Meet the ‘Best of the Best’ Cast and Characters

Okay, I’ll admit it – I didn’t realize how much I’d been craving a movie that mixes sweaty dance battles with the messiness of freshman year until Netflix dropped Best of the Best. It’s that odd, satisfying blend of glitter‑filled choreography and the awkwardness of figuring out who you are in a new city.

The premise is simple enough to sound almost clichéd: two best‑friends from childhood land at UCLA, get sucked into a high‑octane Bollywood‑fusion dance crew, and then have to juggle love, loyalty, and the relentless pressure of competition. But the magic lies in the characters, and the actors who bring them to life.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Maya – If you’ve been binge‑watching Never Have I Ever, Maya will feel instantly familiar. Maitreyi’s sparkling eyes and quick‑silver timing make her the perfect conduit for a girl trying to balance academic ambition with a fierce love for dance. Outside Netflix, you might have heard her voice in the My Little Pony movies or caught her cameo in Turning Red. She’s also gearing up for season 2 of Elle, so keep an eye on her Instagram @maitreyiramakrishnan.

Priyanka Kedia as Anjali – Anjali is Maya’s other half, the girl whose loyalty is as steady as her footwork. Priyanka is newer to the screen, but she’s already turned heads in indie projects like Disclosure Day and Everything to Me. Her fresh energy feels right at home in a story about reinventing yourself, and you can follow her journey at @pkwizzles.

Rounding out the core duo is Ankur Rathee as Ronak, Maya’s dance partner whose chemistry on the floor is palpable. Ankur’s résumé includes a recurring spot on the series Four More Shots Please! and roles in films such as Thapped and Eternally Confused and Eager for Love. He’s active on Instagram @ankurratheeofficial, where he shares behind‑the‑scenes snaps.

Then there’s Chaneil Kular as Arjun, a fellow student who adds a dash of humor and rivalry. You might recognize Chaneil from the BBC soap Doctors or from his breakout turn in Sex Education. His Instagram @chaneilkular is a mix of quirky memes and candid moments.

Supporting the main cast is a solid ensemble: Janina Gavankar plays Rekha, Anjali’s mom, bringing gravitas from her work on shows like The Vampire Diaries and The Morning Show. Becky Alex debuts as Dimple, a fierce competitor, while also starring in the touring production of Waitress. Shreya Navile appears as Deepica, a dancer who doubles as a TikTok curve model – check out @shreya_navile for her vibrant posts.

Adding star power, Hasan Minhaj pops in as Hamza, a professor with a knack for witty lectures. Fans of his stand‑up and the Daily Show will love seeing him navigate academia. Meanwhile, YouTube sensation Lilly Singh makes a cameo as Sunny Singh – a tiny role but a big smile, and you can follow her antics at @lilly.

Other notable faces include Nihar Duvvuri as Nirbhay, a dancer whose Broadway chops (think Romeo + Juliet) shine through, and Nico Greetham as Harry, another competitor who’s already a familiar name from American Horror Story and The Prom. Their Instagram handles – @niharduvvuri and @nicogreetham – are worth a follow for exclusive rehearsal clips.

All told, the cast of Best of the Best feels like a mixtape of fresh talent and seasoned performers, each bringing their own flavor to a story that’s part coming‑of‑age drama, part high‑energy dance showcase. Whether you’re here for the glittering routines, the college‑life chaos, or just the chance to see your favorite creators in a new light, there’s a little something for everyone.