Siddharth Nigam
Siddharth Nigam (born 13 September 2000) is an Indian actor primarily known for his work in Hindi-language television series and films.[1] He debuted as a child artist in the action thriller film Dhoom 3 (2013), playing the younger version of the lead characters Sahir and Samar, opposite Aamir Khan and Katrina Kaif. His breakthrough came with the titular role of the historical figure Ashoka in the Colors TV series Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat (2015–2016), which earned him widespread recognition and several awards for his portrayal of the young emperor. Born in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh, Nigam hails from a family with ties to the entertainment industry; his elder brother, Abhishek Nigam, is also an actor, while his late father, Ramvir Tokas, was a former Indian Air Force officer, and his mother, Vibha Nigam, runs a beauty parlor and an NGO. Educated at Khelgaon Public School in Prayagraj and later at Thakur College in Mumbai, he began his career through modeling and gymnastics before transitioning to acting.[2] Nigam's television career includes lead roles in popular shows such as Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasya, Ek Kahani (2014), where he played young Rudra, and Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga (2018–2021), portraying the titular genie Aladdin, which solidified his status as a youth icon. In films, Nigam has appeared in supporting roles in Munna Michael (2017) alongside Tiger Shroff and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and more recently in the ensemble comedy Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) with Salman Khan. His performances have garnered multiple accolades, including the Indian Telly Award for Best Child Actor (2015), Gold Award for Best Actor Debut (Male) (2015), and the DadaSaheb Phalke Award for Television in 2021. As of 2025, Nigam has taken a temporary break from television to focus on films, including the upcoming historical drama The Battle of Shatrughat and the web series Hai Junoon (2025), while launching his activewear brand Ulltor in 2022.[3][4]Early life and education
Family and upbringing
Siddharth Nigam was born on 13 September 2000 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India (formerly known as Allahabad).[5] He grew up in a middle-class family, the younger son of Ramvir Tokas, who passed away during his childhood, and Vibha Nigam, a single mother who owns a beauty parlour and runs an NGO.[2][6] His elder brother, Abhishek Nigam, is also an actor, and the siblings share a close bond forged through early family hardships.[7] Following his father's death, Vibha Nigam relocated with her sons to Mumbai in 2012, seeking better opportunities amid financial challenges.[8] The family placed a strong emphasis on education and extracurricular pursuits, with Nigam's mother balancing support for her children's ambitions while managing her business ventures.[9] This supportive environment in their new home helped shape his formative years, highlighting resilience and familial encouragement. From a young age, Nigam was exposed to gymnastics and performing arts through school activities and family motivation, interests that aligned with the extracurricular focus of his upbringing.[6]Academic and athletic achievements
Siddharth Nigam completed his schooling up to the 10th grade at Khelgaon Public School in Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), Uttar Pradesh.[10] The institution, known for its sports facilities, provided a supportive environment for his early athletic pursuits during his school years.[10] After relocating to Mumbai, he continued his higher secondary education there and in 2021 began pursuing a degree at Thakur College of Science and Commerce in Kandivali, Mumbai.[11] From the age of eight, Nigam dedicated himself to gymnastics training, honing his skills through rigorous practice that eventually led him to represent India at both national and international competitions.[12] His commitment to the sport yielded notable success, including multiple gold medals at the national level, which highlighted his talent in events such as parallel bars.[13][14] Throughout his teenage years, Nigam balanced intensive gymnastics sessions with academic responsibilities and initial auditions for acting roles, often prioritizing his studies during key exams like Class XII.[14] He viewed an Olympic medal in gymnastics as his primary ambition, a dream that underscored his passion for the discipline before he gradually shifted his focus toward the entertainment industry.[12][15]Professional career
