Our Hindi film superstars have a huge body of work. They work tirelessly to ensure they leave behind a legacy once they hang up their boots. But some roles stand out from their other ones. This list takes a look at those roles by eminent actors which have left an indelible mark on us, the viewer.
1. Amitabh Bachchan: Auro – Paa
I am sure a lot of you will disagree. Sir Amitabh has played so many memorable characters! But for me playing an infant with Progeria at his age is unbelievable! And he’s done so so well! He’s shown his roof breaking standards of acting in this movie! My personal favourite!
2. Shah Rukh Khan: Mohan Bhargav – Swades
The King of Bollywood has so done so many good roles. From Baazigar and Darr to Chak de India!, he has some amazing roles! But the restraint he has shown as Mohan Bhargav in Swades is enough for it to be held as his best role till date. He’s played the latent patriotic NRI in a great way and is definitely his best role till date!
3. Aamir Khan: Ajay Singh Rathod – Sarfarosh
The perfectionist has done a lot of amazing work. But my personal favourite always will be his role in Sarfarosh, the honest policeman with some grey shades is a delight to watch! I was stuck between Bhuvan from Lagaan and this, but this was better in my opinion.
4. Salman Khan: Chulbul Pandey – Dabangg
Dabangg changed the landscape of Bollywood movies whose effect shows till now. It brought the masala film trend back! But the main reason was Salman Khan’s dabangg depiction of corrupt but lovable cop, Chulbul Pandey. Salman Khan was endearing in his portrayal. And the movie minted money because of him!
5. Akshay Kumar: Professor Aman Sharma – Sangharsh
Inspired by “Silence of the Lambs”, Sangharsh was a very strong movie. And the character of Akshay Kumar needed to be played with a lot of conviction. He delivered amazingly well and proved that he’s not just an action hero, he can act!
6. Saif Ali Khan: Ishwar ‘Langda’ Tyagi – Omkara
An adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Omkara was a masterpiece. But Saif Ali Khan’s rendition of Langda Tyagi, the antagonist of the movie, won him fans all over the country. Known for his chocolate boy roles earlier, Langda Tyagi turned the tables for Saif.
7. Ajay Devgn: Amit Kumar – Gangaajal
Gangaajal was an amazing movie in itself. But Ajay Devgn’s performance was lauded by the whole country. Idealistic and intense, Ajay Devgn played a man in distress exceedingly well!
8. Hrithik Roshan: Karan Shergill – Lakshya
I was torn between Guzaarish and Lakshya. Guzaarish obviously involved a hell lot more effort. But in my opinion, Lakshya is when Hrithik finally reinvented himself. His character’s trajectory is brilliant. And it is through Lakshya that Hrithik showed he isn’t just a romantic hero. He has versatility.
9. Ranbir Kapoor: Harpreet Singh Bedi – Rocket Singh
I’m being a bit biased here. Ranbir Kapoor has done a lot of good roles! From Rockstar to Barfi, his acting caliber has always been high. But Rocket Singh is a hell of a movie. And Ranbir Kapoor does 100% percent justice to his character. His performance fetched numerous awards too!
10. Shahid Kapoor: Haider – Haider
Shahid Kapoor after a lukewarm last few years finally came about. And how! His transformation from the dreamy eyed poet to the lunatic is amazing! Vishal Bharadwaj sure does know how to get the best out of him!
11. Priyanka Chopra: Jhilmil – Barfi
Priyanka Chopra also has a huge body of work behind her. But her portrayal of Jhilmil in Barfi was awe inspiring. The transformation from a diva to a simple little girl was done extremely well. her character was extremely sweet and lovable and received a lot of appreciation!
12. Rani Mukherjee: Michelle Mcnally – Black
Rani Mukherjee was always known for her expressive acting. I was torn between Michelle from Black and Shivani Rao from Mardaani. But Michelle just edged it for me. Rani Mukherjee played the role perfectly. Her acting was impeccable.
13. Vidya Balan: Vidya Venkatesan-Bagchi – Kahaani
What a movie! And to carry it so effortlessly, Vidya deserves all the accolades. There are so many more movies where she’s done fabulously but this one, for me, takes the cake.
14. Deepika Padukone: Leela – Ram-Leela
Before this movie was made, Deepika was already a star who’d been a part of multiple successful movies. Critics still questioned her acting. She replied with Ram-Leela. A performance that piped the critics down and swept the awards scene.
15. Farhan Akhtar: Milkha Singh – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
The movie was very well made. But it needed a mature actor who could take the character under his wing and mould it. Farhan Akhtar got it . And he delivered with flying colours.
16. Alia Bhatt: Veera Tripathi – Highway
Alia Bhatt’s game changer. Her performance silenced each one of her critics. The character was special. The actor was special. And it showed on the silver screen.
What other roles played by these characters did you enjoy? Comment and let us know. Your opinion matters. 🙂