NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK: Ranveer Singh (right) is one of many newcomers who have made a mark in Bollywood; (below) Tia Bajpai

Ranveer Singh didn’t really think he stood a chance. Though he always dreamt of becoming an actor, the Mumbai boy never imagined he could do so without a godfather in the Hindi film industry. So, after finishing school, he moved to Indiana University for higher studies.

An acting stint at a college event reignited those dormant dreams. Ranveer packed his bags to return to Mumbai. And, much to his surprise, the dreams turned true. “To begin with, I worked as an assistant director, while networking to become an actor. Luckily, I managed to get a break with Yash Raj Films (YRF),” says Singh, who was launched in YRF’s Band Baaja Baaraat last year.

He is not alone. Last year, young men and women in large numbers joined the industry as lead actors. Newbies are making their presence felt this year too. “The Hindi film industry is accepting young actors with open arms,” says Singh.

There was a time when you needed someone in the industry — preferably a parent — to get a meaty role. The trend continues till today. A host of successful young stars — from Sonakshi Sinha and Sonam Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor — have family links with the industry.

But along with them, newcomers are now being welcomed by the industry, with big banners such as YRF and Dharma Productions taking them under their wing. This year, the industry will introduce at least a dozen new stars — including Leander Paes, Saqib Saleem, Nishant Dahiya and Arjun Kapoor. Last year, 16 young men and women made their debut.

Of course, it goes without saying that every established actor was once a newcomer. The difference is that since 2010, an avalanche of new actors has hit the industry. Actor Farooque Sheikh points out that this is because the industry has grown phenomenally, creating ample opportunities for newcomers.

Not surprisingly, YRF recently launched a new youth films studio, Y-Films, to showcase fresh talent. “Y-Films continues YRF’s trend of breaking new genres,” says YRF vice-chairman Aditya Chopra in a statement. “The studio will introduce seven new stars this year.”

New stars, industry insiders say, are in demand because many established heroes and heroines are limiting the number of films they take up in a year. “Today, we are churning out hundreds of films annually. With A-grade stars opting for a few movies a year, there is a huge demand for lead actors. Many filmmakers are therefore casting fresh talent,” says producer Vashu Bhagnani.

The success of a new crop of small-budget films has also underlined the fact that big stars are not always necessary for box office triumphs. “Filmmakers are making films for selective audiences,” explains trade analyst Komal Nahta. “And that is making them experiment both with the genre and talent.”

The glut of new directors has increased the demand for newbies too. “With more talented story tellers and directors trying to make their mark, more and more worthwhile projects have begun to get made,” says Rafiq Gangjee, vice-president, marketing and communications, YRF. The year 2010, he adds, was full of such films — from Udaan, Tere Bin Laden and Peepli Live! to Love Sex aur Dhokha, Ishqiya and Band Baaja Baaraat.

What’s more attractive for producers is the fact that newcomers charge a fraction of the fees that the established stars command, “The freshers are obviously paid much less than seasoned actors,” says UTV CEO Siddharth Roy Kapur. “But once their films click, they hike their fee exponentially.”

Would-be actors are making the most of the situation. Newcomers such as Konkanna Bakshe, a Calcutta model, are seeking professional help to get a toehold in the industry. Bakshe has been taking lessons from Bollywood acting and diction trainer Anand Mishra.

Mishra, who has also trained Katrina Kaif, points out that the industry needs young blood. “Lead actors such as Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and others are ageing. So we have empty slots to fill,” he says.

Actor Anupam Kher stresses that the times are better now for wannabe actors than before. “Publicity managers and casting directors have made it easier for newcomers today. They are far more focused than we were during our days,” he says.

Indeed, professional help has made it easier for youngsters to enter the industry. “Professionals help them network and meet people. With so many avenues open these days, we guide our clients to make the right choices,” says Parul Chawla, a media consultant who specialises in publicising newcomers.

Television is doing its bit too. Take Tia Bajpai, who got noticed in a music reality show and now debuts in Vikram Bhatt’s Haunted. “Contesting in a reality show did make things easier for me,” admits Bajpai, known as Twinkle on TV. “People knew me so I didn’t have to do that much of legwork to get a break in the film industry,” she adds.

With the Ranveers and Tias ready to take over, Bollywood is in for a makeover. And New is Nice is the mantra.