Debut and early roles
Siddharth Nigam entered the entertainment industry as a child at the age of 11, making his debut in a television advertisement for Bournvita in 2011. This initial exposure caught the attention of casting directors, leading to his first film audition. The ad served as a pivotal entry point, showcasing his natural screen presence and marking the beginning of his transition from a gymnast in Prayagraj to a professional actor.[16][17] His television debut came in 2014 with an episodic role as young Rudra in the mythological series Maha Kumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani, where he appeared in a single episode. Prior to this, Nigam had already made his Bollywood entry in 2013 with Dhoom 3, portraying the younger version of Aamir Khan's dual characters, Sahir and Samar. This role in the action thriller, directed by Ayan Mukerji, was his breakthrough as a child artist, involving intense action sequences that highlighted his athletic background. He followed this with a supporting role as young Munna, the childhood incarnation of Tiger Shroff's character, in the 2017 dance-action film Munna Michael. These early projects established him in the industry, though limited to brief, character-flashback appearances.[1][17][18] Entering the industry required significant adjustments for Nigam, including relocating from Prayagraj to Mumbai at around age 10 to pursue opportunities, a move driven by his family's aspirations amid financial hardships following his father's early death. Balancing school with shoots proved challenging; he often managed early-morning routines and long hours on set while continuing his education, initially supported by government aid during his pre-acting gymnastics phase. As a child artist, he faced initial struggles for recognition, including the pressure of public scrutiny and the difficulty of shedding a youthful image, which he later described as a daily battle that built his resilience.[19][16]Rise to prominence on television
Siddharth Nigam's breakthrough on Indian television came with his portrayal of the young Ashoka in the historical drama Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, which aired on Colors TV from February 2015 to October 2016.[20] At the age of 14, he earned widespread acclaim for his energetic depiction of the Mauryan prince, particularly in intense action sequences involving sword fighting and horse riding, which required three months of prior training in martial arts and equestrian skills.[21] The series, spanning 442 episodes, showcased his transition from a child performer to a lead actor capable of handling complex historical narratives. Building on this success, Nigam took on the titular role of Aladdin in the fantasy series Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga on Sony SAB, which ran from August 2018 to February 2021 and adapted the classic Arabian Nights tale with magical elements and adventure.[22] The show premiered to strong viewership, achieving 5.1 million viewers in its debut week and ranking ninth in BARC ratings, appealing especially to younger audiences through its blend of romance, stunts, and fantasy.[23] Over its 572-episode run, Nigam further developed his performance skills, incorporating dance routines and advanced acrobatics honed from his gymnastics background, while maturing on-screen from a teenage protagonist to a young adult hero.[24] These roles solidified Nigam's status as a teen idol, amassing a massive youth fanbase that propelled his Instagram followers to 5 million by July 2020, a milestone he attributed to the enduring popularity of his television characters.[25] The high TRP ratings in the youth demographic during both shows marked a career peak, with Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat consistently charting in the top 10 and Aladdin sustaining viewer engagement through innovative storytelling.[26] Through these projects, Nigam not only gained national recognition but also emphasized in interviews the rigorous preparation, including daily stunt practice, that shaped his growth as a versatile performer.[20]Transition to films and web series
