is said to be in a Yash Raj Film with Shahid Kapoor as her lead.

Farhan Akhtar: Tall, dark and handsome Farhan had the girls swooning with his rebel without a cause performance in Rock On. Of course, this multi-talented star is no stranger to the cinema world; he’s not only the brains behind the cult movie Dil Chahta Hai, but is a crooner too! His next venture is sister Zoya Akhtar’s Luck By Chance.

Genelia D’Souza: This perky actress can’t really be called a debutant since she made her first Bollywood movie in 2003. But her first bonafide hit was with Imran Khan in the movie Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Nah. This Mangalorean lass, who has already made her mark down South, became an overnight sensation and has a string of movies waiting to be released this year. Oh, and yes, she’s currently the reigning queen in the ad-world too!

Asin Thottumkal: This gorgeous actress captured Bollywood as Kalpana in Ghajini opposite Aamir. She not only went on to win the Filmfare Best Hindi Debut Award, Star Screen Best Female Newcomer Award and Stardust Female Superstar of Tomorrow Award, but clinched Vipul Shah’s London Dreams opposite Salman Khan.

Year 2009...

Shruti Hassan: Daughter of famous actor Kamal Hassan, Shruti is all set to make her debut with Soham Shah’s Luck. She has been paired with Imran Khan, and the industry waits to see if the movie will indeed prove lucky for the lady.

Mona Singh: Television’s Mona darling is hoping to make it on the big screen with Rajkumar Hirani's 3 Idiots. The actress, who played the role of Jassi in the serial Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin will be making her debut as Kareena’s sister. Will the audience one day say “Mona jaissi koi nahin”?

Pakhi Tyrewala: Wife of storywriter, screenwriter, dialogue writer and director Abbas Tyrewala, who gave hits like Maqbool , Munnabhai M.B.B.S. and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Pakhi will make her debut in 1-800 LOVE. John Abraham will be her hero in the movie, which is expected to reach the screens by the end of 2009.

Jackky Bhagnani: Jackky is coming into Bollywood with a big tag to his name; he’s the son of prolific director Vashu Bhagnani. Kal Kissne Dekha with another newcomer, Vaishali Desai, is going to be Jackky’s launch vehicle into Bollywood. Tomorrow is just another day for Jackky and it remains to be seen if the audience will embrace him with open arms.