Bollywood's TOP 10 STARS so far

There have been quite a few surprises in the year so far, as far as performances by actors and actresses in Hindi films are concerned.

With the Khans -- Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir -- not having any releases yet, it was the turn of a few unusual suspects to shine through.

Here's a look at the best star performances in the first half of 2013.

Deepika Padukone, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

The last 12 months have truly belonged to Deepika Padukone.

If Cocktail was the beginning of good things to come, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani brought further credibility to her rising stature as an actress.

Moving away from her party girl image, she came up with a subtle act and succeeded.

The film ended when she died.

This was the common statement made by those who saw Konkona Sen Sharma in her brilliantly menacing daayan act.

It also makes us wonder why we don't see more of this talented actress.

With Fukrey, Richa Chadda proved that her performance in Gangs of Wasseypur wasn't a one-off affair.

Required to play a loud and over-the-top character, she was terrific as Boli Punjaban in Fukrey.

The actress was successful in playing a mature woman whom everyone could desire but still wish to stay away from.

After Luv Ka The End, one wondered if Shraddha Kapoor would continue to have a career as leading lady. The girl chose to wait it out, and let go of opportunities like the Yash Raj Films' biggie Aurangzeb.

Instead, she chose Aashiqui 2.

The move worked. The film became a blockbuster, and Shraddha was the Next Big Thing in Bollywood.

Sonam Kapoor finally managed to nail a blockbuster with Raanjhanaa.

Her performance turned out to be a revelation, and many have labelled it as her career best performance so far.

Her look in the film worked as well -- from the no make-up look to the school girl look.

Ranbir Kapoor has been a star for quite some time, especially after he (re)established his credentials with three back-to-back hits in Raajneeti, Rockstar and Barfi!.

With Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani turning out to be third highest grosser of all times after 3 Idiots and Ek Tha Tiger, Ranbir seems to have entered the superstar league.

Dhanush made a terrific Bollywood debut with an endearing act that was so controlled and impressive in Raanjhanna.

Never going wrong in a single frame, he held viewers' attention through the two-and-a-half-hour long film.  

Just last year Akshay Kumar was busy bashing goons and playing to the gallery with his Chinta Ta Ta act in Rowdy Rathore.

Circa 2013, he underplayed brilliantly in Special Chabbis, and did not let his stardom get in the way even in one scene.

At times, he even stayed in the background and allowed Anupam Kher lead the show.

Arshad Warsi made a brilliant comeback in Jolly LLB, with his unconventional portrayal of a true-blue hero.

After playing supporting characters for ages, Arshad grabbed this leading part with both hands and proved that he could do much more than comedy.

All the awkwardness that Aditya Roy Kapur brought on screen as a chronic alcoholic in Aashiqui 2 turned out to be his strength.

Vulnerability was the need of the moment and he brought it all well on screen. He was just right for the part and the audience approved.

 After playing supporting roles (Guzaarish, Action Replayy, London Dreams), he has managed to turn into a star.