Following his established success on television, Siddharth Nigam expanded into Bollywood with a supporting role as Love, the brother of Salman Khan's character, in the family action drama Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), marking a significant step toward mainstream cinema.[27] The film, directed by Farhad Samji, provided Nigam exposure alongside established stars and highlighted his ability to handle ensemble dynamics in a high-profile production.[28] Nigam's foray into digital platforms began with the web series Bluetick (Verified), which premiered on EPIC ON in July 2024, where he portrayed Viraj Kapoor, a character navigating the highs and lows of social media fame and friendship.[29] The series, centered on the pursuit of online validation, earned praise for its portrayal of Gen-Z struggles with digital authenticity and ambition, with reviewers noting the cast's effective depiction of influencer culture's complexities.[30] Building on this, he starred in the musical drama Hai Junoon! Dream. Dare. Dominate. on JioHotstar in May 2025, taking on a lead role in a narrative exploring college rivalries between music and dance groups, further diversifying into romantic and performative elements.[31] This shift was not without hurdles; post-television fame, Nigam faced repeated audition rejections and delays, including acing a role only to wait two years before being replaced by star kids, underscoring the industry's preference for nepotism over talent alone.[32] At 25, these experiences prompted a focus on action-oriented and romantic genres across films and web series, reflecting his maturation and intent to build a pan-India presence beyond TV roots.[33] He is also attached to the lead role of Shiva in the upcoming comedy-drama Tez Raftaaar, a project signaling continued cinematic growth. Additionally, Nigam is set to star in the upcoming historical drama The Battle of Shatrughat (2026), with shooting commencing in October 2025.[34][4]Other pursuits
Entrepreneurship and endorsements
In August 2022, Siddharth Nigam founded the activewear brand Ulltor, focusing on clothing and accessories designed for fitness enthusiasts and targeting the youth market. The launch marked his entry into entrepreneurship, with the brand emphasizing comfortable, functional apparel suitable for workouts and active lifestyles.[35] Ulltor draws inspiration from Nigam's background as a national-level gymnast, aiming to empower users in their fitness journeys. By 2024, the brand had established an online presence through e-commerce channels, enabling broader distribution and sales. These business efforts serve as a key diversification from his acting career, supporting his pursuit of financial independence through commercial ventures. Nigam has engaged in several endorsement deals, appearing in youth-oriented advertising campaigns that capitalize on his popularity as a television star. Notable examples include promotional videos for Flipkart, such as the 2021 "What's In the Box" series, where he highlighted product unboxings and shopping experiences.[36] In a parallel cultural initiative, Nigam was appointed one of 75 Cultural Ambassadors by India's Ministry of Culture in August 2022, as part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations marking 75 years of independence. In this role, he promotes Indian arts, heritage, and cultural awareness among younger audiences.[37]Music contributions and public image
Siddharth Nigam ventured into music with his debut single Tum Mili, which he sang and wrote the lyrics for, releasing it on March 13, 2022.[38] The romantic track, featuring Surabhi Mehra and composed by Vibhas, marked his first foray as a performer beyond acting and has since amassed over 1.7 million views on YouTube.[39] Nigam has performed the song at various live events, showcasing his vocal talents alongside his established on-screen presence. A reprise version, Tum Mili 2.0, followed in February 2023, further highlighting his growing interest in music production.[40] Nigam's public image is bolstered by his active engagement on social media platforms, where he maintains a strong following of over 11 million on Instagram as of November 2025.[41] On both Instagram and YouTube, with 2.19 million subscribers, he frequently shares content on fitness routines, behind-the-scenes glimpses from shoots, and interactive sessions with fans, fostering a direct connection with his audience.[42] His posts often emphasize motivational themes, drawing from his gymnastics background to discuss discipline and its application to acting, positioning him as an aspirational figure for young followers.[43] Additionally, he supports his mother's NGO through social media initiatives, contributing to community causes. Over the years, Nigam's persona has evolved from a child star in films like Dhoom 3 to a relatable youth icon, earning recognition such as the Youth Icon of the Year award in 2023.[44] He has maintained a controversy-free profile, consistently promoting positive and aspirational branding through his wholesome content and disciplined lifestyle.[17]Filmography
