Intro: Kolkata, once Calcutta, always cultured- is not just a city. It’s a mood, a melody, a memory that lingers like Rabindra Sangeet on a rainy evening. Traditionally known as the intellectual and cultural capital of India, Kolkata has birthed legends in literature, cinema, and the arts. But today, a new generation is redefining the essence of this city. They aren’t poets with quills, they are influencers with ring lights, storytellers with scripts, fashionistas with reels, and icons with hashtags. This is not about nostalgia, it’s about evolution. DHANUSH KUMAR, writes about the celebrities and influencers from Kolkata who are making waves nationally and globally, all while keeping their roots firmly grounded in the soil of the City of Joy.
1.Rukmini Maitra- Glamour with Grit
Rukmini Maitra isn’t just a name, she’s a brand. One of the most prominent faces in Kolkata, her journey from modeling to blockbuster cinema is a masterclass in consistency and class. Whether she’s dazzling on the red carpet or advocating for mental health and women’s empowerment, Rukmini balances style with substance. She’s become a household name not just in Bengali, but across India, thanks to her OTT roles and brand collaborations.
2.Saurav Das-laughter with a message
Saurav Das started his journey in theatre, and that grounding in craft shows in everything he touches. Known for his comedy sketches, sharp satire, and emotional performances, he has become the thinking millennials’ entertainer. Saurav’s social media is a mix of laughter, activism and raw honesty, qualities that make him a relatable voice in today’s chaotic digital world.
3.Wonder Munna( Indrani Biswas)
You can’t talk about content creation in Bengal without mentoring Wonder Munna. What started as fun videos has now evolved into a full-blown platform for fashion, feminism, social critique, and mental health awareness. Her videos blend intellect with sass, tradition with rebellion. She’s Gen Z’s go-to creator for real talk, wrapped in quirky editing and stunning visuals.
4.Abir Chatterjee
A household name in Bengali cinema, Abir Chatterjee represents the evolution of the thinking man’s hero. Best known for his roles as Byomkesh Bakshi and Feluda, he’s also a fashion icon and a youth mentor. His presence is dignified yet approachable, a rare blend in today’s fame game. From hosting quiz shows to lending his voice to social causes, Abir is every bit the Renaissance man Kolkata takes pride in.
5.Neel Bhattacharya and Trina Saha
They act. They vlog. They travel. They love-openly, honestly and unapologetically. Neel and Trina are not just stars on screen. They are stars of the algorithm. With their relatable relationship content, travel diaries and behind the scenes peeks into celebrity life, this couple has redefined the term power couple in the age of social media.
6.Anindita Bose
Anindita Bose is a force of nature. With striking performances in films, web series, and independent cinema, she brings an unmatched rawness to the screen. Off-screen, she’s an open book discussing mental health, relationships, and creative burnout. She speaks the language of modern women, unapologetic, ambitious, and deeply aware.
7.Shayan Roy
For those tired of cliché content, Shayan Roy’s wit is a welcome relief. His humor is deeply Bengali, brilliantly sarcastic, and wildly relevant. From meme pages to music to short-form comedy, he holds a mirror to society, and we can’t stop laughing. He’s proof that even in a sea of reels, intelligence can trend.
Conclusion
The stars from Kolkata today are more than performers, they are cultural navigators. They carry forward a legacy built by literary giants and silver screen legends. But they are also writing their own scripts in real-time on digital stages. Whether you are a Gen Z trend chaser or millennial who grew up on Satyajit Ray, there’s someone in this list who speaks your language. These celebrities and influencers are not just creating content, they are creating culture. They represent a Kolkata that is no longer just about the past, but powerfully poised for the future.
