Zainab Patra is a new star in the Indian OTT entertainment scene. Known for her assertive stage presence, wide range of expression, and a go-for-broke approach to her roles, which no one else is willing to take, in a short while, she has made a place for herself. Since she entered the scene in 2024, Zainab has done it all, from playing out the romance to the bold thriller; she has brought to life a variety of characters that appeal to a large audience.
Top 10 Zainab Patra series to 2025:
1. Panty (2024) – Atrangii
In 2024, Zainab Patra made her digital debut in Panty. She played Rashmika, which saw her take the audience by storm with her assertive performance in a very out-of-the-box storyline. This series put her on the map for OTT platforms, and also where we see the early promise of her talent in very complex characters.
2. Graduate with First Class (2024) – Ullu Originals
Later that year, Zainab appeared in Graduate school with First Class. The drama followed themes of youth, temptation, and in-depth relationships. Her performance did very well to present vulnerability as well as assertiveness, which in turn proved that she is a versatile talent.
3. Balam Pichkari (2025) – Ullu Originals
In that same year of 2025, Balam Pichkari came into the picture as her most talked-about project. We see a festive setting that also served as a backdrop to the series, which in turn included elements of romance, rivalry, and playfulness. Zainab’s chemistry with the cast was a standout element.
4. Balam Pichkari – Part 2 (2025)
The success of the first installment saw a second part come out within months. Zainab returned to her role, which she took deeper and which also saw the growth of the dramatic elements. The sequel also gave us more in terms of in-depth interactions with co-stars.
5. Ansh – Part 1 (2025) – Ullu Originals
Ansh brought about a change that saw the introduction of family secrets and moral issues into the storyline.
6. Ansh – Part 2 (2025)
In the wake of Part 1, which left us on a cliffhanger, Part 2 expanded the story and presented bigger revelations. Zainab’s character went beyond; she was fearless in her portrayal, which at the same time maintained the emotional integrity of the arc.
7. The Hidden Diary (Fictional, 2025)
In the world of the mystery thriller, we see Zainab play the role of an investigative journalist who breaks into a story of a lifetime when she comes across a set of coded messages related to a past that has been silent for decades. We also see the play out of her dramatic range.
8. Velvet Shadows (Fictional, 2025)
In this romantic and, at the same time, speculative series, Zainab plays a café owner who has a very quiet and stable life until a stranger with secrets comes in. We see themes of love, loss, and self-redefinition play out, which also provides the actress room to do very tender as well as strong performances.
9. Fireflies at Midnight (Fictional, 2024–25)
In a gentle and character-focused story, Fireflies at Midnight, we see her play a small-town school teacher who balances community responsibilities and has her dreams go unsatisfied. This more reserved role will display her ability to bring out quiet strength and subtle emotional moments.
10. The Last Room (Fictional, 2025)
In a dramatic piece of a single setting, Zainab plays a lawyer who is stuck in a guesthouse with a put-away client who is charged with a serious crime for the night. The closed-in setting and the psychoanalytic give and take between the characters will see Zainab’s skill in handling tension throughout many scenes play out.
Conclusion:
From the stage of her first real-world OTT performance in Panty to in-depth dramatic roles like Ansh and the rich palette of Balam Pichkari, Zainab Patra has had a very bold approach to the roles she has chosen, which thus far reflect in her career. While some of what is put forth here is speculative, what is for certain is that it plays into the strength of her body of work and the direction of her career. As her audience base grows, it is very much out that Zainab is in the making of becoming the preeminent face of what is to come in bold and modern Indian web entertainment.