Feature films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Dhoom 3 | Young Sahir / Samar | Debut film [45] |
| 2017 | Munna Michael | Young Munna | Supporting role [46] |
| 2023 | Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan | Love | One of the brothers [47] |
| 2025 | Tez Raftaaar | Shiva | Lead role [48] |
| 2025 | The Battle of Shatrughat | TBA | In production [4] |
Television series
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | MahaKumbh: Ek Rahasaya, Ek Kahani | Young Rudra | Life OK | Episodic (1 episode)[49][50] |
| 2015–2016 | Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat | Young Ashoka | Colors TV | Lead role (441 episodes)[51][52] |
| 2017 | Chandra Nandini | Bindusara | Star Plus | Lead role[53][54] |
| 2017 | Peshwa Bajirao | Young Shivaji | Sony TV | Cameo (uncredited)[55][56] |
| 2018–2021 | Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga | Aladdin | Sony SAB | Lead role[24][22] |
| 2021 | Hero – Gayab Mode On | Shivaay | Sony SAB | Lead role (8 episodes)[57][58] |
Web series
Siddharth Nigam has ventured into digital streaming with lead roles in youth-oriented dramas, marking his transition to OTT platforms.[1]| Year | Title | Role | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #Bluetick (Verified) | Viraj | EPIC ON | Lead role portraying a social media influencer navigating fame and friendships.[59][29][60] |
| 2025 | Hai Junoon! Dream. Dare. Dominate. | Bikram Singh | JioCinema | Lead role as an aspiring singer in a musical coming-of-age story about passion and rivalry.[61][62][63] |
Music videos
Siddharth Nigam has featured in numerous music videos as an actor, often alongside popular singers, and has also debuted as a singer and composer in his own projects.[1]| Year | Title | Role | Singer/Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Tu Naa Aaya | Actor | Shyamoli Sanghi | Romantic track directed by various; featured opposite Shyamoli Sanghi.[64] |
| 2019 | Yaari Hai | Actor | Tony Kakkar | Friendship-themed song with Riyaz Aly. |
| 2019 | Attachment | Actor | Ravneet Singh | Featured with Avneet Kaur; produced by Bon Bros Records.[65] |
| 2019 | Gal Kar Ke | Actor | Asees Kaur | Punjabi upbeat track with Anushka Sen.[66] |
| 2020 | Luck Di Kasam | Actor | Ramji Gulati | Romantic song featuring Avneet Kaur; directed by United White Flag.[67] |
| 2020 | Tu Mera Bhai Hai | Special appearance | Ravish Khanna | Brotherhood song with brother Abhishek Nigam.[68] |
| 2020 | Ringtone | Actor | Preetinder | Fun track with Jannat Zubair Rahmani.[69] |
| 2021 | Teri Aadat | Actor | Abhi Dutt | Emotional love song with Anushka Sen; shot in Goa.[70] |
| 2021 | Chup | Actor | Rits Badiani | Romantic narrative exploring life's challenges.[71] |
| 2021 | Mere Sanam | Actor | Yasser Desai | Heartfelt track with Soumya Verma.[72] |
| 2021 | Majnu | Actor | Sukriti Kakar, Prakriti Kakar, Mellow D | Featured with brother Abhishek Nigam.[73] |
| 2022 | Tum Mili | Singer, Lyricist, Composer, Actor | Self (feat. Surabhi Mehra) | Debut single as singer and composer; romantic reprise released in 2023 as Tum Mili 2.0.[39][38] |
| 2023 | Teri Aadat 2 | Actor | Abhi Dutt | Sequel to 2021 hit, focusing on love and betrayal.[74] |
| 2023 | Ekdanta 2.0 | Actor | Mika Singh | Debut music video for co-star Celesti Bairagey.[75] |
Awards and recognition
Major awards won
Siddharth Nigam has received several major awards for his performances in television, primarily recognizing his early breakthrough roles. As of 2025, he has secured a total of six major wins, all tied to his television work.[76]| Year | Award | Category | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Indian Television Academy Award | Best Child Actor | Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat[77] |
| 2015 | Gold Award | Best Debut Actor (Male) | Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat[2] |
| 2015 | Indian Telly Award | Best Child Actor | Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat[76] |
| 2019 | Gold Award | People's Favorite TV Actor | Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga |
| 2021 | Legend Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Best Actor | Television work (Aladdin – Naam Toh Suna Hoga)[78] |
| 2016 | Colors Golden Petal Award | Best Child Actor | Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat[76] |